Choosing Comfortable Footwear for the Beach

Is there anything better than a day at the beach? Whether you are five years old or fifty, there’s no one that doesn’t enjoy a beach vacation. Even if you don’t go in the water, even just sitting by it is enough to soothe your nerves and put you in a better mood. Not to mention, you can get a great tan and show off your new bathing suit as well. 

However, there’s just one thing that can spoil your day, and that is your sandals. It’s impossible to figure out what to wear to the beach. Heels look great, but they can be deadly for your feet on that soft sand. Wearing shoes is out of the question because you’ll start sweating in two minutes, and there will be sand everywhere inside the shoe. 

So, then what should you wear? Keep reading to learn how to choose the perfect sandals for the beach.

How to Choose the Right Sandals for the Beach

What you wear to the beach need intention, you could be making a big mistake. Walking on sand is not easy as your foot quickly sinks into it. This makes for an uneven walking path, and if you’re not wearing suitable footwear, you could easily twist your ankle, ruining your beach vacation. 

Moreover, you could even risk ruining your sandals. For instance, if you wear leather sandals to the beach, they can stand some water. However, prolonged exposure to moisture or submersion underwater can cause it to shrink, leak color, or get damaged. Therefore, you need to learn how to choose the perfect sandals for the beach. Here are some styles you may want to select from.

Thong Sandals

These are the ideal option for a beach vacation. Also sometimes referred to as flip-flops, thongs are the most comfortable and convenient footwear for the beach. You can easily pack them with the rest of your beach gear or wear them straight from the house. 

They usually have a flat sole which allows you to wear and walk in it comfortably. When you are on the beach, these sandals are not constantly sinking in the sand, making it hard to walk around. In addition to that, it has an entirely open design that lets you experience that cool sea breeze between your toes as well. 

There’s no space on such types of sandals to collect sand, so you don’t even have to worry about tracking sand everywhere. Finally, they are easy to put on and pull off. One second you could be tanning under the sun, and the very next second, you have your thong sandals on and wading into the cool, calm waters while hunting for shells or strolling in taking in the scenery. 

T-Strap Sandals

A beach vacation always looks different for everyone. Some people prefer hitting the water as soon as they arrive and staying there for as long as possible. Other people like spending time on the dry land, digging their toes in the sand, and taking long walks along the shoreline. 

If you happen to fall in that latter category, we’d suggest wearing a pair of T-straps on your beach vacation. These also offer a lot of advantages. For instance, they provide more support than thongs. Since T-straps have a strap at the back, holding your ankle, they offer more support for your arch and the overall foot. This is necessary if you plan to walk a lot on the beach. 

Moreover, the flat surface of the sandal will again make it easier to walk on the soft sand. T-straps also tend to come in a lot of designs, so you can flaunt your beaded sandals or other stylish T-straps as you wish. Finally, T-straps also usually feature an open design that allows easy ventilation. So, even if you sweat, the sea breeze will quickly dry it up, allowing you to walk around comfortably. 

Wedge Sandals

If you love wearing heels even on a beach vacation or want to elongate your legs, traditional heels won’t work. As mentioned earlier, they will quickly sink into the soft sand, making it difficult and awkward for you to walk correctly. Not to mention, it will defeat the purpose of wearing heels altogether. 

In such a situation, what you need are wedges. When you are confused about how to choose the perfect sandals for the beach, consider choosing wedges. Just like heels, these have raised soles which can give you height and uplift your whole outfit. 

Moreover, since the outer sole is entirely flat, you won’t struggle with walking on the sand either. Wedges are also a great option when you have a party or wedding to attend on the beach. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right sandals for the beach isn’t about trends or labels — it’s about comfort, stability, and how you move through the day. Sand, heat, and long walks call for footwear that supports you without getting in the way.

At After Stilettos, the focus is on thoughtful style for real life — understanding what works, why it works, and how to make choices that feel good on your body. Whether that means choosing a simple thong sandal, a supportive T-strap, or a low wedge, comfort should always come first.

Because style should support your life — not slow you down.