Beach style isn’t just about swimsuits and cover-ups – your shoes matter too! The right footwear can elevate your coastal look from basic to brilliantly on-theme.
Some shoes naturally complement those breezy, salt-air vibes, while others can make you look like you took a wrong turn on your way to a different event entirely.
Let’s walk through which shoes will have you strutting confidently along the boardwalk and which ones should stay in your closet until fall.
1. Espadrilles
Nothing whispers “seaside elegance” quite like a pair of espadrilles. These rope-soled beauties have Mediterranean roots dating back centuries, giving them authentic coastal credibility.
The natural jute bottoms and breathable canvas or cotton uppers create a perfect marriage of comfort and style. Whether you choose flat versions for daytime exploring or wedges for sunset dinners, they deliver that effortless beach-to-bistro versatility.
Bonus points for their packability – espadrilles flatten nicely in your beach weekend bag without losing their shape when you’re ready to wear them again.
2. Leather Fisherman Sandals
Originally crafted for Mediterranean fishermen who needed sturdy footwear that could handle wet decks, these sandals have evolved into style staples. Their woven leather uppers provide structure while allowing your feet to breathe during humid beach days.
Modern versions come in various neutral tones that complement linen pants, breezy dresses, and practically everything in your vacation wardrobe. The closed toe offers more protection than typical sandals, making them perfect for rocky beaches or cobblestone coastal towns.
Many quality pairs actually look better with age, developing a beautiful patina that tells the story of your seaside adventures.
3. Raffia Slides
Crafted from natural palm fibers, raffia slides bring organic texture and island vibes to any outfit. The woven material catches the light beautifully, adding visual interest to even the simplest beach ensemble.
Fashion houses from luxury to accessible brands have embraced this material, creating options from minimalist bands to elaborate braided designs. Their slip-on nature makes them ideal for sandy situations when you need to quickly remove shoes.
The neutral color palette of most raffia footwear means they won’t compete with your bolder vacation pieces, instead acting as the perfect grounding element to playful prints and vibrant colors.
4. White Canvas Sneakers
Sailors have worn white canvas shoes for generations, making them perhaps the most authentically nautical option in our lineup. The crisp white fabric evokes sailboats and seafaring traditions while providing practical comfort for long walks along the shore.
Unlike their chunky athletic cousins, these streamlined sneakers don’t overwhelm your breezy outfits. They pair beautifully with everything from shorts to sundresses, adding a sporty-yet-refined touch to coastal ensembles.
Just a quick tip: pack a small brush and white shoe cleaner to touch up inevitable scuffs – keeping them pristine enhances that sharp coastal contrast against tanned skin and blue waters.
5. Strappy Flat Sandals
Imagine the feeling of warm sand between your toes – strappy sandals capture this freedom while still looking put-together. The minimalist design featuring thin leather straps creates an almost barefoot aesthetic that’s perfectly aligned with coastal sensibilities.
Greek and Roman in origin, these simple sandals have transcended millennia to remain relevant in modern coastal wardrobes. Their low profile makes them exceptionally packable, allowing you to bring several colors without sacrificing precious suitcase space.
Look for waterproof leather options if you plan to wear them near the surf, or save the suede versions for evenings when you’re dining with ocean views rather than dipping your toes in the tide.
6. Skin-Tone Leather Mules
Understated elegance defines these backless wonders that effortlessly bridge the gap between beach casual and refined dining. Their neutral tone creates a leg-lengthening effect that complements shorter hemlines of summer dresses and shorts.
The absence of straps or complicated closures makes skin-tone mules refreshingly fuss-free for vacation dressing. Quality leather versions mold to your feet over time, becoming more comfortable with each coastal sunset cocktail hour.
A slightly structured shape keeps them looking intentional rather than sloppy – the key difference between relaxed chic and simply underdressed. Consider them your secret weapon when you need to quickly elevate your beach look without sacrificing comfort.
7. Woven Loafers
Sea breezes can turn surprisingly cool once the sun dips below the horizon. Enter the woven loafer – substantial enough for evening temperatures while maintaining that essential coastal texture through interlaced leather or natural fibers.
The traditional loafer silhouette brings a touch of prep to your beach wardrobe, perfect for yacht clubs or upscale seafood restaurants. Men and women alike can embrace this versatile style that pairs beautifully with linen trousers or maxi dresses.
Many feature hand-woven details that showcase artisanal craftsmanship, adding a story of traditional techniques to your footwear collection. Their slightly more formal nature makes them ideal transitional pieces between daytime beach activities and evening coastal entertainments.
1. Chunky Dad Sneakers
Bulky athletic shoes create a visual disconnect with the light, airy aesthetic that defines coastal style. Their thick soles and heavy construction appear anchored to city streets rather than floating along beach pathways.
The technical materials – often synthetic and non-breathable – trap heat and collect sand, making them impractical choices for actual beach environments. Their complex designs featuring multiple panels, logos, and contrasting colors fight against the clean simplicity that coastal wardrobes typically embrace.
While fantastic for urban exploration or gym sessions, these chunky statements simply weigh down outfits that should feel as light and refreshing as a sea breeze. Save them for your city adventures and let your feet breathe at the beach.
2. Metallic Heels with Heavy Embellishments
Sparkly, shiny stilettos belong under disco balls, not beach umbrellas. These attention-demanding shoes create an immediate clash with the understated, natural textures that coastal environments celebrate.
Walking becomes a practical nightmare as narrow heels sink into sand or wobble dangerously on boardwalks. The formal, nightclub-ready appearance of heavily embellished footwear makes even the most expensive resort wear look oddly mismatched, like wearing a tiara with a swimsuit.
The metallic finishes reflect harsh sunlight in unflattering ways, often creating an uncomfortable glare. When coastal style calls for subtle shimmer like sea glass or mother-of-pearl, these shoes respond with the equivalent of a full-volume shout in a space that values gentle whispers.
3. Over-the-Knee Boots
Few footwear choices scream “I’ve never been to a beach before” quite like tall boots at the shore. The dramatic height covering most of the leg creates a visual weight that contradicts the liberating, skin-baring nature of coastal dressing.
The materials typically used – suede, heavy leather, or synthetic alternatives – are prone to damage from sand, salt water, and sunscreen. Imagine the discomfort of sweat-trapped legs in summer heat while everyone else enjoys the cooling touch of sea breezes against their skin.
Even the most fashion-forward beach communities would raise eyebrows at this seasonally confused choice that belongs firmly in fall and winter wardrobes. The practical issues alone make these boots coastal style outliers worth avoiding.
4. Thick Rubber Pool Slides
Functional? Absolutely. Stylish enough for coastal chic outfits? Not even close. These chunky rubber footwear pieces serve a specific purpose – protecting feet in public showers or poolside – but lack the refinement needed for proper beach-to-town transitions.
The thick molded construction and prominent sport logos create a visual heaviness that weighs down otherwise breezy ensembles. Unlike their more sophisticated cousins made from natural materials, these slides announce “I prioritize convenience over style” rather than effortless coastal elegance.
Reserve these practical shoes for their intended environment – the pool deck or spa – and swap them for more refined options before heading to oceanfront dining or shopping. When worn beyond their utilitarian context, they immediately signal “off-duty” rather than “relaxed chic.”