9 Must-Have Beach Sandals for Women

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‘Tis the season for sun, sand, and sandals. But not sure which pair is going to be right for you? These highly-rated sandals will have you beach ready in a snap. 

Finding beach sandals that are cute, comfortable, and versatile 

Packing for a warm-weather destination? We’re so jealous! But nothing’s more frustrating than hitting over 50 pounds in your suitcase because you’re lugging too many pairs of heavy shoes to go with every outfit. You need that single magic pair of sandals that will keep you cool on hot days, casual along those sandy beaches, and elegant during romantic sunset dinners. Oh yeah, and they definitely cannot give you blisters. Comfort is king! 

So how does one find that elusive perfect pair for a summer vacation? Whether you call them sandals, flip flops, flats, or slides you’ve got endless beach footwear choices. We scoured the internet to find the highest rated beach sandals that are just as fashion-forward as they are comfortable. 

1. These Lightweight Beach Crocs Were Made for The Water 

Renowned for their comfort, cutouts, and rubber finish, Crocs are one of the most easily recognizable pair of sandals on the market. You’d never know they’re the designers behind this pair! Yet the Tulum Collection Sandals still pack the same punch of lightweight comfort that’s perfect for the beach.

These Crocs are a strappy, open toe shoe infused with the brand’s signature Croslite foam. This more refined style is elegant and incredibly versatile, while still being an excellent waterproof beach sandal. Paired with a swimsuit, denim shorts, or a dress, they just work. 

2. Funky Monkey Designed These Comfortable Sandals in Every Color 

The Funky Monkey Comfort Slides are the #1 Best Seller for Women’s Flat Sandals on Amazon, and for good reason. This bestselling style of beach sandals come in an array of colors (over 40+!) that will suit anyone’s style preference. Not only that, but the waterproof double buckle style looks perfectly casual for a day spent by (or on) the water. 

These foam sandals come with a padded footbed that contoured and mold to the unique shape of your foot, which guarantees you’ll be able to run around all day in extra comfort. At under $20, we genuinely can’t think of a reason not to add these to your travel wardrobe.  

Pro Tip: Before you buy, be sure to check on the unique size guide! 

3. Steve Madden has Stylish and Sand-Friendly Wedges  

For slightly dressier days or nights, you’ll find the answer in Steve Madden’s Kimmie Wedge Sandal. A flatform wedge is the perfect solution for getting a little bit of a heel without compromising comfort. This strappy pair of beach sandals feature a bonus ankle strap as well as a ridged rubber sole for excellent traction on rougher beach terrain. 

The espadrille style is evergreen, and will pair perfectly with any summertime look. Despite the ankle strap, these will still easily slip right on and off. Grab the black shade to have your bases covered, but you should probably grab the bright multicolor pair too.

4. Bring Bling to the Beach in Vionic’s Flip Flops 

Some beach flip flops sacrifice style in favor of comfort. The Vionic Women’s Rest Lucia Flip-Flop checks off both boxes. These rhinestone embellished sandals offer a concealed orthotic arch support for superior comfort. The lightweight, flexible EVA provides shock absorption to go easy on your feet, ankles, and knees. Every pair is podiatrist-designed to ensure anyone with flat feet pain or other foot conditions can still enjoy wearing them. 

This flip flop offers a ton of stylish options, featuring a decked out faux snakeskin and rhinestone thong in a variety of colors. Your Little Black Dress for the summer just met its new best friend! 

5. This Jack Rogers Sandal has been a Classic for Decades 

One of the most celebrated designers for cute beach sandals is Jack Rogers. The signature Women’s Hamptons Sandal is easily recognized for its whipstitching and rondelles thong. It comes in a wide range of gold, silver, and neutral tones that will beautifully complement your vacation looks.

The sandal details also include a half-inch heel that still keeps them ultra walkable, and  luxurious leather throughout. You’ll want to wear them again, and again, and again! 

6. The Latest Twist on the Fan-Favorite Birkenstocks

The debate of Crocs vs. Birkenstocks is heated (there are even several Reddit threads about it). If you prefer the latter, you’ll want to get your hands on the Birkenstock Gizeh Braided sandal. A fashionable twist on the traditional double strap, this sandal features a luxe suede braided thong. 

Like traditional Birkenstocks, you can expect the same superior comfort from the footbed that molds to your foot shape over time. As an eco-friendly bonus, the footbed is made of 100 percent renewable and sustainable cork. These warm-weather sandals come in three classic colors that will go with any outfit you have packed for your Birkenstock beach getaway. 

7. Sorel Ella Slides Look Fantastic with any Warm Weather Outfit 

The Sorel Ella Slides were one of our favorite options for a more elevated summer sandal. These are a minimal, double strap flat sandal with beautiful leather accents in a range of colors. 

The sustainably certified slide has a rubber midsole for the stability you’ll want in a shoe that stays on for hours. We can picture these pairing beautifully with nearly any warm weather outfit- especially a flowing maxi dress! 

Pro Tip: Because these sandals are leather, you might want to save them for evenings out in a beachside town, but away from the actual ocean. 

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8. Tevas are the Best Shoes for Sandy Adventures 

If you love to get active on your beach vacation, these shoes will be your best friend. Tevas are a nature-lover’s first pick when it comes to maximum utility and maximum comfort in a sandal. The Teva Flatform Universal Sandal is open toed to keep your feet cool, durabrasion soles for great traction, and an EVA footbed and platform for added cushion. The neutral, simple style looks good with any outdoor outfit. Don’t be afraid to get them wet either, as they were thoughtfully designed with quick-drying material. 

Speaking of nature, we especially appreciate that the primary materials of the shoe contain a minimum of 20 percent recycled content. They are vegan-friendly, and the quick-drying polyester straps are made from 100 percent recycled plastic and polyester yarn. With each pair made, 4 plastic bottles were saved for ending up in landfills. 

9. Steve Madden Slinky Sandals are a Y2k Favorite 

Flip through your favorite magazines from the late ’90s or early 2000’s, and you’ll undoubtedly come across a fashion spread that includes the Steve Madden Slinky Sandal. Nostalgic fashion lovers will be obsessed with this remake of a chunky neutral slide. The slight 2.5 inch heel adds a little bit of glamour and height without taking away from your ability to wear these all day long. 

The upgrades from the original design made this current shoe lighter weight while providing extra cushioned footbeds. That means all-day comfort. We have a vision of these paired with light wash distressed denim shorts or a beach dress for the ultimate ’90s revival.