The Billabong Kai Flip Flop complements any beach day nicely. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

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Wherever you are in the world, a good pair of sandals is a vital piece of equipment. Especially when the weather is warm, having something quick, light, and comfortable to slip your feet into makes a world of difference.

As surfers and ocean lovers, we spend a lot of time at the beach, and as such, we’ve worn many different beach sandals over the years. To save you the trouble of spending time and money on the hunt for the perfect beach sandal, we got our hands on more than 20 sandals – both time-tested top picks and exciting new options – and spent hours in each of them: at the beach, around town, and on our travels.

Our overall top pick is the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA thanks to its innovative design that blends Birkenstock style and comfort with water (and wallet)-friendly EVA material. Our runner-up is the timeless Rainbow Sandals Flip Flop, and if you’re looking for a budget option, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Havaianas.

Navigate To: Comparison Table | Buyer’s Guide | The Best Men’s Sandals | The Best Men’s Flip Flops

Editor’s Note: We updated this article in September of 2024 with a new top pick, the water-friendly Arizona Essentials EVA from Birkenstock. We also added more comparison information between products to make the guide as useful as possible for our readers.

The Best Women’s Beach Sandals of 2024

Best Overall Women’s Beach Sandals: Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA
Runner Up Women’s Beach Sandals: Rainbow Single Layer Leather Sandal
Best Slides Beach Sandals: Vans La Costa Slide-On Sandal
Best Budget Women’s Beach Sandals: Havaianas Brazil Flip Flops
Most Versatile Women’s Beach Sandals: Teva Hurricane XLT2
Most Water-Friendly Women’s Beach Sandals: Sanuk Cosmic Shores Flip-Flop

Best Overall Women’s Beach Sandals

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA ($50)

Pros: Ultra durable and comfortable, adjustable
Cons: Takes time to break in

For a long time, we were anti-Birkenstock because spending upwards of $100 on a pair of sandals seemed absurd. But then we tried them ourselves, and since then, we’ve been believers in the Birk. However, they don’t make the best beach sandals, being made of materials that don’t play super well with water. Recently, Birkenstock released their Arizona Essentials sandals, made of EVA foam which are half the price and waterproof, and since then they’ve had the world of beach sandals on lock.

The Arizona Essentials feel a bit stiff at first but soften over time. They can’t compete with the comfort of a classic Birkenstock but they are waterproof and float, which is perfect for beach days. They’re easy to slip in and out of and both straps are adjustable, so it’s easy to customize your fit. The outsoles are grippy, making them work well for navigating slippery rocks and tidepools. Should your shoes get muddy or sandy, you can simply hose them down at the end of the day and they’re as good as new.

The Essentials EVA narrowly beat out Rainbows sandals for our best overall pick. Although we think the Rainbows are a bit more stylish, the Essentials EVA ultimately took the award for the best overall sandal because they’re more affordable and waterproof.

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Runner-Up Women’s Beach Sandals

Rainbow Single Layer Leather Sandal ($70)

Pros: Incredibly comfortable, stylish
Cons: Must be broken in

Rainbows are sandals that improve with time. They won’t be quite as comfortable when you first get them like the Sanuk Cosmic Shores Flip-Flops, but give them a week or two and they’ll become the most comfortable sandals you’ve ever worn as the layers of memory foam and leather mold to your feet.

And it just keeps on getting better from there. These sandals last forever and are backed by Rainbow’s guarantee if they break before you wear through the sole. They’re the epitome of comfort and durability, and the classic leather has some style points to boot. They finished runner-up as the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA‘s waterproof construction makes them perfect for beach days.

The one-inch strap is certainly the most comfortable option, but for a more feminine-looking sandal check out the half-inch strap option here.

Best Budget Women’s Beach Sandals

Havaianas Brazil Flip Flops ($26)

Pros: Affordable, multiple color options
Cons: Not the most comfortable option

Nothing says “beach vibes” louder than Havaianas. These Brazilian-made sandals may not be the ones you’d reach for to hike the Na Pali Coast, but for lounging around the beach parking lot and lookin’ good, they pass with flying colors.

The good looks do sacrifice a bit of comfort, but at a fraction of the cost of other ‘flops on this list, and with plenty of fun colorways to choose from, Havaianas make us question whether or not comfort is the end-all-be-all we make it out to be. If you’re willing to shell out a couple extra bucks, the Sanuk Cosmic Shores Flip-Flops are comfortable and offer a bit more support.

