If there’s a beach vacation in your future, or even just a day trip, consider yourself lucky. There’s nothing like the beach to help you escape from reality for a day and clear your mind. But wearing the wrong type of shoes can make you highly uncomfortable and ruin your plans altogether. Even the nicest-looking sandals can make your feet overheat or rub in the wrong spots, causing blisters. While sandals might be the last thing you think about packing, it’s a mistake many people don’t realize they’re making until after spending a day at the beach in the wrong shoes. That’s why it’s so important to take some time to pack the right sandals. When you want to look your best and be comfortable doing it, here are the best sandals for the beach.

Water Shoes

You can’t think about the beach without thinking about the water. And if your beach plans include actually going into the water instead of simply looking at it, water shoes are a must. Stepping on a rock or jellyfish while frolicking in the waves with bare feet can put you out of commission for the duration of your trip. Instead of worrying about what’s lurking underneath, putting on some protective water shoes can mean the difference between a great trip and a great mistake. There are lots of styles and colors to choose from, and with the right fit, they’ll stay on your feet even in stronger currents.

Flip-Flops

The quintessential beach shoe is undoubtedly the flip-flop. They easily fit into beach bags, and they’re also super inexpensive, so you can get a pair in several colors. Plus, they’re easy to take on and off, so you can protect your soles from the hot sand and then flip them off once you get to your beach towel. Plus, shaking the sand out of these simple shoes is absolutely effortless, as there are no creases or crevices for it to get stuck in. Just keep in mind that flip-flops are named for what they do when you wear them, so you won’t get much protection or support. They should only be worn for low-impact casual strolls, and mostly to protect your feet from the hot sand underneath. That being said, you can get flip-flops that are more athletic in nature and can provide great support throughout the day. Choose wisely, and make your decision based on your beach plans.

Athletic Sandals

As great as flip-flops are for the beach, they don’t always stay on like we want them to. So if you’re planning any activity like volleyball or even walking along a pebbled beach, you’ll want some athletic sandals with a strap over the toes and behind the heel so they’ll stay on no matter how active you get. You can find a variety of athletic sandals, and most of them have adjustable Velcro straps for easy open and closure. Some have more coverage than others, so when it’s really warm, you might want athletic sandals with minimal straps. Plus, you’ll have fewer tan lines with fewer straps on your feet.

All-Weather Closed-Toe Sandals

We might think of warm weather and white sand when we think of the beach, but some people prefer the beach outside of the summer season. Whether that means doing the Polar Bear Plunge, camping next to the waves in autumn, or taking the dog for a springtime hike and swim, you’ll need some sandals to make it happen. They should be waterproof, have a thick rubber sole for rocky conditions, and feel soft when they rub up against your foot. The closed-toe will save your skin and protect your pedicure too.

Gladiator Sandals

When paired with a cotton sundress or maxi dress, some gladiator sandals that wrap up the ankle can look quite glamorous. Of course, they’re not going to be as easy to slip on and off like other types of sandals, but if you’re just going to be strolling along casually or hanging out with friends at a bonfire, they’re a great-looking option. Plus, their flat footing provides flexibility that makes it ideal for walking through the sand.

Keep in mind that the sandals you relied upon over the past few years might need an upgrade if they have thin straps and soles and weren’t meant to be worn excessively. And no matter what type of sandals you choose for your day at the beach, it’s always a good idea to have an extra pair on hand if you’re wearing your new sandals for the first time and haven’t broken them in yet. There are so many options out there, you should have no problem finding the right pair as long as you do a little planning in advance.