When it comes to surf sandals, it’s hard to beat the biggest Hawaiian name in the game. Photo: Olukai.

When it comes to surf equipment, shoes probably aren’t the first thing that come to mind. And while they’re not vital to your surfing, you’re likely slipping on a pair of shoes or sandals every time you head for the coast. For long treks to the beach, strolls around town, post surf lunches with friends, and navigating toasty parking lot pavement, here are six of our favorite pairs of surf sandals for women.

Rainbow Single Layer Leather Sandal ($56) Billabong See Thru Me Single Strap Sandals ($30) Sanuk Rio Slide ($35) OluKai ‘Aukai Sandals ($90) Vans Slide-One Sandal ($39-58) Chaco Wayfarer Post Sandal ($110) Teva Midform Universal Sandal ($60) Havaianas Brazil Flip Flops ($26)

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When I’m looking for a new pair of slides there are a few things I take into consideration. Key factors for me include comfort, durability, style, and cost.

Comfort If you’re anything like me, you spend a lot of time in your sandals: strolling through town, trekking to surf breaks, or just walking the dog around the block. I want my shoes to be comfortable, so they’re able to keep up with all of my adventures.

Durability My thought when buying a new pair of slides is to spend a little extra in hopes that my shoes will last for years to come. I want sandals that can withstand long and frequent walks, getting wet, and lots and lots of sand.

Style Although cheap Old Navy sandals will get the job done, I want a pair of sandals that look good. I plan on wearing my sandals to the beach as well as to taco Tuesdays and beachside dinners so yeah, I want them to be cool.

Cost You know the adage: you get what you pay for. A good pair of sandals doesn’t come cheap. That being said, a good pair of sandals shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. I want sandals that are well-made but come at a reasonable price.

Comfort: 5 Durability: 5 Style: 4 Cost: 4 Overall: 4.5/5

Rainbows are a sandal that improve with time. They won’t be quite as comfortable when you first get them, but give them a week or two and they’ll become the most comfortable sandals you’ve ever worn as the layers of memory foam and leather mold to your feet. And it just keeps on getting better from there. These sandals last forever, and are backed by Rainbow’s guarantee if they break before you wear through the sole. They’re the epitome of comfortable and durable, and the classic leather has some style points to boot.

The one-inch strap is certainly the most comfortable option, but for a more feminine-looking sandal check out the half-strap option here.

Check Price on Amazon and REI.

Comfort: 4 Durability: 4 Style: 5 Cost: 5 Overall: 4.5/5

Billabong has been one of my personal favorite surf brands for years and like most of their products, the See Thru Me Sandals deliver style and comfort. While I’m all about utilitarian shoes, it’s nice for them to have a cute, feminine flair as well. Available in three different colorways, the See Thru Me sandals feature a PU footbed and EVA outsole and are ultra-lightweight and comfortable. While these sandals aren’t the best option for long treks, they are comfortable for strolls to the beach and a fun addition to any post surf outfit.

Check Price on Amazon and Zappos.

Comfort: 5 Durability: 4 Style: 4 Cost: 5 Overall: 4.5/5

Combining style and comfort, Sanuk’s Rio Slides are a great option to slip into after a long surf. Available in three fun color options, these sandals sport a lycra upper, a high rebound soft top foam, and are made from 47 percent recycled EVA foam. The sandals feel soft and cushy and the strappy design offers fun style points. Available at an affordable price, the Rio Slides are a great option for the beach, yoga, and everything in between.

Check Price on Amazon and Zappos.

Comfort: 5 Durability: 4 Style: 5 Cost: 3 Overall: 4.25/5

You’d be hard pressed to find a better pair of sandals than OluKai’s ‘Aukai sandals. Designed for all-around comfort, these sandals are made from full-grain leather uppers, breathable microfiber lining, and nylon toeposts. The PU footbeds offer solid support for longer treks to the beach and a traction pad on the base offers additional footing for navigating slippery surfaces. The ‘Aukai sandals are well made, durable, and comfortable.

Check Price on REI, Amazon, and Zappos.

Comfort: 4 Durability: 4 Style: 5 Cost: 4 Overall: 4.25/5

When it comes to shoes, Vans has been my choice for years. The Slide-One sandal delivers the Vans style you know and love, with all the benefits of a sandal. Featuring a soft, synthetic strap, stretch textile lining, and waffle outsoles, theses sandals are lightweight, flexible, comfortable, and hold up well in water. While they’re beyond comfortable for short distances, they lost a few points on longer treks because I found my foot tended to slip out easily. When it comes to chilling, though, Vans’ Slip-Ons are my go-to for a good shoe/sandal hybrid option.

Check Price on Zappos and Amazon.

Comfort: 5 Durability: 5 Style: 4 Cost: 3 Overall: 4.25/5

Chaco’s Wayfarer Post Sandals are designed with adventure and comfort in mind. The leather upper allows for a secure fit, the suede footbed is soft and durable, the Luvseat midsole offers comfortable arch support, and the ChacoGrip rubber allows for secure footing on slippery surfaces. The combination of support and comfort makes the Wayfarer Post Sandals well suited for longer walks to the beach and the strappy design ensures they won’t fall off en route. Although the price is a little steep, these sandals have everything you’d want in a pair of post-surf slides with style points to boot.

Check Price on Amazon, Backcountry, REI and Zappos.

Comfort: 5 Durability: 4 Style: 3 Cost: 4 Overall: 4/5

As a kid, my mom always referred to Tevas as “dorky hiking sandals” and teased my dad relentlessly for wearing them. But as an adult, I’m in love with them. They’re comfortable, durable, and in regards to style, I’ll be so bold to say that they’re even kind of cool. Thoughtful features include a hook-and-loop closure for easy entry and exit, an EVA midsole that provides extra cushioning, and a rubber sole for traction on both wet and dry surfaces. Made with the planet in mind, these sandals include polyester webbing that is made from recycled bottles and the rest of the materials are synthetic and/or plant based. While they aren’t the most stylish sandals, Teva’s Midform Sandals are comfortable and durable enough to withstand any and every adventure.

Check Price on Amazon, Backcountry, and Zappos.

Comfort: 3 Durability: 3 Style: 5 Cost: 5 Overall: 4/5

Nothing says “beach vibes” louder than Havaianas. These Brazilian-made sandals may not be the ones you’d reach for to hike the Na’Pali Coast, but for lounging around the beach parking lot and lookin’ good, they pass with flying colors. The good looks do sacrifice a bit of comfort, but at a fraction of the cost of other ‘flops on this list, and with plenty of fun colorways to choose from, Havaianas make us question whether or not comfort is the end-all-be-all we make it out to be.

Check Price on Zappos and Amazon.

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