Shoes for vacation: What to wear sightseeing, out to dinner, on the beach and more

Sambas are always in style when yo'ure going for a "model off duty" look, but they're having a bit of a trend swell for summer 2024 and will look effortless while staying lightweight and comfortable as you take in the local delights and shop for souvenirs on vacation.

With a seamless, one-piece upper and flexible, cushioned midsole, these shoes offer maximum comfort and shock absorbency while looking sleek in a wide range of colorways so you can look good while getting in the extra steps travel so often demands.

Comfort doesn't have to mean sacrificing style with these bestselling, retro-influenced Nike Dunks. They're built to look and feel better the more you break them in, so start wearing them now so they hit their sweet spot by your planned vacation.

This popular sneaker goes with absolutely everything, and their heart canvas uppers with 100% vegan insoles offer support and comfort as well as long-lasting quality.

Birkenstocks are a classic, comfortable choice that look great on any gender thanks to their versatility, soft suede and nubuck leather upper and a cork footbed shaped to cradle your foot.

These sandals are great for keeping your feet cool and looking stylish with their lightweight construction and soft leather straps that won't rub or dig into your feet. The thick sole absorbs impact, too, so you can enjoy added height and cushioning while you walk.

Crocs can be controversial in the sense that they're a "love them or hate them" type of shoe, but even avowed dislikers might like these cute sandals that offer the brand's signature comfort with a dash of retro, nineties-inspired color. 

These all-gender slides are some of the cushiest, most supportive you'll find on the recovery slide market. Air vents keep your feet cool while the plush cushioning feels like walking on clouds. They have variable stability that offers a solid step without compromising neutral gaits, and multiple color options to best suit your needs. Caveat: Since they are recovery sandals and not traditionally made for long walks, consider these for shorter strolls and slipping on easily to run errands.

These shoes are a splurge, but they'll turn heads and stay gorgeous for years to come thanks to their handcrafted quality, a stacked heel that's easy to walk in and sumptuous patent leather that gleams in this stunning chili pepper red. They also manage to be both trendy and timeless as a unique take on the loafer, the style that has dominated shoe trends for several seasons.

For a quick way to dress up a basic slacks-and-dress shirt look, try wingtips with a touch of unexpected floral detailing. It will look fresh and chic, and the neutral color palette works with a wide variety of colors and patterns throughout your outfit.

Touted by the brand as an "influencer fave," this bright pink shoe is playful and flirty but has a proprietary diamond flex outsole, a cushioned insole and flexible straps so you can stroll to your dinner reservation in style and hit the dance floor after for a full night of vacation fun.

Sperry boat shoes toe the line between casual and dressy, adding a hint of sophistication without the stiffness of a more traditional lace-up men's shoe. While we're putting them in the "night out" category, these could easily work for an all-day shoe whether you're boating, hitting the beach, dining out or simply taking a stroll to enjoy the change of scenery.

The classic flip flop is still a go-to when it comes to gliding across hot sand without the pain. Try Havianas' slim version for a lightweight version that's easy to toss in your bag and go -- this particular flip flop comes in 17 colors so you can match your swimsuit or your mood.

There's nothing fancy about Old Navy's sandals -- other than being created from partially plant-based material -- but they're reliable, perfect for the beach and best of all, you'll never spend more than $10 on a pair.