Do you run on the beach in your normal running shoes? Or barefoot? It’s not the best experience and you can make your beach running more comfortable by getting a pair of running shoes made for the beach. Read on to see our reviews of the ten best shoes for running on the beach available; with ratings for design, functionality, durability, and ease of use. There’s also specifications, pros, and cons for each pair to help you find the perfect beach runners for you. For more information on beach running, footwear, and avoiding injury scroll down to our Buyer’s Guide and FAQs below.

Popular Choice

Women's Hydro Sport Water Shoe RYKA

★★★★★

RYKA Women's Hydro Sport Water best beach running, walking, or hiking Shoe

Top PickMost Popular

Men/Women Water Shoes KARARAO

★★★★★KARARAO Men/Women Water anti-slip rubber sole Shoes for beach running

Best Value

Mens Womens Water Shoes MISHANSHA

★★★★★

MISHANSHA Mens Womens Water Beaching running Shoes

ALL THE SHOES FOR RUNNING ON THE BEACH THAT WE TESTED

KARARAO Men/Women Water Shoes

OUR TOP PICK

KARARAO Men/Women Water anti-slip rubber sole Shoes for beach running

General Impression

Featuring quick-dry drainage holes, and being quite easy to put on and take off, these water shoes also come with an anti-slip rubber sole for the ultimate running experience on the beach. Thanks to its flexible stretch-vented Lycra fabric, these water shoes are both breathable and quick-drying, while also being easy to fold and carry, not worrying about creasing them. The women’s selection of these shoes comes with a reflective detail that makes night running safer and more enjoyable. Our top pick for the best shoes for running on the beach.

Specifications

SEX: Men/Women
MATERIALS: Polyester, Rubber Sole
DRAINAGE: Seven drainge holes rubber sole
GRIP: Non-slip
SUITABLE FOR: Beaching running, swim, surf, sailing, boating, kayaking, yoga

PROS

  • Breathable knit
  • Easy to put on and take off
  • Soft lining
  • Elastic straps
  • A selection for all ages

CONS

  • Might not be comfortable for a wide-arch foot

MISHANSHA Mens Womens Water Shoes

BEST VALUE

MISHANSHA Mens Womens Water Beaching running Shoes

General Impression

Mishansha men’s, women’s water shoes are our top pick for the best shoes for running on the beach. Mishansha unisex water shoes come in a variety of color options and styles for the active beach runner. These shoes designed for running on the beach, feature an easy on and off pull tab and elastic lace, providing a comfortable fit during a workout. The Mishansha quick-dry water shoes feature salt resistant and flexible materials for long-lasting durability, and the drainage holes in the sole allow water to drain quickly during and after a run on the beach. These are amongst the best shoes for running on the beach.

Specifications

SEX: Unisex
MATERIALS: Breathable lycra upper with salt resistance, rubber sole, elastic lace
DRAINAGE: Drainage holes on each bottom to ensure proper water flow
GRIP: Durable anti- slip rubber sole
SUITABLE FOR: Beaching running, swim, surf, sailing, boating, kayaking, yoga

PROS

  • Various color options
  • Salt resistant material
  • Easy on and off pull tab
  • Elastic lace
  • Drainage holes in the sole

CONS

  • Size runs large
  • Grips wear after prolonged use

RYKA Women's Hydro Sport Water Shoe

General Impression

The RYKA women’s hydro sport water shoe is a highly rated favorite among women who workout. The RYKA women’s hydro sport water shoes are great for water aerobics, beach running, walking, or hiking. These water shoes are 100% mesh and feature a sticky rubber sole for excellent traction and comfort. The footbed is removable, and the drainage ports in the bottom of the shoe allow for water drainage and quick-drying in between workouts. The nine color options are stylish and trendy, perfect for hopping in the pool, or heading to the beach for a workout session. These are also among our top best shoes for running on the beach.

