Best Overall

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi v4 GTX

$95

$62 at Amazon

$90

$84 at Zappos View on Newbalance.com

Key Specs

Type: Sneaker Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (medium, wide), Men's 7-15 (medium, wide, extra-wide) Materials: Synthetic upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Waterproof: Yes Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They're For

Best if you need a sneaker's full coverage and support for walking or running on the sand.

Why We Love Them

For maximum support on the sand, we recommend New Balance's Fresh Foam Arishi v4 GTX Running Shoes. They feature the cushioning and support typically found in a regular athletic sneaker, along with complete waterproofing (thanks to the GORE-TEX upper). We tested these in various wet conditions, including a downpour, on wet grass, and in 90-degree rainy weather. Our workout socks and feet stayed completely dry on all adventures.

These shoes fit true to size, with a wide toe box allowing your toes to splay naturally for added stability. We also appreciate that they're available in wide widths to cater to different foot shapes. On test walks and runs, we found that the full-length foam midsole offers a bouncy cushion and reliable support. These are some of the most comfy waterproof sneakers we've ever tested. Plus, the rubber outsole proved grippy on slick surfaces. We never felt unstable or unsafe on wet grass, concrete, or rocks. And we love how easy these are to clean.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and New Balance.

Potential Flaws

• Some wearers note that these tend to run small.

Best Adjustable

Teva Tirra Sandals

$90

$58 at Amazon

$90

$72 at Zappos

$85

$56 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Type: Sandal Sizes: Women’s 5-12 Materials: Recycled plastic and polyester upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Waterproof: No Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

Best if you're looking for a versatile walking sandal that can take you from the beach to brunch.

Why We Love Them

Teva's Women's Tirra Sandals feature three adjustable straps, allowing for a secure, custom-like fit. The hook-and-loop closures on all three straps make for quick and easy adjustments, so they're never too tight or too loose. We appreciate that these shoes are made from quick-drying materials and a peppermint-based anti-odor treatment, keeping our feet dry and odor-free. The midsole provides light cushioning and arch support, complemented by a contoured footbed that felt comfortable from the moment we put the shoes on.

During testing, we found that additional padding in the heel helps absorb shock and puts a spring in our step (almost mimicking the feel of a sneaker). The straps are lined with neoprene foam to prevent harsh edges or seams from digging into the skin. One tester with plantar fasciitis noted that they had no flare-ups while wearing these. Plus, they proved stable and durable on all terrains and weather conditions.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes aren't completely waterproof, but we had no issues with getting our feet wet thanks to the quick-drying, anti-odor materials.

Best for Stability

Ecco Sport Sandal

View on Amazon

$140

$140 at Zappos $140 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Type: Sandal Sizes: Women's 4-12.5, Men's 4-16.5 Materials: Nubuck leather upper, microfiber and foam midsole, rubber outsole Waterproof: No Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They're For

Best if you need a stable walking sandal for both outdoor adventures and daily wear.

Why We Love Them

Uneven, soft sand requires shoes that provide stability and prevent ankle rolling. ECCO's Women's Yucatan Sport Sandals are designed to meet this need with a thick sole and firm cushioning. Although the sole is more rigid than other options, providing added sturdiness, it still bends and flexes with our feet on uneven terrains, including concrete, grass, sand, and gravel. The three neoprene-lined, easy-to-adjust straps ensure a secure, locked-in fit.

During testing, we noticed that a mild curve in the outsole facilitated smooth transitions. Additionally, the sandals offered solid arch support, keeping us comfortable and preventing foot fatigue. The insole's microfiber lining feels exceptionally soft, with no chafing. And even when we got these sandals super dirty, they proved easy to clean with a simple wipe-down using a Magic Eraser.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon.

Potential Flaws

• During warm-weather walks, we noticed that our feet became a bit hot and sweaty. If you’re prone to sweaty feet, you might want to consider a more moisture-wicking sandal.

Best Water Shoes

Doussprt Men’s Quick Drying Water Shoes

$50

$24 at Amazon View on Walmart

Key Specs

Type: Sneaker Sizes: Men's 7-16, Women's 5.5-11 Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole Waterproof: No Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They're For

Best for diving into swimming, trekking through trails, strolling on the beach, and any other adventure where your feet are bound to be drenched.

Why We Love Them

If you’ll be spending plenty of time in the water, investing in shoes that protect your feet is a smart choice. Doussprt's Quick Drying Water Shoes feature a durable rubber outsole to shield against rocks and broken shells. We tested these shoes in wet weather conditions, on slick terrains, and during daily activities. They offer a sock-like fit and surprisingly good arch support for their lightweight design. And the mesh upper and holes in the sole allow for quick drainage and fast drying when you’re out of the water.

We were pleasantly surprised by the mesh upper's support in both wet and dry conditions. We also appreciated the minimal design, which makes it easy to tuck these shoes into our backpack pocket for convenient transport to and from the beach. The rubber soles provide reliable traction on most slippery surfaces, although we did experience some slight slipping on wet grass during testing. These shoes have quickly become our go-to for outdoor activities and offer great value for the price.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon.

