Travel Essentials: Stylish and protective beach shoes

Beach shoes are a blessing if you want to avoid getting tar on your feet, a painful trudge along hot shingle, or spoiling your regular shoes or trainers by getting seawater on them. Some can double up as ordinary holiday wear. And the protective types that let you paddle or swim off a rocky shore definitely merit space in your case.

Toms espadrilles for men

From an online shoe store that delivers worldwide, these could take you from beach to yacht deck with barely a pause to brush the sand off. With a traditional canvas upper but rubber sole, these are a step up from the standard, rope-soled espadrille, and a fraction of the price of new Chucs Dive Shop espadrilles at Harrods in London. £32.99 (Dh194) plus £19.99 (Dh118) for p&p from www.mr-shoes.co.uk.

Strappy floral seagrass flip flops

Monsoon makes perfect, inexpensive one-season accessories, with just enough style to keep them interesting. Seagrass feels much nicer against bare feet than rubber, particularly in very hot weather, and if you sprinkle baby powder on them after use, the sand gets shaken out in seconds. Flip flops cost around Dh70 from branches of Monsoon throughout the UAE.

Tusa unisex aquashoes

If you're going into the water in a rocky area your tender toes will need protection. Made of lightweight neoprene with a side Velcro fastening and dimpled sole, these aren't the prettiest beachshoes - they're unisex, for a start - but they do the job. They're quick-drying for convenience, and the flexible sole and adjustable heel make for a comfy fit. Costs £7.99 (Dh47) from www.decathlon.co.uk or at Decathlon, Mirdif City Center, Dubai (04 283 9392).

More of the most durable and practical gear to take on your next holiday at Travel Essentials.