Whether sailing by rowing boat or yacht, a pair of aqua shoes is essential for slippery deck situations. This version from Crocs has handy cut-outs so seawater can drain, rubber outsoles to stop you wincing when faced with pebbles and comes in cute colours – bonus.

Women’s Beach Line Boat Shoe in Nautical Navy/Fuchsia, £39.99, Crocs

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If navigating a pebbly shore barefoot doesn’t float your boat, pack these Speedo pool shoes the next time you’re beach bound. They’ve got holes to keep your feet aerated and won’t float off when you wade into the waves.

Women’s Zanpa Pool Shoe, £15, Simply Swim

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OK, so these are more big foot than beach chic, but they’re the ideal footwear for surfers and serious swimmers. The individual toes will help the former grip their boards better, while the outsole is resistant to abrasion from coastal materials like coral, shells and rocks.  

Signa Watersports Shoes, £80, Vibram at Zalando

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It can’t have escaped you that pool sliders are de rigueur this season. Who knows whether it’s their functional shape or rubbery texture, but they’re the only shoe we’ll be wearing poolside this summer.

Adilette in Adiblue, £19, Adidas at Zalando

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These Mountain Warehouse aqua shoes are crafted out of mesh and soft neoprene, moulding around your feet like a second skin to protect them from rocky patches on the seabed.

Bermuda Women’s Aqua Shoes, £7.49, Mountain Warehouse

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These deck shoes look like sleek sneakers on first glance, but look again and you’ll spot mesh panels (to help water drain and stop squelching) and grips on the soles so there’s no chance you’ll be the man overboard. If you’re a keen sailor, paddleboarder, or kayaker, they’ll also help you get that extra bit of grip when slicing through the surf.

Gul Hydro Aqua Grip Deck Shoes, £22.50, Watersports Warehouse

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If ‘pool time’ means chasing kids around an obstacle course of stray inflatables instead of lazing undisturbed on a lounger, invest in a pair of anti-slip sandals. Speedo’s Surfer Thongs have ridged soles to stop ungainly skids and make pebbly beaches infinitely more bearable.

Women’s Pool Surfer Thong Shoe in Grey/Blue, £17.99, Speedo at Swim Shop

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You may not have worn jelly shoes since you needed armbands, but no beach bag should be without a pair. Buckles mean they won’t drift off if you go for a dip, while the woven front will keep tootsies dry when you're back on land.

Funky Gladiator Jelly Shoes, £10, ASOS

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Flip flops aren’t the sturdiest of shoes it's true, but Sweaty Betty’s are better than most. They’ve got grips on the sole, padding for extra comfort and, let’s face facts, give feet the best chance at getting bronzed.  

Seashore Flip Flop, £29, Sweaty Betty

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If aqua aerobics is on your holiday activities menu, these sandals should be next to sun cream on your list of holiday essentials. These are specially made for exercise in water – one of the best ways to tone your calves, trust us – with grips on both soles and holes for speedy drainage.  

Aqua Sandal in Blue, £4.29, Aqua Sphere at Pro Swimwear

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