Potential Flaws

• We didn't notice any wear and tear during testing, but we did note that the lightweight mesh fabric might not hold up beyond one or two seasons with heavy use.

Best Slides

Crocs Mellow Recovery Slide

View on Amazon $40 at Nordstrom $40 at Dicks Sporting Goods

Key Specs

Type: Slide Sizes: Unisex 4-15 Materials: Foam Waterproof: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They're For

Best for wearers looking for a lightweight, easy-to-put-on shoe for daily beach walking.

Why We Love Them

Sometimes, a simple, easy-to-slip-on slide is all you need. Crocs' Mellow Recovery Slides are ideal for beachcombing and offer excellent comfort for your feet and legs during long walks or after a tiring day. Their seamless design prevents irritation, blisters, and hot spots. We appreciated their durability and quality, which held up throughout testing. And the open, breathable design with side cutouts kept our feet cool.

During testing, we found the foam so cushy that it felt like walking on a cloud. The slides molded comfortably to the shape of our feet, making them incredibly relaxing to put on after a long day. They’re also reasonably priced and come in several colors, making it easy to add multiple pairs to your wardrobe. We also appreciated that the foam outsole is slightly grippy and ridged, providing added traction to ensure you stay steady on your feet, regardless of the terrain.

Potential Flaws

• The chunky style makes these slides a bit bulky, but we still found them incredibly lightweight and airy to walk with.

Best Men's Sandal

Keen Men's Water Sandals

$100

$70 at Amazon

$100

$85 at Zappos View on Publiclands.com

Key Specs

Type: Sandal Sizes: Men's 7-15 Materials: Recycled polyester upper, synthetic midsole, rubber outsole Waterproof: No Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who They're For

Best for tackling activities that demand high traction or navigating extra slippery conditions.

Why We Love Them

KEEN's Drift Creek H2 Water Sandals are our top pick for men's sandals, thanks to their excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions. During testing, we climbed a slick, steep hill with full confidence and without slipping. The outsole is made of high-traction, non-marking rubber that also handles gravel, rocks, sand, and mud with ease. Not only do the shoes feel sturdy and durable, but the rubber toe bumper provides extra protection against stones and rough terrain.

We love that the sandals feature a slip-in design with a lace-lock bungee system that cinches snugly around your feet. A pull-tab on the heel makes them easy to put on. We noticed that the footbed is well-cushioned and offers solid arch support. Despite their durability, the sandals are lightweight and never feel bulky. We think these would be great for activities like paddle boarding, where enhanced traction on the board is essential.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and Zappos.

Potential Flaws

• Water and sand tended to collect inside the toe bumper, requiring us to lift our feet to clear it out.

Best Women's Sandal

Frankie4 Isla Slide

View on Frankie4.com

Key Specs

Type: Sandal Sizes: Women's 6-13 Materials: Waterproof leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Waterproof: Yes Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They're For

Best for those who want a lightweight, supportive, and highly versatile waterproof women's sandal that can easily be dressed up or down.

Why We Love Them

Frankie4's Isla Slide completely blew us away and easily earned a perfect score, thanks to its exceptional comfort, versatility, and very stylish appearance. High-quality waterproof leather and grippy rubber outsoles allowed these sandals to easily tackle beach walks, slick concrete stairs during a downpour in Costa Rica, boat rides, and even a few impromptu hikes on rocky, uneven terrain in humid weather.

With solid arch support, well-cushioned midsoles, and a breathable design, our feet always felt comfortable and cool, regardless of the weather. We love how lightweight they are, making them a great option for traveling, pool days, or tossing in your beach bag. And we appreciate how soft and high-quality the straps are, never rubbing or irritating our sensitive skin. Not requiring a break-in period, these sandals are incredibly versatile and look just as good on the beach as they do at dinner.

Potential Flaws

• Some wearers note that these run a bit small. However, we found our true size worked well for us. If in between sizes, we suggest sizing up.

Most Comfortable

Hoka Hopara All-terrain Shoe

$135 at Hoka.com

Key Specs

Type: Sandal Sizes: Women's 6-15, Men's 5-14 Materials: Synthetic and neoprene upper, rubberized foam midsole, rubber outsole Waterproof: Yes Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

Best if you prioritize comfort and practicality for beach walks, light hikes, tidepooling, and more.

Why We Love Them

Hoka running shoes are among our favorites, but the brand also offers other footwear we love, such as Hoka's Hopara All-Terrain Shoes. With a plush foam midsole that feels like walking on clouds, these shoes kept us comfortable and supported throughout a long hike that ended at a waterfall. The upper feels secure, thanks to a quick-lace system that provides an even more locked-in feel. Plus, it has plenty of cutouts for airflow and drainage if you find yourself walking through water.

During testing, we noticed that extra cushioning in the heel makes transitions from grass to concrete seamless and shock-free. It feels quite springy, helping us roll into our next stride effortlessly. We also noticed that these sandals provide solid arch support, helping to prevent foot fatigue. And we appreciate the rubber toe cap and sticky outsole (with large lugs) for added protection against debris and stability on slick surfaces.

Potential Flaws

• These sandals are incredibly comfy and supportive, but they're not the most aesthetically pleasing or stylish option on the market.