Best Footwear for the Beach: A 2024 Comprehensive Guide for All Ages

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Last Updated on January 27, 2024 by Jeremy

Ah, summer-time! Who doesn’t like to head out and spend some time in surf and sand? Grabbing your pop up shade tent, a top rated inflatable stand up paddle board and hitting the waves sound like a lot of fun doesn’t it? While enjoying a day at the beach sounds like excitement, it should go without question in deciding what is the best footwear for the beach, because you don’t want to burn your feet in the hot, hot sand after all.

Deciding on the right fit, support, and style, the question might boil down to which sandals, shoes, and / or boots are best when it comes to heading to the beach. To help make this decision-making experience as comfortable as possible, I will break down this question by dividing it into three categories: for men, for women, and for kids.

Let’s begin shall we?

Best footwear for the beach - sandals are an option.

For Men


Starting with beach footwear for men, comfort, support, and style are most definitely key, as well as flexibility and durability. That’s why the best option for beach sandals is the Reef Fanning sandal which comes in a variety of colors and styles.

6 styles to be exact:Reef Fanning Baja

  • -Fanning
  • -Fanning Slide
  • -Fanning Low
  • -Fanning Leather Lux
  • -Fanning Baja
  • -Fanning Baja LE

Sounds like a line of car models if you ask me.

Anyways, these sandal features include a contoured EVA foot bed which helps provide arch support and cushioning. Not to mention, its support for the heel to protect it from strain utilizing a “heel cup”. Each sandal name is basically what it sounds like.

The fanning is your ordinary flip-flop sandal, while the slide style is more with a strap over your feet. Fanning Low has less of a rubber cushioning (not meant for heavier men), whereas the Baja for instance (pictured above) is geared towards having an adjustable strap at the back of the sandal, more like a hiking sandal per se.

The rubber out sole on each of these pieces of footwear provide a grip that secures to any type of terrain, and the toe post features soft synthetic leather. The Reef Fanning flip-flop is a good choice for strolling the beach shore or just chillin’ by the waters edge, as it is both stylish and comfortable.

Another great option for those that are seeking a more substantial shoe for their beach excursion, is the Keen Newport H2. Keen Newport H2What looks like a hybrid sandal-shoe, features a secure, lace-lock bungee system, that keeps the foot firmly in place.

This polyester, rubber soled shoe-sandle or sandal-shoe has its non-removeable EVA foot bed which has contours designed to support the arch of the foot, whereas the mid and compression-molded out soles are designed for improved stability.

The Keen Newport H2 is perfect for a long day at the beach, with its multi-directional lugs and razor siping that help provide superior grip on slippery wet terrain all the while providing comfort, support, and protection.

For Women


Browsing for the right beach women’s footwear should require a search for something stylish and comfortable. The best option to start are sandals, specifically the Reef Sandy sandal.

These Sandy sandals feature:Sandy Sandal-Hi

  • -Contoured EVA Footbed – For that perfect fit
  • -Arch Support – For comfort
  • -2-1\2″ Platform – For added height & support
  • -Rubber Outsole – Provides grip for any terrain
  • -Toe Post – Made from synthetic leather
  • -Superior Straps – Fashionable design

The Reef Sandy sandals are perfect for that long, relaxing day at the beach, reading your Amazon Kindle Book Lovers Book, while showing off style, comfort, and protection.

Now, if you are one of those women seeking a hybrid style sandal shoe like the for men suggestion, because they are that Keen Whispercomfortable, then perhaps wearing the KEEN Whisper sandal is a great option.

The KEEN Whisper features an adjustable hook-and-loop strap which secures your feet for a comfortable fit. They also showcase the same EVA contoured foot bed that also provides arch support, while the mid sole and out sole offer the same increased stability as the men’s sandal-shoes.

The enclosed toe guard is manufactured out of a lightweight rubber, while the upper secure-fit lace capture system, is made from a quick-drying mesh material. The KEEN Whisper sandal seems very suitable for the avid beach-goer and let alone with its style and comfort feel, may be the perfect solution.

For Kids


For your kids, one should not overlook comfort and durability for their best footwear for the beach. Younger children, to start Crocbrand kidswith have this brand as the first and only best option: Crocs Kids’ Crocband.

Everyone has heard of the Crocs sandal. They feature a Croslite foam foot bed, a comfortable arch support, and an ergonomic fit design.

The straps of this sandal are made from a soft and comfortable molded synthetic leather material, as its underbelly, or rubber out sole, ensures you have a good quality grip on any type of terrain, especially sand.

The Crocs Kids’ Crocband sandal comes in a variety of entertaining colors and styles making it the perfect choice for your little gaffers beach day adventure.

How about for older kids? Sticking with a quality brand name, the Keens Youth Newport H2 sandal is a great option. Basically a sized-down variation of the men’s version, this shoe-sandal has the exact same features and comfort factors, but only designed for your children.Keen Youth Newport H2

  • -Polyester & Rubber Soled
  • -Elastic cord lace
  • -Adjustable Hook and Loop strap
  • -Quick Drying Webbing
  • -Patend Toe Protection

The Keen Youth Newport H2 is sure to take anything your kids can dish out, especially during a day at the beach!

Conclusion


Wrapping up this article about these stylish, supportive, comfortable, quality built, the best footwear for the beach, its safe to say that no matter the scenario, any one of these brands of sandals and shoe-sandals are sure to keep your feet protected and safe from the hot rays of sun.

Some of these brands, like KEENs can even go one-step further such as an adventure hike with a top rated backpack. But no matter the exercise or activity chosen, even if it is the beach, be extremely relieved in knowing that you have found the ultimate footwear that should last you years to come.

As for purchasing these products? You could probably find them through Amazon or you could check out these choices below… Some prices may vary from different locations.

For Keen and other options of footwear, click the following banners:

~ Keen Footwear Direct Website ~

~ Mark’s – Keen brands available at this location ~

~ Outdoor gear including footwear for all activities. ~

Alternatively, you can get your hands-on versions of these foot products to try on from any sporting goods or shoe store, and even our online store.

Until then, feel free to leave your comments below regarding your favorite beach activity, and tell us what shoes you like wearing on your beach walks. Cheers!

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2 responses to “Best Footwear for the Beach: A 2024 Comprehensive Guide for All Ages”

  1. Rohit Avatar
    Rohit

    Footwear is the most important gear on the beach undoubtedly. I realized this when my foot was burning in the hot sand! I needed a footwear and that has led me to this useful review.

    I like the Fanning Model for myself as compared to any other. This is a great slide-on and ideal for the walk on the beach. 

    The Reef Sandy Sandal looks ideal for my wife. My children are already on Crocs and I can vouch they are great for the beach. One should definitely consider this for their children when going to a beach.

    Great review. Thanks for sharing.

    Regards,

    Rohit

    1. Jeremy Avatar
      Jeremy

      Thank you, it’s best to have cool feet than blistered one’s. I’m glad you found this article relatable.

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