Everyone loves an adventurous day at the beach. But the wrong footwear can make the trip terrible. How do you choose the best beach sandals for your fun in the sun?
The right beach flip flop design for you will vary depending on your preferred style, level of activity, and support needs. These are our top picks for the best women’s beach sandals on the market.
Our top overall pick is the Crocs Isabella. These beach sandals give you all the support and comfort you need, while still being stylish and trendy!
The Best Beach Sandals for Your Next Vacation
Crocs Isabella T-Strap
Though the seasonal Crocs craze peaked a few years ago, the company’s new line of fashion-savvy sandals continue to be comfortable and fashionable.
First on our list of the best beach sandals, these comfortable beach sandals can be used both on the land and in the water. The jelly wedge sandal, combined with a textured footbed, makes for a maximum-comfort experience. And the sandals are available in eight different colors.
What We Like:
- Most comfortable sandals that still have a stylish flair
- Way more trendy than traditional Crocs
- Versatile enough for both land and sea
- Textured footbed provides maximum comfort
- Jelly wedge design cushions impacts as you walk
What We Don’t Like:
- Lack of forefoot support
Plaka Flat Summer Sandals
These cute beach sandals come with a number of ideal features. Their straps evoke the feeling of knotwork and nautical adventures, crafted from soft nylon that protects your feet from blisters. The design works best on women with narrow and medium-sized feet.
No matter what fashion aesthetic you employ, there’s a pair of palm leaf sandals that suits you. Eighteen different color schemes are available.
What We Like:
- Best strap option with a unique woven style
- Knotted nylon straps are soft enough to prevent blisters
- Available in 18 different colors and patterns
- Eye-catching and fashion-forward choice
What We Don’t Like:
- Not great for people with wide feet, since the straps limit the width
Blowfish Granola Fisherman
These fashionable beach sandals are great for any waterside activity. The straps are constructed from faux leather, while the faux cork sole provides cushioning and impact resistance.
The heel is slightly smaller than some others on this list and more level with the platform, so these are ideal if you need flat sandals. The adjustable closure allows them to fit any-sized foot, while the textile lining is safe to get wet.
What We Like:
- Lightweight faux leather straps and faux cork sole
- Cork-like material absorbs shock and cushions your feet
- Low heel is ideal for those needing flat sandals
- Adjustable closure allows for a custom fit
- Textile lining can get wet and dries quickly
What We Don’t Like:
- Not the most feminine style on the list, so it may not appeal to everyone
Tory Burch Miller
These beach slippers are great for women who prefer a funky and brightly-colored look. Different patterns and prints are available, including neon green and yellow, leopard, purple, red, and black.
The ¼-inch platform makes them some of the thinnest sandals on the list, resembling slippers more than heavy-duty shoes. Their lightweight leather construction and rubber sole will keep you comfortable while at the beach.
What We Like:
- Best for kicking up your feet and relaxing
- Bright colors, prints, and patterns are available to suit funky styles
- Perfect for fashionistas who want to chill out
- Thin design makes them similar to slippers
- Lightweight rubber sole and leather upper are perfect for the water
What We Don’t Like:
- Not supportive enough for a lot of walking
Rainbow Leather Flip Flops
These iconic flip-flop style sandals are made from premier leather, with a narrow strap made of comfortable fabric.
Their single-layer midsole is made from closed memory foam, ensuring that your feet are both flat and cushioned. These are some of the best sandals for the beach and a perfect choice for women who experience ankle strain with wedge heels.
What We Like:
- Premier leather design with a comfortable fabric strap
- Closed memory foam midsole provides cushioning
- Ideal for women who can’t use wedge heels
- Patented adhesive material is environmentally friendly
- Four neutral tones to choose from
What We Don’t Like:
- No fashionable patterns available
Sanuk Yoga Sling
The unique strap construction of these sandals is designed for maximum comfort and fashion. These beach sandals feature a rubber sole and a footbed crafted from a real yoga mat (the edge of the footbed is sealed to prevent fraying).