Most Versatile Women’s Beach Sandals

Teva Hurricane XLT2 ($75)

Pros: Durable and versatile, EVA midsole provides solid cushioning
Cons: A little dorky, but making a comeback

As kids, we always thought of Tevas as “dorky hiking sandals” (thanks Mom). But as adults, and with retro styles making a comeback, we’re in love with them. They’re comfortable, durable, and in regards to style, we’ll be so bold to say that they’re even kind of cool. Teva’s Hurricane sandals definitely lean more towards  function over fashion, with a rugged sole and a surprising amount of support for a sandal. For a more stylish option that sacrifices some ruggedness, try the Teva Midform Universal Sandal.

Thoughtful features on the Hurricanes include a hook-and-loop closure for easy entry and exit, an EVA midsole that provides extra cushioning, and a rubber sole for traction on both wet and dry surfaces. Made with the planet in mind, these sandals include polyester webbing that is made from recycled bottles and the rest of the materials are synthetic and/or plant-based. While they aren’t as stylish as the La Costa Slide-On or the Kai Flip Flop, Teva’s Hurricane XLT2 Sandals are comfortable and durable enough to withstand any and every adventure.

Read our full review of the Teva Hurricane XLT2 here, or see how they compare to other rugged sandal options in our Best Hiking Sandals guide.

Most Water-Friendly Women’s Beach Sandals

Sanuk Cosmic Shores Flip-Flop ($40)

Pros: Water-friendly, sustainably made
Cons: Minimal arch support

The Sanuk Cosmic Shores Flip-Flops are ultra-durable and comfortable, with a water-friendly and sustainable design that won us over from the first time we slipped them on. The Cosmic Shoes are a great water-friendly alternative to the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials for those who prefer a flip-flop over a sandal. Featuring a quick-drying synthetic upper strap with neoprene-like padding, these flops may not be the most stylish flip-flop option like the Rainbows, but they score highly for their water-friendly comfort.

The foam footbed is made from sustainable, water-friendly foam that is soft and comfortable underfoot. The footbed is textured and includes a toe bar which helps with grip, especially when it’s wet. The rubber outsoles are made from 50% natural rubber and provide reliable traction on both wet and dry surfaces.

Best Beach Slides

Vans La Costa Slide-On Sandal ($59)

Pros: Lightweight and flexible, stylish
Cons: Foot slips around a bit

When it comes to regular shoes, Vans has been our pick for years. The La Costa Slide-On sandals deliver the Vans style you know and love, with all the benefits of a sandal. Featuring a soft, synthetic strap, stretch textile lining, and waffle outsoles, these sandals are lightweight, flexible, comfortable, and hold up well in water. But they can slide around a bit when they get wet and don’t offer near the support and traction of the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVAs.

While they’re beyond comfortable for short distances, they lost a few points on longer treks because we found our feet tended to slip out easily. When it comes to chilling, though, Vans’ Slip-Ons are our go-to for a good shoe/sandal hybrid option. Bonus points that you can wear them with socks! If you’re looking for another great pair of slides that sport a slightly wider fit, The North Face Base Camp Slide III is a solid option.

Best of the Rest

Fashionable and Affordable

Billabong Kai Flip Flop ($35)

Pros: Stylish, lightweight, and comfortable
Cons: Not great for long walks or technical terrain

Billabong has been a favorite surf brand for years and like most of their products, the Kai Flip Flop delivers style and comfort. While we’re all about utilitarian shoes, it’s nice for them to have a cute, feminine flair as well – these sandals nicely couple function and fashion. If you prefer something slightly more durable, but with a similar aesthetic, the Olukai Honu Sandals have a similar look but are much more rugged.

Available in six different colors, the Kai Flip Flops feature a squishy EVA footbed and a vegan-friendly faux leather strap. In Hawaiian, “kai” translates to “sea,” so you know these ultra-lightweight and comfortable flip flops are meant to be at the beach. While these sandals aren’t the best option for long treks, they are comfortable for strolls to the beach and a fun addition to any outfit.

OluKai ‘Aukai Sandals ($90)

Pros: Stylish, PU footbed offers generous support
Cons: Must be broken in

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better pair of sandals than OluKai’s ‘Aukai Sandals. Designed for all-around comfort, these sandals are made from full-grain leather uppers, breathable microfiber lining, and nylon toe posts.

