Guide to Choosing Beach Shoes
Updated on December 26, 2024
Shop the best shoes for the beach
Walking barefoot on scorching sand, stepping on sharp rocks, or wearing flimsy sandals can leave your feet aching and tired. For those with foot pain or the need for extra support, traditional beach footwear often falls short, turning what should be relaxing beach days into a struggle with discomfort or injury risks.
Many beach shoes prioritize style over function, with flat soles, minimal arch support, and weak materials that fail to protect against fatigue or injury. The right pair, however, can make all the difference—keeping your feet comfortable, supported, and ready for anything, from shoreline strolls to tide pool adventures or water sports. Let’s dive into this guide to finding the footwear that keeps you confident and comfortable on every sandy shore.
What are Beach Shoes?
Beach shoes are designed to keep your feet safe and comfortable on the sand, in the water, and everywhere in between. Whether you're walking on hot sand, wading through tide pools, or climbing over rocky shores, these shoes are built to handle it all, letting you move seamlessly between wet and dry surfaces while protecting your feet from sharp objects and slippery spots.
Over time, beach shoes have evolved from bulky, purely functional designs into stylish, versatile options that work beyond the beach. From casual boardwalk strolls to grabbing a bite at a waterfront café, modern designs now combine practicality with a polished look, making them a smart choice for any summer outing.
Whether you’re heading to the water or spending a day outdoors, beach shoes provide the protection and comfort you need to enjoy your time. They’re a reliable, practical solution for anyone who wants to make the most of their beach adventures without worrying about sore or injured feet.
Key Features to Look for in Beach Shoes
The right beach shoes can transform your time by the water, offering comfort, protection, and functionality for any activity. Here’s what to look for when choosing a pair:
Types of Beach Shoes
Different activities call for different types of footwear. Whether you’re wading through water, strolling the shore, or climbing over rocks, each type of beach shoe is designed to meet specific needs. Let’s explore the options to find the best fit for your adventures.
Beach Shoe Care Tips
Here are a few pointers for keeping your beach shoes clean and in good condition:
- Clean immediately: You should always immediately clean your beach shoes after wearing them all day. Rinsing them off will help keep bacteria from forming within, but they don't require a deep clean. If you don't clean them, the material will eventually degrade.
- Wipe down the insides: It's impossible to know what types of bacteria and germs might be hiding within your used beach shoes, making them potentially hazardous to your health if you wear them again later. Because of this, it is best to clean your shoes' interiors and ensure that all the sections are disinfected.
- Dry thoroughly: We advise drying your shoes thoroughly before storing them to extend their lifespan. The best place for your shoes to dry is a spot with good airflow and adequate light. As a general rule, putting your shoes outside in the sun will help kill germs and speed up the drying process. However, they might shrink if you keep them under the sun for too long.
FAQs
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What shoes are best to wear on the beach?
Sandals are among the best shoes for the beach since they give adequate traction on the sand while also allowing the wearer's feet to breathe freely. For those who intend to exercise instead of simply lazing around on a beach towel, sneakers are an excellent choice for the day.
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How long do beach shoes typically last?
The lifespan of beach shoes depends on the materials, usage, and care. High-quality beach shoes made from durable materials like rubber soles and quick-drying fabrics can last 1–2 years or longer with regular use. For occasional wear, they may last even longer. To extend their life, rinse them thoroughly after each use to remove sand and salt, let them dry completely, and store them in a cool, dry place.
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Can beach shoes be machine washed?
Many beach shoes can be machine washed, but it’s essential to check the care label first. Shoes made from mesh, neoprene, or other quick-drying materials are often safe for gentle cycles. Use cold water, a mild detergent, and place them in a mesh laundry bag to prevent damage. Avoid machine drying, as high heat can warp soles or weaken adhesives. Instead, air-dry your shoes in a well-ventilated area.
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Are there waterproof beach shoes for hiking?
Yes, waterproof beach shoes designed for hiking are available and combine features of water shoes and trail footwear. Look for styles with sturdy rubber soles for traction on wet and uneven terrain, quick-drying materials, and reinforced toe caps for added protection. These hybrid designs are ideal for activities like coastal hikes, exploring tide pools, or transitioning between water and land.
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Do you wear shoes to run on the beach?
Yes. Running barefoot on the beach is not recommended due to the abundance of sharp seashells and other debris. In addition, it might lead to or exacerbate ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles injuries by the lack of support provided by shoes.
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How is the arch support of KURU shoes?
KURU shoes deliver excellent arch support without the need for thick inserts or expensive, custom orthotics.
Superior arch support starts with our patented KURUSOLE technology, which delivers natural cushioning and dynamically hugs your heel with every step. Every foot is unique, and our ULTIMATE INSOLES adapt to fit your needs by using your own body heat to custom-mold to the shape of your feet over time.
