Most of us tend to run on our favorite surfaces such as concrete/tarmac, grass and trails. Beach running is very tough and feels like you need to put out a lot more effort to get to the other side. However some people swear by beach running and it is their surface of choice. If you’re one of those people then you know that you love the challenge of sand running.
Having the right pair of running shoes can make beach runs more enjoyable. The best running shoes for beach running should be minimalistic but also provide cushioning and support where you might run into beach debris.
We’ve compiled a variety of choices for shoes that are suitable with beach running, check out the JogTunes picks below.
Best Shoes For Beach Running Compared And Reviewed
1. Yalox Unisex Water Shoes
Reasons to buy
- Features quick-dry drainage holes
- Specifically designed to be worn on the beach
- Offers great support and protection
- Lightweight and versatile
- Reasonably priced
Reasons to avoid
- Quality and longevity not that impressive
If you are on the market for a pair of top-quality beach running shoes, this product should definitely be up there on your list of considerations. The shoe comes in a variety of colors and sizes, ranging from women’s to men’s.
These running shoes have been specifically designed to be used on the beach. They feature a breathable and smooth upper material, ensuring that you do not get any blisters, even when the shoe is wet. On top of this, the bottom of the shoe features a solid insert designed to protect your foot from rocks, shells, etc.
These shoes feature quick-dry drainage holes. This means that if you get your feet wet while on the beach, the shoes will dry in no time at all. With a non-slip sole, you also will not have to worry about your foot moving around while on your runs.
The Yalox water shoes are incredibly lightweight and perfect for just about any runner. Your feet will be well supported and protected on your beach runs, drastically reducing your chances of developing an injury. However, it is worth noting that the overall quality and longevity of the product doesn’t quite match up to some of the more expensive options on our list.
2. SIMARI Unisex Sports Shoes
Reasons to buy
- Reasonably priced
- Good value for money
- Offers comfort and protection
- Lightweight
- Unique design for beach running
Reasons to avoid
- Quality and longevity not too impressive
These SIMARI water shoes come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. In fact, they are unisex, making them perfect for just about any runner.
Made out of 92% polyester, these beach shoes are incredibly lightweight. If you enjoy shoes that feel as if they almost aren’t on your feet, this product should definitely be up there on your list of considerations.
These shoes are breathable and offer great support. Featuring a solid insert, your feet will be protected from rocks, shells, and other hard objects that can be found on the beach. These shoes have a very unique design that ensures optimal comfort.
The product features an elastic lace system, making it incredibly easy to slip your foot in and out of the shoe. More so, you will be able to loosen and tighten the shoes according to the size of your foot.
Again, the quality and longevity of this product are not all too impressive when compared to some of the more expensive options. However, considering the low price tag, you will still be getting good value for money.
3. Yalox Unisex Outdoor Aqua Shoes
Reasons to buy
- Has a unique design
- Offers foot protection
- Easy to put on and take off
- Very reasonably priced
Reasons to avoid
- Quality and longevity not too impressive
If you are on the market for a budget-friendly pair of beach running shoes, this product should definitely be up there on your list of considerations. The Yalox unisex aqua shoes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Sold at a very affordable price, you can expect less quality. However, you still get good value for money, as the shoes are specifically designed to be worn on the beach. Though they do not offer much ankle support, they will protect your foot from rocks, shells, and any other hard objects found on the beach.
The shoes are made out of a mixture of polyester and spandex. The sole of the shoe is a non-slip rubber insert that offers great comfort. You will not have to worry about your foot moving around when on your beach runs. This also drastically reduces your chances of developing blisters.
These beach shoes have a very unique design that makes them stand out when compared to competitor options. For example, the laceless front makes it incredibly easy to slip your foot in and out of the shoe. More so, the spandex and polyester fabric dries very fast when wet.
4. Mishansha Unisex Quick-Dry Water Shoes
Reasons to buy
- Supportive rubber sole
- Offers drainage and proper water flow
- Specifically designed for the beach
- Reasonably priced
- Good value for money
Reasons to avoid
- Quality not too impressive
- Doesn’t offer much support
These beach running shoes come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. They can be worn by both men and women, making them incredibly versatile.
These shoes feature a spandex upper that makes them incredibly easy to put on and take off. Featuring elastic laces, you will also be able to adjust the size of the shoes according to your foot shape and width.
This product features a rubber sole that provides optimal comfort. On top of this, this anti-slip sole has several holes in the bottom to ensure proper water flow and correct drainage. This creates a much healthier foot environment, especially if you go for beach runs often.
If you are looking for a reasonably priced pair of beach shoes that still offer good value for money, this option should definitely be up there on your list of considerations. With that being said, the quality is not overly impressive, meaning that you may have to replace the shoes after a year or so of use.
Overall, these shoes are a great option for any new runner. They offer good protection from any hard objects that you may find on the beach, including rocks, etc. However, they are not the most supportive. For this reason, if you are prone to injury, you may want to consider alternative options.
5. VIFUUR Unisex Quick-Dry Aqua Shoes
Reasons to buy
- Easy to slip on and off
- Can be used for a wide variety of sports
- Very reasonably priced
- Offer protection from objects on the beach
Reasons to avoid
- Not much cushioning
- Does not offer much support
These VIFUUR aqua shoes are the most budget-friendly option on our list. For this reason, if you are new to beach running and are not looking to spend a fortune on your shoes just yet, this product should definitely be up there on your list of considerations.
These shoes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They are also unisex, making them perfect for just about any runner. However, it is worth noting that the shoes do not offer much support in terms of the ankle. More so, they do not feature much cushioning, meaning that you may feel as if you are running barefoot.
