Best Men’s Shoes for the Beach or Lake

Finding the best men’s shoes for the beach or lake is easy. Combining style and functionality is a must, and there are plenty of shoes that you can wear directly from the beach or boat to your favorite beach-side watering hole.

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I prefer going barefoot on and around any pool, beach, or marina. With that said, taking care of our feet is essential for many reasons, so protecting them from the extreme heat or pesky insects and marine life is a must. In addition to protection, comfort and style are equally important to me. Now that I’m living at the beach full-time, I’m constantly searching for fashionable and comfortable shoes.

Sperry Topsiders

For years Sperry produces the most popular “boat” shoe. As the name implies, these rubber-shoe classics are designed for boat wear because they are functional and won’t slip on wet fiberglass surfaces. In 1934, Paul Sperry slipped and fell off the deck of his sailboat. After climbing back onto the deck, the idea occurred to develop a non-slip sole designed to wear on slippery boat decks.

One year later, in 1935, the Sperry Top-sider appeared. The first pair looked like white bucks with a rubber sole. Boaters know the importance of wearing shoes that don’t scuff or mark fiberglass surfaces. In 1939 the U.S. Navy awarded Mr. Sperry a contract to supply the shoes to all Navy personnel. Around 1962, President John F. Kennedy gave Top-siders a boost when photographed wearing a pair while sailing.

Today Sperry Topsiders come in a variety of colors and styles. More importantly, they go from the boat or beach to a summer cocktail party or dinner.

Crocs Santa Cruz

When you think of Crocs, chances are you think of their classic clog. These bulky, slip-on rubber shoes with holes on top and sturdy heel bands have been a summer staple for years. Crocs come in many styles. They’re also popular with hospitality and healthcare workers or anyone else that stays on their feet for many hours. However, my favorite style of Crocs is the Santa Cruz Slip-On. The canvas upper, combined with a non-slip rubber sole, makes them perfect for running errands, heading down to the beach, or meeting friends for cocktails. Since I’ve worked remotely for many years, these are my daily, to-go shoes and they’re reasonably priced.

Floafers

When I moved to the beach, I stumbled across Floafers while scrolling through my Instagram feed. I walk on the beach several mornings a week and want a pair of shoes I could wear on the sand and didn’t have to worry about getting wet. So, I reached out to Floafers’ marketing director and ended up ordering a pair. Since then, I’ve helped sell several pairs when friends at the neighborhood pool commented on their style. Floafers look like drivers and are constructed entirely of foam rubber. They’re available in men’s and women’s in various colors and patterns.

Cole Haan ZEROGRAND Tennis Sneaker

As a tennis player, I’ve never considered Cole Haan a competitive court shoe. However, whether you’re playing tennis, strolling through a beach community, or running errands, the Cole Haan ZEROGRAND tennis sneaker is super stylish. The shoe’s dual-density, form midsole puts spring in your step, and the midfoot support keeps your foot locked in and steady.

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Allbirds Tree Dashers

This brand has made its mark as a comfortable shoe that breaths well. Runner’s like the Allbirds men’s Tree Dashers, and I love the look and feel. As the name implies, the manufacturing process uses material from trees, and you’ll hardly notice you’re wearing anything on your feet.

Adidas Stan Smith

The classic shoe made for tennis and endorsed by the former great, Stan Smith, is timeless. It’s not a shoe I would wear on the court today but is a comfortable sneaker that goes well with any casual summer attire. Originally white with green trim, this shoe is available in various colors and even comes in a heel-less version.

Aldo Guyaume Drivers

I love the classic look and feel of drivers. Cole Haan produces a traditional driver, and another of my favorites is the Aldo Guyaume Driver. Available in several colors, they’re the ideal loafer to wear out on the town with shorts or slacks. If you purchase suede, remember to spray them with a fabric protector to keep liquid spills or water from showing.

Vans Slip-Ons

Many manufacturers produce canvas slip-on’s, and there’s none better than Vans canvas or suede slip-on. Their checkerboard patterns are my favorites, and you can’t go wrong with classic white either. I also like these shoes for their paddled collars, elastic side accents, and rubber waffle outsoles.