The biggest selling point is the fabric, which is crafted from a two-way stretch knit and features the comfort of a yoga sling. The fabric will stretch to accommodate most foot sizes, and the softness is blister-resistant.
What We Like:
- Best slippers for casual beach wear
- Sole and footbed created from real yoga mats
- Two-way stretch knit fabric acts like a yoga sling
- Custom fit thanks to the unique stretch
- Super comfortable fit that cradles your foot softly through the day
What We Don’t Like:
- Not the best for heavy-duty activities
Billabong CrossOver
These vegan beach sandals are perfect for anyone living a vegan lifestyle, making it among our list of the best beach sandals. The sole is created from man-made, synthetic materials. Meanwhile, the braided straps are constructed from vegan leather.
These slingback sandals have a flat sole that’s ideal for sandy beaches, with straps that cross over and secure your foot. You can buy pairs with six different strap colors, including black, brown, white, and pink. There’s a style to fit any personal aesthetic, and the neutral tones will match nearly any outfit!
What We Like:
- Most versatile option for different events
- Vegan sandals are perfect for vegan lifestyles
- Synthetic sole with vegan leather straps
- Available in 6 different colors ranging from neutral to bright tones
- Flat sole is perfect for super sandy beaches
What We Don’t Like:
- Materials may wear down faster than genuine leather will
Reef Sandy Flip Flops
These flip-flop style sandals are hand-designed to allow comfort and versatility. They’re made from synthetic materials that are water-friendly. The triple-density EVA construction cushions your steps, making these sandals great for rocky lake shores and uneven terrain. A huge selling factor is the arch support, which is a feature of all Reef shoes.
Because the shoes will mold to fit any arches, you won’t have a break-in period, so these are great to buy just before leaving for vacation. For those who are strapped for time and heading out in a few days, these are, hands-down, going to be the best beach sandals for you!
What We Like:
- Best wedge sandals for those who want heel cushioning
- Triple-density EVA footbed provides maximum cushioning
- Patented Reef arch support is great for both high arches and flat feet
- No break-in period thanks to the innovative design
- Perfect for people who need beach shoes that are ready to wear immediately
What We Don’t Like:
- Might be too thick and dense for those seeking a lightweight sandal
Teva Olowahu
The traditional flip-flop design of these Teva sandals is augmented with a pair of additional criss-crossing straps, making this one unique among our best beach sandals list. Teva aims to bring you shoe designs that raise the bar.
Every layer of the construction is built with comfort and usability in mind. The straps are made from polyester webbing that won’t scratch or cause blisters, while the EVA-foam soles and outsoles offer lightweight support. The final topsole layer forms to your foot for added cushioning. Try any of the 38 available styles for a beach look you feel great about!
What We Like:
- Most stylish design with unique criss-crossing straps
- Polyester webbing straps don’t chafe or cause blisters
- EVA molded footbed and outsole creates lightweight cushioning
- Topsole adapts to the curve of your foot
- Available in 38 unique styles to suit anyone’s fashion taste
What We Don’t Like:
- Strap design might be constricting for people with wider feet
Birkenstock Women’s Madrid Sandals
Birkenstock is one of the most well known brands for comfortable sandals and flip flops. They consistently create stylish, high-quality shoes with superior comfort and support. The Madrid sandals are a welcome addition to the lineup and are available in ten colors ranging from neutral to bright jewel tones. In Birkenstock-style, this synthetic sandal also has an extremely comfortable footbed.
The single strap secures the shoe to your foot without constraining you too much and it’s easy to slip these sandals on and go. You can choose between two shoe widths and adjust the strap to your unique shape. This allows you to get a custom, supportive fit without the custom price tag attached.