Overall, these shoes are specifically designed to protect your foot from objects on the beach. The solid insert at the bottom of the shoe will prevent any injuries from rocks, shells, litter, etc. If you enjoy a lightweight shoe that does not interfere with the natural movements of your foot, this option may be your best bet.
It is also worth noting that the shoes are incredibly versatile. They can be used for a wide variety of sports, including beach running, fishing, sailing, kayaking, beach volleyball, and even swimming. The shoes are very easy to slip on and off, making them convenient as well.
6. Nautica Unisex Water Shoes
Reasons to buy
- Made out of top quality materials
- Has a great design
- Offers optimal support and protection
- Reduces your chances of developing an injury
Reasons to avoid
- Pricey when compared to other options on the list
These Nautica water shoes are perfect for any beach runner. If you are not shopping on a budget, they should definitely be added to your list of considerations. However, it is worth noting that the shoes only come in two designs – black and orange or grey and yellow.
Featuring a durable rubber sole, your feet will be extremely comfortable during your runs. The shoe features a lot of cushioning, providing optimal support and protection. More so, this cushioning molds to the shape of your foot, meaning that the shoes will fit you like a glove.
Made out of a top-quality, breathable material, your feet will be well ventilated at all times. More so, the sole features drainage holes that ensure optimal water flow. The bottom of the shoe features a grip and a solid insert, providing additional support and protection.
If you are prone to injuries, this product may be your best bet. The additional padding absorbs pressure during your run, meaning that your joints will be put under less strain. In the long run, this drastically reduces your chances of developing an injury.
7. L-Run Unisex Skin Shoes
Reasons to buy
- Made out of 100% polyester
- Designed to protect your feet
- Dry very quickly
- Specifically designed to be worn on the beach
- Reasonably priced
Reasons to avoid
- Do not offer much drainage or water flow
- Do not offer much support
This skin shoe is made out of 100% polyester, making it incredibly lightweight. If you prefer shoes that mold to the shape of your foot and do not restrict any of your movements, this product should definitely be added to your list of considerations.
These shoes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. With a laceless front, you will find it incredibly easy to slip your foot in and out. More so, the polyester front offers great breathability and ventilation.
Sold at a reasonable price, this product is highly recommended to any runner who is shopping on a budget. However, it is important to note that the shoes still offer good value for money. Specifically designed to protect your feet from objects lying on the beach, you will be sure to get a lot of use out of the purchase.
However, please be aware that the shoes do not offer much support. If you are prone to injury, you may want to consider alternative options. More so, while the shoes do dry very quickly, they do not offer much drainage or water flow.
8. SIMARI Unisex Quick-Dry Aqua Shoes
Reasons to buy
- Made out of top quality materials
- Good value for money
- Reduces your chances of developing an injury
- Offers water drainage and improved water flow
Reasons to avoid
- One of the more expensive options on our list
These SIMARI quick dry aqua shoes are perfect for a number of beach sports. Featuring a reliable and durable grip, you can use the shoes to walk/run over rocks and other technical routes. More so, the shoes feature a solid insert that protects your feet from rough and rocky terrain.
These shoes provide a decent amount of support. If you have struggled with joint injuries in the past, these aqua shoes should definitely be added to your list of considerations. The extra cushioning and padding will absorb the pressure placed on your joints with every step taken during your run. This drastically reduces your chances of developing an injury in the long run.
However, it is worth noting that the shoes are one of the more expensive options mentioned on our list. For this reason, if you are shopping on a budget, you may want to consider alternative beach running shoes.
The SIMARI quick dry aqua shoes have a unique design that makes them stand out when compared to competitor options. For example, each sole features 8 holes that are designed to drain any water and improve the water flow. Because of this, if you stand in any water during your beach run, the shoes will dry in no time at all.
How To Choose The Best Beach Running Shoes
As you can see, there are plenty of brands and models to choose from if you are on the market for a new pair of beach running shoes. However, in order to find a pair that meets your expectations, it is essential that you consider exactly what the shoes will be used for.
For example, if your beach runs are only on the soft, sandy terrain, you can invest in a pair that does not offer as much protection. On the other hand, if you run over rocks and other rough terrains, you will want to invest in a pair of shoes that prioritizes protection.
Some of the most important factors to consider include the price of the shoes, which materials they are made out of, how long they will last, the features included in the product, and how much support the shoes offer. You will need to decide exactly what you are looking for in a beach running shoe before spending any money.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are plenty of reliable and popular brands out there for you to consider when looking for a decent pair of beach running shoes. Some of the better-known brands include SIMARI, Nike, K-Way, and Yalox.
The price of beach running shoes differs quite a lot. If you are shopping on a budget, you could find products that cost as little as $10. On the other hand, some of the most expensive models can cost upwards of $150.
If you are looking for a top-quality beach running shoe that does not break the bank, you should look to spend around $30 to $60. Products in this range will give you good value for your money.
As we have already mentioned, there are plenty of factors and features to consider before investing in a pair of beach running shoes. For example, you will need to think about how much you are willing to spend.
On top of the price tag, you should invest in a pair of shoes that will meet your needs and wants. Think about the quality, longevity, and usability of the shoes. More so, consider any features that will make the shoes better suited to you.
Sources
- https://yalox.co/about-us/
- https://www.mishansha.com/pages/our-story
- https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/publications/sand-training-exercise-induced-muscle-damage-and-inflammatory-res
- https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/publications/effect-of-sand-versus-grass-training-surfaces-during-an-8-week-pr
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.