With the UK experiencing a milder than usual spring this year, you might be thinking about escaping the British Isles for some sun, sea, and sand.
When it comes to packing for a beach holiday, no doubt you’ll have a long list of items you’ll be keen to take with you. From buckets and spades, to the all-important sunscreen, beach towels, and reading material, a trip to the beach is never as simple as it seems.
Often, however, we tend to overlook the importance of what we’ll be wearing on our feet while we’re lounging around on the beach. While a simple pair of ladies flip flops always comes in handy for me (and I personally swear by Havianas!), you might benefit from bringing a pair of trainers, hiking shoes or water shoes with you too.
So, beyond packing our faithful flip flops, how can we ensure we choose the most appropriate footwear for a beach holiday?
Consider whether you’ll be taking a dip
Some holiday-makers are happy lounging around on a beach towel on the sand, soaking up the sun with a cocktail in hand. Others seek a more active holiday experience, whether that means embarking on a sun-soaked swim or taking part in water sports like kayaking, snorkelling or diving.
If you’ll be taking a dip in the sea or exploring any rock pools while at the beach, consider packing a pair of water shoes with a good grip on the sole. These quick-drying shoes cling to your feet so they won’t come off in the water, and they’ll help to protect your feet from any hidden sharp objects, while also providing increased stability.
However, bear in mind that you’ll want to take your water shoes off once you leave the water as they’ll be soaking wet, so you should take an alternative pair of shoes with you to change into too.
Put comfort first
While heeled sandals or platform wedges can look the part at the beach, they may not be the most comfortable choice of footwear for roaming around on uneven sand.
If you plan on enjoying long strolls across the beach while on holiday, pack a comfortable pair of trainers or walking shoes. This way, you can minimise any potential foot pain, avoid blisters and, heaven forbid, prevent any dangerous trips, or falls.
Consider your personal style
While comfort should always come first when we’re packing for a beach holiday, most of us feel more comfortable when we wear clothing – and footwear – we feel confident in.
So, while you should spend time considering what kind of footwear will feel best during wear, make sure you choose a pair of shoes which you actually like – and want to be seen – wearing. Personally, I always tend to opt for comfort over style, but there are certain styles of shoe I’d never be seen dead wearing!
Think about the climate
Even after considering the above, it’s pointless packing a pair of flip flops into your case if you’ll be heading off on a beach holiday to north Wales in mid-October. Similarly, you might not be at your most comfortable sweating away in a pair of sneakers in sweltering summer heat, anywhere in the world.
So, always consider what the local climate is likely to be like when choosing what kind of footwear to pack for your beach trip. You might think it’s just common sense, but you’d be surprised at just how many people tend to overlook this.
What footwear do you tend to pack for a beach trip? Let me know by leaving a comment below.