After years of traveling, I've become a firm believer in packing light. Every item in my carry-on has to earn its place, and shoes are always the trickiest to justify.
That's why I rely on several pairs of double-duty shoes, especially when visiting tropical locales. Ones that move easily from the beach to dinner without missing a beat.
The best beach shoes are lightweight, pack flat, stand up to both water and sand, and still look intentional when you swap your swimsuit for a sleek ensemble come dinnertime.
After plenty of trial and error on planes, boats, and cobblestone streets, these are the pairs I trust and recommend when carry-on space is limited.
In this article
Vilanva Walking Sandals
These are my go-to when I know I'll be on my feet from morning to night. The sandals are impressively lightweight, about 7 ounces per shoe, with a high-elasticity woven strap that conforms to your foot instead of digging in after hours of wear.
The non-slip synthetic outsole holds up on everything from sandy boardwalks to slick pool decks, and the sleek, curved silhouette keeps them looking refined rather than sporty.
I have mine in dark khaki, and they've been just as at home with a swimsuit and cover-up as they have with wide-leg pants and a fitted top at dinner.
Reef Vista Carmen
My Reef Vista Carmen sandals in cocoa are easily the most versatile flip-flops I've packed.
They're comfortable for all-day wear thanks to the cushioned footbed and arch support. They look great with shorts and a tee, but the woven raffia wrapping adds just enough polish to work with a beach cover-up by day and white jeans or a wrap dress at night.
There's no outfit change required, no second pair stashed in my bag, just one sandal that keeps up with wherever the day takes me.
Soleisea Bowie Ebene
The Soleisea Bowie in black proves that a walkable shoe can still look put-together. Made with water-friendly materials, supportive arch cushioning, and a slip-resistant sole, it works as a true beach sandal—not just a dressy option that happens to survive sand.
I wear mine for everything from exploring a new city to dinners with an actual dress code. The minimalist, low-profile design pairs just as well with a bathing suit and beachwear as it does with a maxi dress for sunset cocktails. It's the first pair I pack when I know I won't have room for backup shoes.
Vionic Palisades
My Vionic Palisades in gold leather are what I reach for when I need a sandal to survive walks to the beach in the afternoon and still hold its own at a dinner table that night.
Vionic is known for podiatrist-designed arch support, and the Palisades delivers that comfort in a slim, T-strap silhouette that looks nothing like a typical orthopedic shoe. The metallic leather finish instantly dresses up a sundress or linen pants for evening.
It also comes in several other colors and finishes, including a black patent leather, which I'd choose for a more formal night out.
OluKai La'i T-Bar Sandals
I've had my eye on the OluKai La'i T-Bar in tan all season. OluKai is one of Hawaii's best-known sandal brands, and this pair shows why.
The stretchable strap and soft tubular toe thong make them easy to slip on and off and comfortable all day, while the tortoise-shell buckle gives them a polished look most beach sandals can't pull off. They're water-friendly for the pool or beach, yet the glossy finish and elevated design make them dressy enough for dinner.
I'm picturing them with a flowy dress, wide-leg pants, or a gauzy cover-up as this is an easy sandal that can go from a beach walk to a dinner reservation without a second thought.
The Shortcut
A metallic finish or embellished buckle can take a beach sandal from daytime casual to dinner-ready without changing shoes.
The best transition sandals stay comfortable enough to wear all day, so there's no need to swap shoes between the beach and dinner.
Water-friendly materials and slip-resistant soles hold up on wet pool decks and sandy boardwalks, unlike a typical dressy sandal.