The corrective nature of our superior arch support is designed to neutralize your weight distribution and place your foot in the best anatomical position. This support can take some getting used to. We suggest slowly breaking in your new shoes over the course of 2–3 weeks.
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How do I know which shoes to buy? Which is best for me?
While our shoes are not currently considered orthopedic by a medical standard, we have received thousands of positive reviews from customers who say their KURUs helped reduce or eliminate their pain.
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I just received a pair of your shoes and my feet are sore/hurt after wearing them. Why is that?
Some customers experience tenderness when they first start wearing a new pair of KURUs. That’s ok! Your body may need time to adjust to the new levels of anatomical support you experience with our patented KURUSOLE technology. Our shoes are also designed to mold to your unique foot shape, which takes a bit of a break-in period.
To help mitigate this, we suggest you follow our break-in procedure, including wearing your KURUs for a couple hours per day around the house in the first couple of weeks as they break in and form to your foot.
In our 2024 study on foot pain across America, we found that a significant proportion of individuals sought professional assistance from podiatrists due to various foot ailments. Among the 2,500 survey respondents experiencing foot pain, a notable 12% cited plantar fasciitis as their primary concern.
Resources
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How To Make Your KURU Shoes Work for You -
Why You Don't Need Orthotics with KURU
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Arch Types – What This Means for Footwear
How to Choose Beach Shoes for Different Foot Conditions
Choosing the right beach shoes can be challenging for those with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, or flat feet. The right pair can offer the support and comfort you need to enjoy your time by the water pain-free. Here are some tips to help:
Common Mistakes When Buying Beach Shoes
Finding the right beach shoes can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. While it’s tempting to grab the first pair that catches your eye, making an uninformed decision can lead to discomfort, wasted money, or even foot injuries. To help you avoid common pitfalls, here are the key mistakes to watch out for when shopping for beach shoes:
How to Pack Beach Shoes for Travel
Packing beach shoes for travel can be tricky, especially when space is limited and you want to keep your luggage organized. By packing efficiently and choosing the right shoes, you can save space, protect your belongings, and ensure your footwear stays clean and ready for use. Follow these practical tips to make packing your beach shoes hassle-free:
Three Layers of Support
At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.
Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.
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KURUSOLE
...Show LessEach step you take puts a lot of strain on your heel. When your heels ache, you may walk differently to protect the painful areas, leading to alignment issues and foot pain. Our KURUSOLE technology provides you with the best heel, arch, and ankle support available on the market. When you wear KURU beach shoes, you won't have to worry about your posture or mobility because they've been designed to accommodate your body's biomechanics and allow dynamic flexing.
Each step you take puts a lot of strain on your heel. When your heels ache, you may walk differently to protect the painful areas, leading to alignment issues and foot pain. Our KURUSOLE technology provides you with the best heel, arch, and ankle support available on the market. When you wear KURU beach shoes, you won't have to worry about your posture or mobility because they've been designed to accommodate your body's biomechanics and allow dynamic flexing.
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KURUCLOUD
...Show LessKURUs may make you feel like you're floating on air, which is why we've dubbed our base layer KURUCLOUD. In the spirit of high-performance running shoes, KURUCLOUD's lightweight EVA foam is designed for your comfort. This shoe provides cushioning and shock absorption for every step. You don't have to worry about being hurt while jogging on the beach or participating in water sports.
KURUs may make you feel like you're floating on air, which is why we've dubbed our base layer KURUCLOUD. In the spirit of high-performance running shoes, KURUCLOUD's lightweight EVA foam is designed for your comfort. This shoe provides cushioning and shock absorption for every step. You don't have to worry about being hurt while jogging on the beach or participating in water sports.
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ULTIMATE INSOLE
...Show LessOur ULTIMATE INSOLE features dual-density foam that provides both support and cushioning where you need it most. As a result, you won't need to spend money on additional inserts or expensive orthotics. Comfortable even on sand, these polyurethane foam insoles give long-lasting support and will mold to the shape of your foot.
Our ULTIMATE INSOLE features dual-density foam that provides both support and cushioning where you need it most. As a result, you won't need to spend money on additional inserts or expensive orthotics. Comfortable even on sand, these polyurethane foam insoles give long-lasting support and will mold to the shape of your foot.
KURUSOLE
Each step you take puts a lot of strain on your heel. When your heels ache, you may walk differently to protect the painful areas, leading to alignment issues and foot pain. Our KURUSOLE technology provides you with the best heel, arch, and ankle support available on the market. When you wear KURU beach shoes, you won't have to worry about your posture or mobility because they've been designed to accommodate your body's biomechanics and allow dynamic flexing.
Our Secret
Our Secret
What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.
While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.
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