Sarah Harrison
Women's beach and surf shoes for coastal days
Days by the ocean call for footwear that handles water, sand, and hot boardwalks. The right beach and surf footwear protects your feet on rocky shorelines while drying quickly between dips in the sea.
Functional water shoes for sports and swimming
If you spend time paddleboarding or exploring hidden coves, dedicated water shoes give you extra grip on wet surfaces. Neoprene booties keep feet warm in cool currents, while lightweight mesh aqua slip-ons shield against sharp shells. Flexible rubber outsoles bend naturally with your step, providing steady traction without weighing you down in the water.
Slides and flip-flops for easy comfort
Classic thong sandals and open slides are beach staples for good reason. Made from water-resistant EVA foam, they rinse clean in seconds and resist absorbing moisture. Contoured footbeds cushion your feet during long walks from the car to the sand, while wide straps keep slides securely in place when moving between the towel and the snack shack.
How to style your beach footwear
To style sporty slides for a casual seaside lunch, wear them with high-waisted denim shorts and an oversized linen shirt thrown over your swimsuit. For an active day on the water, team quick-drying aqua footwear with a sleek rash guard and boardshorts. When moving into the evening, swap functional neoprene gear for neutral-toned flip-flops paired with a breezy cotton sundress.