Specifications

SEX: Women’s
MATERIALS: Mesh upper with webbing midfoot cage, rubber sole
DRAINAGE: Foam bottom with drainage ports
GRIP: Highly flexible sticky rubber outsole
SUITABLE FOR: Beach running, walking, hiking, water aerobics

PROS

  • Nine color options
  • 100% mesh
  • Removable footbed
  • Drainage ports in the shoe sole
  • Sticky rubber traction

CONS

  • Sand sticks in drainage holes
  • The upper fabric wears quickly over time

ON Cloudflyer Textile Synthetic Trainers

General Impression

ON cloudflyer textile synthetic trainers are some of the best beach running shoes on the market. The ON cloudflyer features zero-gravity foam cushioning and a Cloudtech platform providing optimum comfort during a run on the beach. These shoes are lightweight and have a curved rocker midsole, which also makes them an excellent choice for long-distance running and walking on various surfaces. The synthetic mesh dries quickly after coming in contact with water, and the ON cloudflyer comes in four color options.

Specifications

SEX: Women’s
MATERIALS: Synthetic flexible mesh upper with rubber sole
DRAINAGE: Quick-dry materials
GRIP: Zero-gravity foam cloud soles
SUITABLE FOR: Beach running, long distance running, walking, trail running

PROS

  • Cloudtech platform
  • Zero-gravity foam cushioning
  • Curved rocker midsole
  • Four color options
  • Lightweight design

CONS

  • Very low profile on the ankle
  • Sole wears easily

SIMARI Water Shoes Quick Dry

General Impression

Featuring a highly-appreciated breathable fabric, Simari’s water footwear comes with a protective sole to ensure your feet are safe from any surface – water, sand, rocky ground, gravel – you name it, these water shoes will do the trick.
Designed with elastic shoelaces with locking mechanisms, wearers can easily adjust the fit, while the flexible neckline makes it easy to put on and take off.
Boasting a unique drainage design, each sole features 8 holes that make for an easy drain, keeping your feet safe.

Specifications

SEX: Men/Women
MATERIALS: Lycra fabric, Rubber Sole
DRAINAGE: Eight drainge holes rubber sole
GRIP: Non-slip
SUITABLE FOR: Beaching running, swim, surf, sailing, boating, kayaking, yoga

PROS

  • For many sporting activities
  • For all ages
  • Suitable for both genders
  • Durable sole
  • Breathing fabric
  • Non-slipping
  • Available in sizes up to 14.5 for men, and 15 for women

CONS

  • Might not be dryer-safe
  • Perforated holes might enlarge

MAYZERO Water Shoes Men Women

General Impression

Mayzero water shoes are great for men or women who like to run on the beach. Mayzero water shoes are some of the best sand sneakers due to the rugged slip-resistant soles and the wide toe design. These beach, surf, and swim shoes are designed with quick-dry materials and come in a variety of colors to make you stand out while you are active. The drainage holes in the sole of this shoe allow water to easily drain out, keeping your feet dry and comfortable during outdoor activities.

Specifications

SEX: Unisex
MATERIALS: Breathable lycra upper with salt resistance, rubber sole, elastic lace
DRAINAGE: Drainage holes on each bottom to ensure proper water flow
GRIP: Upgraded rubber soles with slip resistance
SUITABLE FOR: Beaching running, swim, surf, sailing, boating, kayaking, yoga, windsurfing, wakeboarding

PROS

  • Various color options
  • Wide toe design
  • Quick-dry materials
  • Drainage holes
  • Slip-resistant soles

CONS

  • Size chart is confusing
  • Insert slips easily

DLGJPA Men's Lightweight Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes

General Impression

DLGJPA men’s lightweight quick drying aqua water shoes are lightweight and designed with breathable quick-dry materials making them an excellent choice for the best shoes for beach walking. These water shoes have unique drainage holes covering the entire surface of the shoe soles allowing water to drain freely during a walk or run on the beach. The elastic straps keep the shoes comfortably in place, providing just the right amount of stretch and flexibility. The DLGJPA men’s aqua water shoes also come in fifteen color combinations to match any workout attire or style.

