When your plans involve sun, sand, and a seaside brunch, finding the right shoes can feel like a balancing act. You need something that’s comfortable enough for the beach yet polished enough for a stylish café — without sacrificing your vibe along the way. The right pair can transition you seamlessly from sandy shores to a chic brunch table; the wrong ones, however, can instantly brand you as a tourist.
In this guide, we’re rounding up 5 shoes that perfectly nail the beach-to-brunch transition, offering style, comfort, and just the right touch of sophistication. Plus, we’re calling out 5 shoes that scream “tourist” — and not in the cute, coastal-cool kind of way.
If you want to master the art of looking effortlessly local (and fabulous), keep reading.
1. Sleek Leather Slides
Imagine stepping off the sandy shore and into a chic brunch spot, all in one seamless motion. Sleek leather slides, particularly in neutral or metallic hues, embody this effortless transition. Their minimalist design exudes elegance while remaining casual enough for sandy toes.
Pair them with a light sarong or sundress, and you’re ready for a mimosa in no time. Perfect for those who value both style and ease, these slides are a testament to the adage that less is more.
Chic yet functional, they represent the ultimate in summer footwear versatility.
2. Woven Espadrille Flats
The charm of espadrille flats lies in their airy construction and timeless appeal. With their woven texture and lace-up ankle ties, they are the epitome of comfort meeting style. These shoes are not only ideal for a breezy beach day but also elevate any brunch outfit.
Whether paired with a linen set or a flowy sundress, they add a touch of sophistication to your ensemble. Their ability to breathe while maintaining elegance makes them a summer staple.
Espadrilles provide the right balance of casual flair and structured design.
3. Platform Sandals
Height without the hassle of heels is the promise of platform sandals. Crafted from natural materials like raffia, cork, or canvas, these sandals offer both style and comfort. Ideal for transitioning from beachwear to a brunch ensemble, they provide the elevation needed for a polished look.
Imagine them paired with a relaxed beach dress, effortlessly elevating your outfit. They are practical yet fashionable, making them a summer favorite.
Platform sandals are not just footwear; they are an expression of laid-back luxury.
4. Fashion Fisherman Sandals
The classic fisherman sandal has received a modern makeover. Now more streamlined and crafted from leather, these sandals are the go-to for beach enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on style. Whether wandering sandy paths or hitting a city cafe, they offer a trendy twist on a traditional design.
Their versatility is unmatched, allowing them to pair seamlessly with various outfits. Lightweight and breathable, they are perfect for both leisurely beach days and sophisticated brunches.
These sandals are where tradition meets trend.
5. Low-Profile White Sneakers
Versatility meets classic style with low-profile white sneakers. Their clean, minimalist design is ideal for a number of beach-to-brunch outfits. Picture them with a maxi skirt or sundress; they offer a contemporary edge without overpowering the look.
Their slim profile ensures comfort while maintaining a stylish aesthetic. Perfect for beach strolls or city brunches, they never fail to impress.
White sneakers are the unsung heroes of effortless chic, easily adapting to both laid-back and upscale settings.
6. Chunky Hiking Sandals
Practicality often conflicts with style, as seen with chunky hiking sandals. Their heavy-duty Velcro straps and utilitarian design make them more at home on rugged trails than at a chic brunch spot. Although they offer sturdy support, they clash with both beachwear and city attire.
These sandals are better suited for outdoor adventures than stylish gatherings. Their bulky appearance can overshadow any outfit, placing function over fashion.
While perfect for a nature hike, they scream “tourist” when worn at a trendy coastal cafe.
7. Bright, Cushioned Flip-Flops
Neon and overly padded flip-flops may catch the eye, but they also make a bold statement about style. More suited to lounging poolside than a chic brunch setting, these flip-flops can look out of place amidst a more refined crowd.
Their vibrant hues and plush soles scream “souvenir” rather than “sophistication,” relegating them to the realm of casual beachwear.
While they offer comfort for a lazy beach day, their visual impact can be overwhelming in a trendy cafe environment.
8. Bulky Athletic Sneakers
Designed for intensity, bulky athletic sneakers excel in performance but lag in style. Their thick soles and vibrant colors make them a standout—often for the wrong reasons. More appropriate for a morning jog than a brunch date, they are the antithesis of subtle chic.
While offering excellent support, they clash with the relaxed elegance required for a stylish beach-day brunch.
These sneakers are better left for the gym, as they can dominate an outfit, detracting from an otherwise polished look.
9. Water Shoes
Function trumps fashion when it comes to water shoes. Designed for kayaking or rocky terrain, they are practical but lack aesthetic appeal. Their utilitarian look is a mismatch for brunch settings, where style takes precedence over function.
While essential for water sports, wearing them to a cafe can be a fashion misstep.
These shoes serve their purpose well on adventurous outings, but find themselves out of place when elegance is required. Their appearance can easily betray one’s tourist status in style-driven environments.
10. Crocs (Classic Style)
Known for their comfort, classic Crocs have found a niche among practical dressers. However, their bulky appearance and customizable charms often clash with stylish coastal settings. They offer a retreat into comfort, but not without sacrificing fashion credibility.
While they may be experiencing a fashion revival, in traditional form, they stand out for the wrong reasons.
Best reserved for casual outings, Crocs can inadvertently label wearers as tourists, especially when paired with more refined beach attire.