The Best Slip-On Shoes for Surf and Sand
Our Guide to Beach-Friendly Footwear
Finding the best footwear shouldn’t be so hard. But what exactly should you look for when choosing the right shoe? That’s where we step in. Literally. While in our case, your shoes may be off while riding a Yamaha, you’ll still need something to wear to lunch at the yacht club or the food truck on the pier.
One of the easiest pairs to turn to is the slip-on. From Manholo Blahnik’s luxe sandals to Mou’s fuzzy pairs, slip-ons come in all styles. Shop our 22 favorite slip-ons, for both men and women, to learn what to wear to the beach and beyond this year.
For Her
Made with buttery nappa leather and mother of pearl buttons, these destined-for-double-take sandals are nothing short of fabulous. They are crafty, creative and the most elevated form of flip-flops.
Not all flip-flops are created equally. With this in mind, this pair of flip-flops is designed with hand-embellished leather and a rubber outsole that is handmade in Africa. Intended to become better with time, no two pairs are alike thanks to the brand’s promise to individuality. Not to mention, the Seri Flat’s dazzling crystal detailing is the perfect pop of pizzazz.
While winter weather tends to be associated with gloom and doom, marvel in the shoe that urges you to step out of your mid-winter blues. These sandals are the retro slide with glittery vinyl and an antique, crystallized silver eagle emblem meant to lift your mood with soft textile and mesh.
In the spirit of being drop-dead darling, Mou’s style delivers. Handcrafted through double-face sheepskin, crochet wool stitching and a EVA rubber sole, these slippers scream chic while whispering support.
Since its inception, the jelly sandal has never lost its charm. Vince’s sandals are proof. The caged leather outer on the soft leather footbed supports the rounded-toe readiness needed to tackle your day, no matter location, and they are available in six easy-to-style colors.
I’ll say it: Crocs are cool—especially when the style is built to mimic the look of full-grain leather mules. As comfortable as they are chic, their lightweight, Croslite material is perfect for parking yourself at the beach or walking to a rooftop cold plunge session. And if the stud embellishments don’t signal swag, then the added two inches of heel height will.
Upgrade your slippers with the Flabelus Bruna with linen luciousness. Kick your feet up with a 100% linen instep with piping and cotton, alongside an anti-bacterial treatment designed to rid outside residue from becoming a resident. And the coolest part of Flabelus? Each sole is made from recycled bicycle tires.
Veronica Beard’s Prue sandals are positively perfect. The two-tone woven-leather straps with lightweight gold buckles and cork bottoms are the versatile shoe to leverage longevity.
Let’s be real: who doesn’t adore a ballerina flat? The Andrea Gomez Amelia is here to make all of your Tiny Dancer dreams come true, with the aid of soft suede and a flat lay. Available in 13 different colorways and textures, the versatility of the Amelia knows no bounds, especially when it comes to dressing for the occasion. Zhuzh up your look for drinks by the dock or on the beam of a superyacht.
Best known for its dare-to-be-different approach toward footwear, the Jeffrey Campbell Highlight houses the avant-garde heel of your sandal-strutting dreams. Perfect for a happy hour at Nobu Malibu or sailing sunset with sauvignon blanc in tow, let your anxiety slip away as you sport the clean strappy wedge sandal for that lived-in, vintage feel.
For some, neutrals are a wardrobe necessity. For others, animal print lies in tandem with that belief. For folks like myself, gemstones are just that. The precious gems beholden to the Aldo Sapphira feature an open square toe with the 3D embellishment of your celestial dreams. An added layer of security is present with a nod to these day-to-night darlings, excellent for a lunch outing at Duryea’s or evening dancing yourself clean at The Surf Lodge.
For Him
Give the gentleman in your life (who desperately needs to toss the college shower shoes he’s still wearing ) a well-deserved makeover. This criss-crossing crocodile design doesn’t disappoint. The calf leather-lined upper and a sole stitching composed of lamb is hard to beat in the grand scheme of footwear greatness.
It’s probably to no surprise that Birkenstock is making this list. But, but! For good reason. Designed with their signature double-strap with a soft lining, these oiled nubuck leather lovelies come in six colors, ranging from Midnight Blue to Tobacco.
Which shoes do all the OG surfers and beach-goers wear? Rainbows, obviously, which have been making waves since the ‘70s. Straight from their novelty leather collection, these flip-flops redefine practicality through luxury. And the best part? There’s no break-in process unlike other similar styles. Their increased softness, waxed edges and sole-molding heel all assist in the pair’s amazement.
For the fashion-forward male in your life looking to jazz up his winter wardrobe, Sabah’s Dune Baba is the shoe for him. Designed with natural hair on cow leather, these blue and brown striped beauties with a water buffalo insole and midsole are the colorway curated for men who stray from trends. Check out these limited-edition slippers before your next Atlantic coast outing.
Lululemon’s Restfeel slides are engineered for comfort, exceptional for recovery, and include rubber traction to fortify shoe grip. But that’s not all: Lululmeon also offers a 30-day trial in case you’re not satisfied and would like to return (but trust us, you won’t).
For boat owners and captains alike, the handwoven Huarache Sandal by Nisolo lets you meet your match. These breathable, no-slip shoes are both water resistant and sturdy as leather shoes come. While these shoes run big, it’s recommended to size down and watch as the expandable leather stretches over time—softening to your foot’s mold after approximately three-to-five wears.
The brand known for its sheepskin boots (that actually have surfer origins) serves more than meets the eye. Ugg’s pair is made from recycled polyester fabrics, leather footliner and a contoured sugarcane EVA footbed. Furthermore, its box stitching and suede complement UGG’s overall commitment to individualized-consumer care.
No matter where you are this winter, channel island life with these. Designed with A1 arch support, Bull Hide and a heel cup alongside a contour for proper alignment, these Hawaii-made sandals strike the perfect balance between beach and tranquility.
These sandals are lightweight, waterproof, cushy and above all chic. Made from 100% ethylene vinyl acetate, the Friday sandals are easy to clean and practically with a seamless slip designed to give a barely-there feel. Also, the shade Paradise Green is a fan-favorite for its palm leaf-esque resemblance.
You know it, you love it, and for obvious reasons, you can’t get enough of it. The brand makes the original boating wardrobe basic for gentlemen everywhere. Known for pristine craftsmanship and styling versatility, this round-toed boat shoe is lined with leather and a non-marking outsole. Wear for a weekend dinner by your local waterfront or on a smart-casual lunch to discuss your warm weather travels.
Last but certainly not least, the golf-obsessed guru in your life, these are essential. From their faux grass footbed to golf ball heel, the grip (both literally and one they have on my shopping cart) of their foam outsole are worth every penny. Wear during a round of golf or while indulging in post-9-hole drinks.
