The idea of sand between your toes on a lovely hot beach is bliss for some, but the idea is enough to make some people’s toes curl.
Equally, paddling along the sea as the waves splash gently at your ankles can be heavenly, but then you have to walk back to your spot on the beach, with dry sand rubbing at your feet – exfoliating, sure, but painful is another word that fits.
Not all beaches are the same – though some have hard and sharp stones, some have more pebble-like stones but are equally as painful.
The point we’re slowly arriving at is that walks on the beach after often uncomfortable and that’s being kind. Luckily there is a solution with sand shoes, also called water shoes and beach shoes, just because they’re as comfortable on the sand as in the water.
Some people also like to use these shoes instead of flip-flops and sandals when heading to the campsite shower.
What are sand shoes?
Think of these as ankle sock-like shoes which are perfect for all-day wearing at the beach. They’re not water-resistant but are generally made from neoprene, and are incredibly durable with a sole that allows walking along the beach and just a little comfort.
They’re very lightweight and can offer an excellent alternative when paddleboarding or taking on other watersports such as kite surfing, but they’re equally as impressive if you’re river walking – protecting the soles of your feet from anything which nips, is sharp or any stings.
As an added bonus, the gripped soles also help you keep traction on damp and possibly slippy surfaces.
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The Best Sand Shoes
Lakeland Active Eden Aquasport Water Shoes
Price: RRP £17.99 | VIEW OFFER
Founded in the unforgiving landscape of North Cumbria, Lakeland Active create wearable outdoor essentials with inbuilt reliability. These sand shoes are designed to dry quickly and keep your feet comfortable; the four-way stretchy neoprene features water-draining mesh panels. The shoe’s heel has an adjustable toggle for the perfect fit and features an anti-slip sole – ideal for water sports or days exploring the beach, sea, rivers or lakes.
Pros:
• Reliable
• Affordable
• Available in half sizes
Cons:
• Need the right fit otherwise they are loose
SIMARI Women’s & Men’s Sports Water Shoes
Price: RRP £26.99 | VIEW OFFER
The upper of these shoes is made of mesh material with a nice stretchy feel; they fit like socks giving that snug close to your skin fit. You can guarantee a breathable and quick-dry shoe for all-day comfort at the beach with these.
The front of the shoe is an elasticated lace which has a toggle to pull them tight. There is also a loop on the heel cup designed to make it easier to remove the shoe on and off. The rubber sole has eight drainage holes that will allow water to pass through easily, quick-drying and not weigh your feet down when walking through the water.
Pros:
• Elasticated lace for improved fit
• Good grip
Cons:
• Insoles can be a little fiddly when taking wet shoes off
SAGUARO Barefoot Aqua Water Sports Shoe
Price: RRP £11.99 | VIEW OFFER
Designed to feel more like a second skin than an actual shoe, this is a lightweight, thin sand shoe. With a fully synthetic outer material and a mix of polyester and spandex on the interior, these are meant to fit very close to the skin for maximum comfort.
The drawstring allows the wearer to tighten the shoe as they see fit, meaning that whether they are walking along the shore or paddling in a lake, the shoes will stay on and remain secure.
Pros:
• Drawstring for a better fit
• Affordable
Cons:
• Getting the right size can be tricky
QIMAOO Barefoot Skin Water Shoes Socks
Price: RRP £15.99 | VIEW OFFER
Another option for easy on and off next to the skin feel sand shoes; these boast a breathable fabric upper, and drainage holes on the soles ensure quick drying. Flexible and non-slip soles prevent you from slipping and protect your feet from sharp stones, corals, shells, and hot sand when you are in water and walking on the beach.
These are an excellent option for playing sports on the beach, such as beach volleyball, football, cricket, or just having a pleasant stroll.
Pros:
• Easy slip-on design
• Affordable
Cons:
• More robust shoes available
Mabove Beach Shoes
Price: RRP £29.98 | VIEW OFFER
The elasticated laces on these beach shoes mean that they’ll feel much more like a regular shoe across the front of your foot – however, with the wider toe box catering for each of your toes, they will feel much more like you’re walking barefoot. There is even a gripper at the end of each of the toes, on the sole, which will give you an ultimate feel of what is beneath you—an excellent choice for an active beach goer who loves a bit of rock pooling.
Pros:
• Elasticated drawstring
• Gripped sole
Cons:
• Not that lightweight for being in the water – best on the shore
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