Beach Shoes

You can, but wet sand and salt water can damage leather and cork. Moulded and rubber styles handle water better. If your leather sandals do get wet, let them dry naturally, away from direct heat. Comfort should come first every time.

Rinse them in fresh water to remove salt and sand, then let them dry away from direct sunlight. Use mild soap on moulded footbeds. Check the care label for leather, suede and cork styles. Fit matters more than any label, so walk around first.

Sandals with a heel strap are more secure on sand, as slides can fill with sand and slip. Choose a style with adjustable straps and a grippy sole, and keep slides for short walks and poolside use. Take your time trying a few pairs.

Pack a pair of slides for the pool, a supportive sandal for walking and a comfortable closed shoe for evenings or rain. Choose lightweight styles that dry quickly, and add spare socks for longer days out. Fit matters more than any label.