1. CROC Men’s Swiftwater Wave Sandal Water Shoe
2. CROC Women’s Sexi Flip-Flop
3. CROC Women’s Swiftwater Sandal Slide
4. Columbia Men’s Bahama Vent PFG Boat Shoe
5. Crocs Men’s Swiftwater Mesh Wave Sandal
6. CROC Kids’ Classic Clogs
7. Clarks Women’s Breeze Sea Flip-Flop
8. Crocs Men’s Beach Line Boat Shoe
9. CROC Women’s Kadee Ii Flip Flop
10. KEEN Women’s Bali Strap Sandal
11. Speedo Men’s Tidal Cruiser Water Shoes
12. NORTIV 8 Women’s Quick-Dry Water Shoes
Beach Shoe Buying Guide and FAQ
Features To Look For In Beach Shoes
Beach shoes are very specific, and there are a few things they must have to be considered fit for purpose. We want to look at some of these factors so that you can decide on the shoes you want with relative ease.
Drainage
This is important for every pair of water shoes as they are the cornerstone of any product that wants the designation. Therefore, consider carefully how well your shoes drain water before buying them. To achieve this, many shoes have slots around the midsole to ensure the shoes don’t take in water or debris.
For other shoes like the Crocs, the upper section is perforated to improve drainage. Interestingly, asides from getting rid of water and debris, a lot of these perforated holes also encourage ventilation and prevent your feet from getting sweaty while out in the sun. Meanwhile, they are also useful for drying the feet once you come out of water.
Water Resistance
Once again, this is a very important factor as to what is the use of a water shoe if it cannot withstand water? So, pay attention to how well your potential purchase handles water before buying it. You can read through user comments to gauge people’s overall experience with the shoes. Also, the material used to manufacture the shoes are very important as they dictate how much water resistance they have. For example, rubber shoes are great as they don’t suffer water damage and can be used for lengthy spells. In addition, some textiles are also suitable for hanging around water.
Slip Proof Grip
This refers to the insoles and outsoles, and the amount of grip a shoe has determined how comfortable you’ll feel when wearing it. For instance, no matter how soft a shoe’s insole is, it won’t be any fun to wear if it keeps slipping off.
For these reasons, many rubber shoes have textured insoles that help keep your feet planted. However, that’s not all, as the outsoles also need to have a decent grip as this prevents falls and accidents. So, a lot of shoes have siped outsoles to provide additional grip to the wearer.
Durability
This is important for any product, but even more so with water shoes, since they deal with the elements a lot more than other shoes. So, ensure that the product you want to buy is robust and can handle regular use. To ensure this, pay special attention to the material used in making the shoes as this goes a long way in determining how long it lasts.
For instance, high-quality shoes made with rubber tend to last long as they are very water-resistant. Meanwhile, you also need to pay attention to the stitching to ensure that the outsole doesn’t separate from the rest of the shoe.
Fit
One of the biggest problems with many consumers, when they buy a pair of shoes, is that they’re too big or small. Hence, pay close attention to the size you’re getting before making the purchase. Not only because of the comfort but also for its longevity as wrong sized shoes (especially smaller ones) tend to disintegrate a lot faster. Also of note is the width of the shoes as narrow shoes would be a daunting experience for those with wide feet. Conversely, getting shoes that are too wide can be uncomfortable, and you are more likely to slip while wearing such.
Beach Shoe FAQ
Q: Is walking barefoot on the beach bad for your feet?
A: Walking barefoot on the beach isn’t without its merits as it improves the natural grip of your feet, which can be a great asset for athletes who enjoy running on a beach. On the flip side, prolonged time on the beach with the soft sand under your feet could cause plantar fasciitis, which affects your arch and heel and is rather painful.
Q: Should you wear shoes in the ocean?
A: The simple answer is yes. This is because you can’t see what’s in the ocean, and there might be rocks and pebbles that could cut your feet if left unprotected. However, many state beaches are devoid of rocks and stones and can be visited without water shoes. That said, it is better to be safe than sorry, so wear your shoes in the water to ensure there are no accidents.
Q: Do you wear socks with beach shoes?
A: There is no need to wear socks with beach shoes as they provide all the comfort and ventilation you need. However, some people prefer having socks as an extra layer of security or comfort. This is because some water shoes don’t provide enough support, so by adding a pair of socks to the equation, you might derive more comfort.