Specifications

SEX: Men’s
MATERIALS: Breathable open mesh top, elastic lace
DRAINAGE: Drainage holes on each bottom to ensure proper water flow
GRIP: Anti-slip flexible rubber sole
SUITABLE FOR: Beach running, swim, surf, walking, yoga, sailing, boating, kayaking

PROS

  • Various color choices
  • Breathable quick-dry materials
  • Elastic straps
  • Unique drainage holes
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Fits large
  • Debris gets stuck in the soles easily

NIKE Women's Epic React Flyknit Running Shoe

General Impression

The Nike women’s epic react flyknit running shoe is an excellent choice for the best beach running shoes. Nike React technology delivers an exceptionally smooth ride during exercise, and the traction pattern on the sole is excellent for a wide range of surfaces, including sand. The Nike women’s epic react flyknit running shoe has a molded heel for stability and an easy-entry bootie design. This running shoe will turn heads with its stylish design and are available in almost fifty color combinations.

Specifications

SEX: Women’s
MATERIALS: Lightweight stretchy knit upper, rubber sole
DRAINAGE: Quickdry mesh fabric
GRIP: Molded stable heel, traction rubber pattern sole
SUITABLE FOR: Beach running, trail running, cross-training

PROS

  • Traction pattern sole
  • Nike React technology
  • Molded stable heel
  • Various color choices
  • Easy-entry bootie

CONS

  • May cause heal blisters until broken in
  • Runs big in size

L-RUN Unisex Water Shoes

General Impression

L-Run unisex water shoes feature stretchy lightweight materials providing an excellent fit for running on the beach. L-Run water shoes are some of the best shoes for beach running because they feature a non-slip rubber sole that provides exceptional traction in the sand, and they are easy to store in your waterproof bag for a quick trip to the beach. L-Run water shoes are low profile and fit like socks, which makes taking them on and off a breeze, and they come in over forty color choices.

Specifications

SEX: Unisex
MATERIALS: Quick dry stretchy upper materials, rubber sole
DRAINAGE: Quick dry squeezeable material for drainage
GRIP: Permeable non-slip resistance rubber sole
SUITABLE FOR: Beach running, swim, walking, yoga

PROS

  • Various color options
  • Easy on and off pull tab
  • Stretchy, lightweight materials
  • Non-slip rubber soles
  • Easy to store in luggage

CONS

  • Sized too small
  • Lining slips out easily

WHITIN Men's Cross-Trainer

General Impression

Whitin men’s cross-trainer is a barefoot-style minimalist shoe that is an excellent choice for the best sand running shoes. Whitin men’s cross-trainer shoes are vegan-friendly and come in a variety of color choices. These running shoes are designed with a thin flexible sole, a wide toe box, and a flat zero-drop style sole for ultimate comfort. The sock liner can be removed to increase the feeling of running barefoot on the sand while still having the support of a shoe. The Whitin men’s cross-trainer comes in traditional laced, elastic laced, and no-laced styles.

Specifications

SEX: Men’s
MATERIALS: Breathable vegan material
DRAINAGE: Quickdry mesh
GRIP: Wide, think, flat and flexible rubber sole
SUITABLE FOR: Beach running, trail running, walking

PROS

  • Various color options
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Wide toe box
  • Thin, flexible sole
  • Flat zero-drop sole
  • Removable sock liner

CONS

  • Fits large
  • Fabric too stretchy for cross-training movements

BEST SHOES FOR RUNNING ON THE BEACH
Buyer's Guide

Running on a beach is totally different compared to running on the boardwalk or a road, and finding the best shoes for running on the beach can be quite a task since there are so many options on the market. Having the right shoes for beach running is very important, especially if you are new to the beach running scene. To make sure your run on the beach is enjoyable and pain-free, there are some key features to consider. And knowing how to run correctly on the beach is very important as well.

Quick Dry

Chances are if you are running on the beach where the waves meet the sand, your feet have a very good chance of getting wet. So, finding running shoes that have quick-drying materials is very important. Running in wet shoes can be uncomfortable and also cause blisters, so shoes that dry quickly are a must. Lightweight, breathable fabrics dry quickly.