The PU footbeds offer solid support for longer treks to the beach and a traction pad on the base offers additional footing for navigating slippery surfaces. The ‘Aukai sandals are well-made, durable, and comfortable, but they do take a little while to break in just like the Rainbow Sandals. However, one the ‘Aukai sandals are broken in they still feel a bit stiff whereas Rainbows evolve to become more soft and squishy.

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Merrel Hydro Moc Shoes ($60)

Pros: Hold up well in water, lightweight
Cons: Not the most stylish

You won’t earn many style points with the Merrel Hydro Moc Shoes, but if comfort is what you’re after these shoes deliver. Made from EVA foam, these shoes are ultra lightweight and easy to slide on and off. The Hydro Mocs were specifically designed with watersports in mind and the foam holds up well in water and the holes throughout provide excellent drainage.

While these shoes have a minimalistic design, the contoured arches provide some support (although we wouldn’t recommend them for long treks). For lengthier endeavors, stick to something with more traction like the Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals. $60 seems a little steep for these shoes, but they are well-made, durable, and perform well in the water.

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Reef Cushion Sol Sandals ($55)

Pros: Super cushy footbed, vegan leather
Cons: Only one color option

Comfortable, stylish, and water-friendly, the Reef Cushion Sol Sandals are an excellent pair of beach sandals. The cushioned footbeds are squishy, comfy, and feel good walking around all day.

The vegan leather and strappy design is so cute and pairs perfectly with a swimsuit or a pair of cutoffs. Like the Kai Flip Flop, these sandals are more about style than adventuring. We wouldn’t go hiking in the Cushion Sol Sandals, but the non-marking outsoles have a reliable grip for trekking through sand and along city streets. We only wish these sandals came in more colors!

Sanuk Yoga Mat ($33)

Pros: Cushy, grippy rubber soles
Cons: Soak up water

Yoga mats are great for, well, yoga, but who knew they came in sandal form? If you think lying on a yoga mat is comfortable, the Sanuk Yoga Mat sandals kick things up a notch. The thong-style sandals are super squishy underfoot.

That being said, they don’t have any firm support, and some may not enjoy the feel on long walks, but we found them comfy for beach trips. However, they do soak up water and wring out like a sponge when you get them wet. The Sanuk Cosmic Shores Flip-Flops offer a bit more support and are much better suited to water activities. But the Yoga Mat sandals sure are comfy and come in lots of colors, and the rubber soles are nice and grippy.

Reef Water Vista Sandals ($60)

Pros: Adjustable straps, soft EVA footbeds
Cons: A little bulky

Style and comfort align in the Reef Water Vista Sandals. The Water Vista sandals sport two front straps and an adjustable backstrap for a secure fit. The outsoles are grippy and durable and we found that these sandals were a good pick for longer walks or times when we were traversing in and out of water. They’re a step down from the Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals in terms of grip and support but a step up when it comes to style.

The compression-molded EVA footbeds feel soft against your foot and are comfortable for long days of walking around. The Water Vista Sandals also come in a high version if you want a little extra height, as well as a kid’s version.

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Olukai Honu Sandals ($100)

Pros: Durable, stylish
Cons: Take a while to break in, pricey

In Hawaiian, “honu” means turtle, and that’s where the Olukai Honu Sandals get their name from. The sandals sport leather uppers and contoured footbeds, complete with a subtle turtle laser-etched onto the footbeds. The Honu Sandals cradle your foot and provide generous arch support, but they do take some time to break in.

The rubber outsoles are super grippy, making it easy to navigate slippery surfaces. The all-leather Honu sandals are incredibly durable as are the ‘Aukai Sandals and are sure to accompany you on beach trips for years to come.

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OOFOS Ooriginal Sandals ($60)

Pros: Great for recovery, machine washable
Cons: Bulky, not very stylish

We’ve been hearing a lot about OOFOS recently, so we decided to give them a try. The OOFOS OOriginal Sandals are bulky and not incredibly stylish, but boy are they comfortable. Designed to help you recover from strenuous activities, the soles and footbeds of the OOriginal sandals allow for the natural motion of your foot, which aids in recovery.

The special OOfoam also provides 37% more impact absorption than traditional EVA shoe foams, making each step feel nice and supported. The Ooriginal sandals are also machine washable, so they’re easy to clean between adventures. They’re entirely unique from all of the sandals on our list but remind us a bit of the Sanuk Yoga Mat, but they’re a little less squishy and a lot more supportive.

