The Best Running Shoes for the Beach

There's nothing quite like running on the beach. When the waves align for that perfect beach run, it's as poetic as it is athletic. Waking up early on vacation, sipping a hot cup of coffee and running by the surf as the sun rises. What you want on your feet for those idyllic morning jaunts in the sand is something that's going to help you cruise without getting in your way. Here are the best beach running shoes for summer 2023.

The Best Shoes for Running on the Beach & Sand

The best beach running shoes are simple, no-frills affairs. While carbon plates and huge stacks of foam cushioning are helpful for road running, they're not necessary when you're moving through the sand. When running on the beach, you want a simple everyday running shoe with a stable platform, comfortable upper and grippy outsoles for any slick spots you may encounter. Here are the 7 best beach running shoes on the market right now.

1. Nike Pegasus 40 ($130): Best Overall Beach & Sand Running Shoe

The Nike Pegasus 40, also known as the Peg, is a classic daily trainer that can handle just about everything that's thrown at it. The Peg has a durable React foam midsole with air units in the heel and forefoot that help stabilize the platform and add a bit of pop. There's a large amount of rubber covering the outsole, which is key for providing traction in the sand and over any slick beach rocks. While not the most exciting or tech-packed shoe, the Pegasus is a reliable workhorse that can handle beach paths just as easily as city sidewalks. 

2. Saucony Ride 16 ($140): Best Beach Running Shoe for Loose & Soft Sand 

The Saucony Ride is another and tried-and-true everyday running shoe that's confident wherever you run it. The Ride has a full-length midsole of Saucony's durable and responsive PWRRUN foam, which is on the firmer side and provides for stable and secure landings on loose sand. The upper is well-fitting, lightweight and breathable for those hot summer mornings, and the outsole is covered with a solid amount of XT-900 rubber for traction across slick areas of the beach. Like the Nike Pegasus, the Ride is a simple and stable option that will help you safely navigate uneven and sandy terrain.

3. Adizero SL ($120): Best Affordable Beach Running Shoe

The Adidas Adizero SL, a recent addition to the three stripes running lineup, is a durable and firm daily trainer with a dual-foam midsole. The main foam in the midsole is Adidas' Lightstrike foam, a firm EVA, and there's also a puck of supercritical TPE in the forefoot that helps energy return and toe-off when moving at pace. Because of the firmer feel, the Adizero SL is a great option for running in soft sand and across any rocky section during low tide when you'll want maximum navigability and foot control. This is also an affordable option, as the Adizero SL has an MSRP of $120 but many colors can be found on sale for $60. 

4. Tracksmith Eliot Runner ($198): Best Fashion-Forward Beach Running Shoe

If you're looking to cruise the beach in style, the Eliot Runner from Boston-based boutique Tracksmith is your answer. The Tracksmith Eliot Runner has a timeless style that looks similar to classic tennis shoes like the Nike Killshot and Adidas Stan Smith while also having real performance chops out on the roads. It will make a great beach running shoe because it skews to the firmer side and has a flat, non-rockered platform, helping encourage planted landings. The Eliot also has a beautiful gum sole rubber outsole covering, which will help with traction on tricky sections of the beach.

5. Norda 001 ($285): Best for Running on Natural Beaches

Not all beaches are created equal, and the Norda 001 is here for runs on those less-than-manicured beaches. The Norda 001 is a road-trail hybrid shoe with a snug and comfortable upper made from Dyneema, a material stronger than steel pound-for-pound. The 001 also has a Vibram midsole that's cushioned without being unstable, plus a grippy Vibram outsole that's one of the best in the game. There's no better option if you're planning to do some coastal beach trail running—the only knock on the Norda is the price, which will set you back $285. 

6. Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Goretex ($): Best Waterproof Road-Trail Shoe for Beach Running

The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex is the waterproof, offroad-oriented version of the popular Nike Pegasus. In this version, there's a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane on the upper, more aggressive rubber pattern on the outsole and a taller booty fit around the ankle. If you're looking to keep your feet dry while running close to the surf, this is a great lightweight option. The traction on this shoe can be hit-or-miss on wet pavement but should have no issue with running across wet sand. The Trail 4 usually retails for $160 but can often be found under $100.

7. Saucony Peregine 13 ST: Best Waterproof Trail Shoe for Running in Wet Sand

If you're looking for more of a dedicated trail running shoe than the Norda or Nike, the Saucony Peregine 13 ST, which stands for soft terrain, is a great beach running option. It has more aggressive outsole lugs than the Nike, and a high ankle-protecting booty unlike the Norda. The Peregrine uses the same durable PWRRUN EVA midsole found in the Ride, and has a firm but comfortable ride perfect for navigating wet and sandy terrain. This variant os the Peregrine is specifically designed for running on soft terrain and will excel at chewing through gnarly sections of sand. As a dedicated trail shoe, the Peregrine will be a smidge heavier than the everyday road running shoe options on this list at 9.7 ounces; for comparison, the Pegasus weighs 9.4 ounces and the Ride weighs 8.8 ounces for a US mens size 9.

Final Thoughts

While dedicated beach running shoes don't have their category on the market yet (just wait…), there are a range of great options that can work depending on the type of beach terrain you'll be cruising. For slick areas and natural beach paths, there are trail running shoes with lots of grip and waterproof uppers. For quintessential sunrise beach running along pristine sands, go for a traditional daily trainer with a firm and planted ride. Whichever you choose, enjoy the surf and the waves.