The quick-dry feature is also favorable when you need to pack your shoes in a beach bag or suitcase when it is time to head home from your trip. Other types of shoes that feature quick-dry capabilities include shoes designed for hiking, trekking, and even custom sailing shoes.

Soles

The soles of the shoes are your base, so choosing a running shoe for the beach with a stable footing is critical. Running on an uneven surface like sand can be challenging, but many shoes take on that challenge.

A wider sole shoe is excellent because it provides a larger surface area giving you more stability. Narrower shoes may look more stylish, but they can restrict movement. Along with the width – a shoe with a sturdy, durable sole will help protect your ankles from moving around too much in your shoes and prevent injuries.

Flexible soles with tread patterns provide more stability and grip, making it easier to run in the dips and grooves on a beach. One additional feature of a good beach running shoe sole is draining holes. The best beach running shoes have special drainage holes so that water can easily flow through the bottom when they get wet.

Sand Safety

Running on the sand is an excellent workout, but it can be challenging for your body. To make your runs safer and to prevent injury, run in hard, wet sand at the edge of the waterline. The hard-packed sand is more stable to run on than the softer, drier sand. A beach at low tide has a lot more surface area to run on than a beach at high tide, where there is more softer, dry sand.

As a beginner, staying on hard sand will protect your body from injuries and help you ease into a different type of running workout. Professional trainers and runners also recommend keeping your beach runs shorter than your runs on pavement.

Barefoot Runners

Many people prefer to run barefoot on the beach to keep their shoes sand-free or because they like the freeing feeling on the sand in their toes. Running barefoot is safe, but should be eased into if you are not an experienced runner. Without the support of a shoe, you increase the risk of feet and ankle injuries when running on an uneven surface. Many shoes that are designed specifically for running and have a low profile and are flexible enough to make you feel like you are running shoes-free.

Shoe Maintenance

To keep your running shoes ready to hit the beach, you will want to take a few steps to keep them clean and maintained. Sand, saltwater, and even sweat can get on your shoes and damage them even after a few runs. Washing your shoes with fresh water will keep them in better shape for a more extended period of time. Once you rinse your shoes, let them air dry, but not in direct sunlight.

BEST SHOES FOR RUNNING ON THE BEACH
FAQs

1. Should you wear shoes running on the beach?

Running on the sand can be challenging but also rewarding. Many people prefer to run on the beach barefoot, but this takes some experience to prevent injuries. Running on the beach can strengthen your feet and ankles tremendously, but to prevent plantar fasciitis, knee injuries, ankle sprains, and Achilles tendon injuries, choosing a shoe with excellent support and flexibility is vital. Wearing shoes when running on the beach can also protect your feet from shells, rocks, or other sharp objects that are hidden in the sand. The skin on your feet can also be affected when running on the beach. If the sand is rough or rocky, it may irritate or even cause the skin on your feet to start peeling off. Many trainers and running experts do recommend wearing shoes when you run on the beach for total comfort, safety, and injury prevention.

2. What are the benefits of jogging on beach sand?

There are quite a few benefits of jogging on beach sand. The first one is that running on sand improves your running technique due to the even surface, which is different than running on a solid surface. The sand under your feet gives and moves as you run so your muscles are working harder to maintain control and stability, which improves your running technique. The resistance also builds your strength, stabilizes your muscles, and improves coordination while running. Because you and your muscles are working harder, you will also burn more calories. Jogging on sand gives you an intense workout in a shorter amount of time than running on a regular flat surface like a track or a treadmill. Jogging on sand is perfect for interval training because you can run short distances and then do other exercises in between each interval for an ultimate cardio workout.