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Best Women’s Beach Sandals Comparison Table

Some of our favorite beach sandals. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

How We Tested The Best Women’s Beach Sandals

These sandals were made for walking, and that’s just what we did. In order to test the best beach sandals, we wore them to the beach, navigated in and out of water, and walked around town to see how they fared on a wide array of surfaces. Our tester Rebecca Parsons resides on Oahu and lives in sandals or as they’re called in Hawaii, “slippers.”

For the first edition of this article, she spent a few months wearing these sandals to her beach outings, running errands, get-togethers with friends, and nights out. Since then, we’ve continued to test these sandals as well as the latest and greatest women’s beach sandals to hit the market.

We first ran this review in August of 2023. We updated it in May of 2024 and added eight new pairs of sandals. We also added additional info to our Buyer’s Guide to help you be as well-informed as possible on what makes a solid pair of sandals. We updated this review once again in September of 2024, paring down our list to our absolute favorite sandals and adding some additional information to our Buyer’s Guide.

The Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA are a great pair of slip-on sandals. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Women’s Beach Sandals Buyer’s Guide

Types of Sandals

Flip-Flops

Flip-flops, also known as thongs, are sandals where the strap goes between your toes. These are the most common types of sandals and are wildly popular among beachgoers. Flip flops are easy to slide on and off and provide moderate support, but aren’t the best pick if you’re looking to wear your sandals with socks. The Havaianas are a classic example of a flip-flop.

The Sanuk Cosmic Shores Flip-Flops are classic flip flops. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Slides

Unlike flip-flops, slides have a wide strap that goes over the top of your foot with nothing between your toes. Slides are easy to wear with socks but are typically not the most supportive sandal option. The La Costa Slide-On sandals were the best slides we tried.

The are a classic yet stylish pair of slides. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Slip-On

As the name suggests, slip-on sandals are sandals that typically require no strapping or adjusting — you simply slip your feet into them and you’re good to go. Unlike slides, they don’t have one solid band across the middle. Sometimes, they’ll have multiple bands like the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA, and other times they’ll have a small strap on the back like the Reef Water Vista Sandals.

Hiking Sandals

More often found on the trails than on the beach, hiking sandals are versatile sandals that are supportive, grippy, and have secure straps so they don’t move around on your foot. Most of the time, we shy away from wearing hiking sandals from the beach because they look a bit dorky and aren’t typically necessary, but if you have a hike down to the beach or plan on exploring tide pools they can be a good pick. They are also a great option for travel when you want one pair of sandals that can do it all like the Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals.

Parts of a Sandal

Sandals involve multiple parts. The three main components of a sandal are the outsole, midsole, and upper.

Outsole

The outsole is the hard piece of material on the bottom of the sandal. Most sandals feature a rubber outsole that offers tread and traction.

The Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA outsoles are nice and grippy. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Midsole

The midsole is the part of the shoe that connects the upper to the outsole. It is the cushion of the shoe. Generally, sandals that have more cushion have a thicker midsole.

Upper

The upper is the part of the sandal that covers the top part of the foot. It’s all the parts of the sandal that are above the sole. Open sandals like flip flops don’t have an upper but for strappy sandals, the upper is the strap.

Sandals are the perfect accessory for the beach. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

What Makes a Good Pair of Sandals?

Materials

The type of material your sandals are made from makes a difference when it comes to durability and intended use. Leather like the Rainbow Single Layer Leather Sandal sandals tend to require a break-in period but they conform to your foot over time and are a durable option. However, leather doesn’t fare incredibly well in water.

Other sandals are made from synthetic materials and can be plusher and more comfortable out of the gates like the Sanuk Cosmic Shores Flip-Flops. Synthetic materials hold up well in water and dry out quickly. Some sandals use a combination of leather and synthetic materials for a hybrid option such as the Olukai Honu Sandals.

Synthetic sandals fare well in water. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Waterproofing

The types of materials your sandals are made from will often determine whether or not they are waterproof. Materials like rubber and EVA tend to fair well in water while materials like leather do not. None of the sandals we tested had a waterproof coating, but if you’re hell-bent on wearing your leather sandals in the water there are options such as beeswax, coconut oil, mink oil, or classic waterproofing sprays that you can use.

It’s also worth noting that your “non-waterproof” shoes will actually work in the water, they just might lose their shape more quickly and not last as long. Two of the best waterproof sandals on our list are the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA and the Sanuk Cosmic Shores Flip-Flops.

Comfort
If you’re anything like us, you spend a lot of time in your sandals: strolling through town, trekking to surf breaks, or just walking the dog around the block. We want our shoes to be comfortable, so they’re able to keep up with all of our adventures.

