How to Choose Beach Sandals for Walking on Sand
By OluKai | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to pick beach sandals that offer grip, comfort, and durability for walking on sand. Our guide covers traction, fit, and top OluKai options.
Quick answer
For comfortable walking on sand, look for sandals with a grippy outsole, water-resistant materials, and a secure fit. OluKai's beach sandals like the Hokua and Ulele offer the traction and support you need.
Why traction matters on sand
Sand is an unstable surface that shifts underfoot, so a sandal with a textured rubber outsole provides the grip needed to prevent slipping and reduce fatigue. A lug pattern or wet-grip rubber can make a real difference when walking on loose or wet sand.
Water-friendly materials keep you comfortable
Sand and water go together, so choose sandals made from water-resistant or quick-drying materials. Leather can be durable if treated, but synthetic straps and rubber footbeds are more forgiving after a dip in the ocean or a walk through damp sand.
Decision rules for choosing beach sandals for walking
- Check the outsole grip: Look for a rubber sole with visible lugs or a wet-grip pattern. Smooth soles will slide on sand, especially when it's wet.
- Prioritize water resistance: Choose sandals made from water-friendly synthetics or treated leather. Avoid materials that soak up water and become heavy or uncomfortable. If you plan to walk near the waterline, floating sandals like the Ulele are a bonus.
- Ensure a secure fit: Sandals with adjustable straps or a contoured footbed keep your foot from shifting on sand. A loose fit can cause blisters or instability. Try the sandals with the socks you might wear (or none) and walk a few steps to check for heel slip.
Product facts
- Hokua: The Hokua features a rubber outsole with a sea urchin lug design for superior traction. That aggressive tread pattern gives you extra grip on loose or wet sand, making it a great choice for active beach walks.
Hokua - Ulele - Trench Blue / Trench Blue: The Ulele is designed with a lightweight, sneaker-like build and water-resistant materials, and it floats. Its buoyancy and quick-drying construction make it ideal for surf checks or any water-adjacent walking where you don't want soggy sandals.
Ulele - Trench Blue / Trench Blue
Fit guidance
Best for
- Active beach walkers who need grip on loose or wet sand
- People who want a secure, adjustable fit for uneven terrain
Not for
- Those who prefer a minimalist barefoot feel without any tread pattern