3. What beach conditions are good for jogging?

The best beach conditions for jogging are in the hard, wet sand next to the water, especially if you are jogging on a beach for the first few times. This is the safest way to run on the beach because the hard-packed sand creates a more stable surface for runners. A beach at low tide or falling tide should have a wider area of this type of hard sand, which is similar to a soft trail, so it is easier on your body. Staying close to the water’s edge, but not in the water, is best. It is still possible to run at high tide, but you may have a smaller surface area with dry, softer sand making the surface more uneven, adding a level of difficulty.

4. Does running in sand make you faster?

Because running in the sand takes more effort and balance due to being on an uneven surface, you can slowly improve your running speed on even surfaces if you train by running in the sand. When running in the sand, you may run more slowly due to the resistance and give in the sand, but over time this will build your muscles and strength in your legs and feet. Once your strength and endurance grow, you can become an overall faster runner. Running shorter distances in the sand is recommended, especially for beginners. More experienced runners training for a race may run longer distances in the sand to help build their stamina for race day. Sand running can be compared to running with ankle weights; once you take the weights off, or run off of the sand, the weight lifted will increase your speed.

5. What are the best beach running shoes made by Nike?

The best beach shoes made by Nike are the React Flyknit series. The Nike React Flyknit shoes are designed specifically for running and are constructed with durable, lightweight materials that are good for the beach and other surfaces. The Nike react technology gives runners a smooth ride during their run, the molded heel design provides security and stability, the traction pattern on the rubber sole enhances tractions and durability, and the low cut bootie style design makes them easy to slip on and off. The mesh material on these Nike running shoes also drys quickly if it comes in contact with water. Nike React Flyknit shoes come in almost fifty color options to choose from for both men and women.

6. What are the best running shoes for running in beach sand?

Many people prefer to run on the beach barefoot, but running on the beach with shoes has advantages. Wearing shoes while running on the beach can protect your feet from shells, rocks, or broken glass, and can provide support to prevent injuries to your feet, knees, and legs. The best shoes for beach running should not be too bulky or too stiff. Sandy beaches are unstable when you are running, and a bulky or stiff shoe could cause ankle injuries if you step the wrong way because they can restrict motion. The best sand running shoes should be flexible and conform to your feet. You want to choose a shoe that has support but allows natural movement of your feet as if you were barefoot. The best beach running shoes have a tight mesh material that allows water to drain and will also dry quickly. Your shoes will get sandy, so materials like suede or leather may not be best for running on the beach.

7. What are the best affordable shoes for running on the beach?

Moerdeng makes one of the best and most affordable shoes for running on the beach. Moerdeng’s water shoes are made for both women and men and have all of the features to look for when purchasing shoes for running in sand. Moerdeng water shoes are constructed with a breathable and stretchable fabric that allows your feet to move freely while running on the beach. The drainage holes in the soles of the shoes ensure proper water flow if you run through water. The rubber soles have anti-skid patterns that provide traction, and these shoes can also be worn while swimming, surfing, boating, kayaking, or doing yoga. When looking to purchase the best affordable shoes for running on the beach, be sure to look out for these key features.

8. What are the best beach running shoes for women?

There are a wide variety of options for beach running shoes for women. Mishansha makes running shoes for the beach and other outdoor activities that are lightweight and have water draining capabilities. Ryka is a popular choice for women’s shoes, and the Ryka women’s hydro sport water cross-training shoe is very highly rated due to its flexible and breathable design. These shoes are great for beach running and also for water aerobics. The Nike women’s epic react flyknit shoe is designed specifically for women who run, and it is one of the best beach running shoes for women. The lowcut bootie design on this Nike shoe makes it easy to put on and take off, and the materials are flexible and durable so they will last even when running on the beach frequently.

nike beach running shoes review

REACH OUT

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!

David Stefanoski

David Stefanoski is an avid outdoorsman who loves to explore the deepest, most exciting crevices of nature and then write about them. From the maximum depth that a scuba suit can go, to the maximum heights that his legs will take him, David enjoys the outdoors in its warmest, sunniest days on the prairie, to the iciest, dampest little spots in Eastern Europe. After 15 years of trudging, his favorite outdoorsman activity is still chopping wood due to his large body size. He says it's like splitting toothpicks!

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