What We Like:
- Best brand with a long company history
- Available in two widths
- Strap adjusts to the foot for a custom fit
- EVA footbed and extra arch support provide comfort
What We Don’t Like:
- A little pricier than some other options on the list
Joules Women’s Slide Sandal
These fabulous Joules are the best slide sandals on the list. Available in four fun patterns and prints, you can slip these on and head out the door without a problem. The materials are 100 percent PU with a PVC sole and footbed. The water-resistant materials are great for the beach. There’s also a fast-drying fabric lining that increases your comfort.
These sandals are super soft and stylish. If you’re looking for a pair that don’t have that rough plasticky feel, look no further. One thing to keep in mind is that the strap isn’t adjustable, so it may sit high on your feet and some people have reported difficulty with the sizing.
What We Like:
- Beautiful slide sandals with gorgeous pattern options
- Slip them on and go
- Great waterproofing with sturdy materials
- Quick-drying, soft fabric lining cradles your feet
What We Don’t Like:
- Strap is non-adjustable, so you don’t get a custom fit
Roxy Women’s Vista Sandal Flip-Flop
The Women’s Vista flip flop is available in 20 different colors. The EVA foam upper cushions your feet when you’re walking on uneven ground, while a synthetic toe post has a comfortable polyweb lining. Meanwhile, the textured outsole gives you good traction on slippery surfaces, ideal for rocky shores or slick boardwalks.
The flip flop is designed to be water-friendly, so you can wear the shoes in the pool or by the beach. Roxy is a company dedicated to creating the best women’s apparel and their clothes balance performance, femininity, and trendy style. Their goal is to help women feel comfortable and beautiful the way they are.
What We Like:
- 20 different colors to choose from
- Molded EVA foam offers great comfort
- Textured outsole provides traction on slippery ground
- Comfortable nubuck toe post reduces friction between the toes
- Designed for wearing at the beach or the pool
What We Don’t Like:
- Lacks a supportive fit with the lack of ankle strap
ONCAI Women’s Flip Flops
The ONCAI flip flops are created with a synthetic leather upper and a metal rivet. The textured rubber sole provides traction in slippery circumstances, making these great for those who want a non-slip beach sandal option. There are also eleven different colors to choose from, so you can pick whatever best suits your style.
The anatomical arch support is good for those with high arches and ensure ou’ll get support every step of the way. In addition, the footbed has enough cushioning to provide comfort over rough beach terrain. Thanks to the simple style, it’s easy to accessorize these shoes with both casual beach wear and more dressed-up party wear.
What We Like:
- Sturdy synthetic leather with a non-slip textured sole
- Cushioned footbed with anatomical arch support
- 11 different colors to choose from
- Simple enough to wear with virtually any outfit
What We Don’t Like:
- Not the best option for walking
Old Navy Flip Flop Sandals for Women
Old Navy loves to offer trendy, affordable clothes for every season. If you’re looking for summer wear, you’ll get some of the most stylish options from this store. On top of that, these beach flip flops are some of the most affordable on the list. The simple white style can work with any outfit!
The PVC material is sturdy and waterproof while the EVA outsole provides cushioned support. The footbed is firm but comfortable, supporting you as you stand or lounge. The newest version of these shoes has an upgraded strap design, with sleeker and more comfortable rubber straps. A textured sole gives you ideal traction.
What We Like:
- Great option for those on a budget
- Firm footbed offers both support and comfort
- EVA foam outsole cushions your steps
- Straps have been reconfigured for extra comfort
- Available with matching accessories as well
What We Don’t Like:
- Fairly flimsy construction that will probably need replacing after heavy wear
FUNKYMONKEY Women’s Comfort Slides
These comfortable slide sandals give you the best support, thanks to the adjustable straps and comfy footbed construction. They’re really designed with activity in mind and while they’re easy to slide on and go, they have a slightly raised heel bed to support your heel. The wide straps are durable and custom-mold to your feet.
The footbed itself has anatomical contouring and padding to reduce pressure points. The result is that you feel like you’re walking on a cloud, even on tough terrain. At the same time, these beach slides are super lightweight, with an upper made from flexible EVA foam. They’re both waterproof and washable for easy maintenance.