Above all else, comfort is our top priority when purchasing a new pair of beach sandals. Comfort all comes down to personal opinion, but we found ourselves reaching for the Vans La Costa Slide-On over and over thanks to their insane comfort.

The Teva Hurricane XLT2’s are at home on sand, trails and pavement. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Support

Everyone’s after something different when they’re in the market for a pair of sandals. If you simply plan to wear your sandals from the car to the sand, arch support may not be a big deal, but if you intend to do a fair amount of walking in your sandals, then having some good arch support can be a game changer.

Some key things to look for if you’re after a pair of sandals with support are contoured footbeds, deep heel cups, shock-absorbing midsoles, and even weight distribution. It can also be helpful to opt for sandals with adjustable straps, as they can help ensure a secure fit. Of the sandals we tested, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals are hands down the most supportive.

The Vans La Costa Slide-On sandals are equal parts stylish and comfortable. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Durability
Our thought when buying a new pair of slides is to spend a little extra in hopes that our shoes will last for years to come. We want sandals that can withstand long and frequent walks, getting wet, and lots and lots of sand.

We don’t want sandals where the strap rips off after a couple of wears or the bottoms wear down quickly. Sandals like the Rainbow Single Layer Leather Sandal and the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA are both incredibly durable sandals.

The Reef Cushion Sol Sandals are stylish enough to transition from the beach to the bar. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Style
Although cheap Old Navy sandals will get the job done, we want a pair of sandals that look good. We plan on wearing my sandals to the beach as well as to taco Tuesdays and beachside dinners so yeah, we want them to be cool.

Best Overall Women's Sandals

The Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA are the ultimate sandal. Durable, lightweight, waterproof, and stylish, they’re the only pair of sandals you’ll need.

Price: $50

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Versatility
Ideally, sandals are fashionable and functional. When we’re in the market for a new pair of slides, we look for something that is equal parts cute and comfortable. Additionally, we want our sandals to have a decent amount of grip for the times when we ask for a little more out of our footwear.

Finally, we want shoes that fair well in water, because, with our lifestyles, it’s only a matter of time until they get wet. The Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals are the most versatile sandals we tested, but not necessarily the most stylish.

The traction on the bottom of the OOFOS OOriginal Sandals,  Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA, and the Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals (left to right). Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Traction

When it comes to beach sandals, traction isn’t as important as say hiking sandals, but it’s still something to consider. If you wear your sandals to the beach, they’ll likely get wet, so you’ll want something that performs well on wet and slippery surfaces. Additionally, if you’re someone who regularly treks to their surf spot and must navigate some trails in order to get there, then you’ll want some traction to help you.

If you simply park in the parking lot at your local surf spot and paddle straight out, then traction may not be as high on your priority list when purchasing a new pair of slides. Of all the sandals we tested, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals, Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA, and the Rainbow Single Layer Leather Sandals offer the best traction.

Adjustability

Some sandals are fixed, whereas others have straps that allow you to adjust them and customize your fit. If we’re doing easy and short walks, we typically prefer fixed sandals, as they’re easier to slip in and out of. But, if you plan on navigating some trickier or slippery terrain, adjustable sandals can come and handy as you can really get them fitted to your foot and don’t have to worry about them slipping off.

The Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals take the most work to get on but they are also the most fitted to your foot once you get them secure whereas sandals like the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA are easy to slip in and out of.

The Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals are fully adjustable and include sustainable features. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Sustainable Features

Like most gear, we give major bonus points to anything that is sustainably made. Recycled and repurposed materials are awesome as they cut down on waste that would otherwise wind up in a landfill. It’s also worth noting that a more durable shoe is more sustainable as it will require fewer new shoes if they can withstand the test of time. The Sanuk Cosmic Shores Flip-Flops are made from natural rubbers and recycled materials, making them a big winner in the eco department.

Cost
You know the adage: you get what you pay for. A good pair of sandals doesn’t come cheap. That being said, a good pair of sandals shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. We want sandals that are well-made but come at a reasonable price. The most budget friendly pair of sandals we tested is the Havaianas Brazil Flip Flops at $26 while the most expensive we tried are the Olukai Honu Sandals at $100.

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Editor’s Note: Need a place to plant your tush while at the beach? Head to The Best Beach Towels or The Best Beach Chairs. Want to take a look at some men’s options? Check out The Best Men’s Sandals. Looking for sandals for longer walks or hikes? We’ve got you covered with The Best Hiking Sandals. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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