What We Like:
- Wide, adjustable straps for a custom fit
- Slightly raised heel helps keep the shoes from slipping
- Contoured and padded footbed adapts to your stride
- Lightweight and flexible EVA foam upper
- Both waterproof and washable for super easy maintenance
What We Don’t Like:
- Sizing can be a little odd, so you should double-check the manufacturer chart
Best Beach Sandals Buying Guide
Thong vs Strap
One of the decisions you’ll need to make is whether to get a thong or strap style sandal. Thong style shoes are very similar to flip flops and some of these sandals are interchangeable. Designs like the Old Navy flip flop use a thong style.
Strap styles offer more support as the straps conform to the foot. However, they can also be limiting and depending on the style, you might need to spend time putting them on. Options like the Plaka summer sandals offer a secure and comfortable fit for narrow-to-average feet, but they might be too tight around wide feet.
Waterproof
The best beach sandals will be waterproof (you’ll be at the beach, after all!). Most sandals and flip flops are made from waterproof materials and it’s super important that water doesn’t get inside the shoe and make it soggy. Plastic and leather construction are both safe from the perils of the waves.
Some people don’t like the feeling of smooth plastic or leather. When that’s the case, you can look for shoes with a textile lining, like the Blowfish Granola. The fabric should be designed to get wet and capable of drying quickly. What’s most important is that you don’t get any shoes that will wear down regardless of pool water, fresh water, or salt water.
Support
Support is hard to come by in beach sandals and you’re less likely to find a lot of support with beach sandals than with more athletic shoes. It’s good to be aware of your needs before you shop as some people need a wedge heel to help with shock absorption, like the one in the Crocs Isabella. Others can get by with a flat shoe instead.
Find out what kind of cushioning the shoe has – most good sandals will use some layer of EVA foam. Some might also have footbeds designed to provide arch support and will mold to your feet as you walk. In addition, sandals with heel straps will be more supportive and secure than ones without.
Material
The material of your sandals also makes a difference and different materials have different advantages and potential drawbacks. For example, people who follow a vegan lifestyle might want to use vegan sandals like the Billabong Cross Over. Others might want genuine leather, since it lasts longer.
The most common materials used in sandals are leather and plastic. Both are waterproof, sturdy, and great for comfort. Plastics are often lighter in weight, so they’re good for people who don’t want heavy shoes. Some shoes might also have footbeds made of cork, which offer natural cushioning without being too heavy.
Beach Sandals FAQ
How should I pack my sandals?
Sandals are some of the easiest shoes to pack. Set them on top of one another with the soles facing out. Wrap them in plastic or put them in a shoe carrying bag, then slide them into your luggage.
Do I need to break in my sandals?
Most beach slides, flip flops, and strappy sandals will have a break-in period. This lets the shoe become more flexible and conform to your foot. Some beach slippers for women might be designed with cushioned footbeds that allow you to avoid the break-in period.
Are all flip flops waterproof?
You can generally expect beach flip flops for women to be waterproof. They’re usually made from leather or plastic, both of which are water-resistant. Just double-check the label if you aren’t sure!
What’s the difference between beach flip flops and sandals?
There are a few key differences between wearing sandals and flip flops on the beach. Sandals tend to be sturdier, with more straps to secure your foot in place. Flip flops are more lightweight, but as the name implies, they sort of… flop around.
Different flip flops and sandals come in different styles. Some flip flops have more sturdy support while some sandals use a slide design that doesn’t have an ankle strap. But generally, sandals secure to the foot, and flip flops don’t.
Wrapping Up
The best beach sandals are the ones that let you feel comfy, cool, and supported regardless of your foot type. This list spans a huge range of cute beach sandals to accentuate your personal style.
Our top pick is the Crocs Isabella. These comfy and waterproof beach sandals are a great choice if you want support, style, and lightweight ease rolled into one. But no matter what you pick, you’re going to look great and feel great at your next beach outing!
