Old sneakers beat flip-flops for hot sand.

Yes — old canvas sneakers or dedicated water shoes.

Flip-flops only protect the bottom of your foot, not the top. Hot sand burns the instep and sides, plus sand gets between your foot and the sole, making it worse. Sneakers (or Crocs) solve that.

The ideal pair is something with a thick rubber sole and mesh or quick-dry fabric. Old running shoes work. So do cheap water shoes from Amazon or a sporting goods store. They cost $15–$25 and last a season or two.

Crocs are fine too, but they trap heat and sweat. If you’re walking more than a few minutes on scorching sand, the ventilation isn’t enough — your feet feel like they’re baking.

You don’t need to buy anything fancy. The right shoe is the one you already own that you don’t mind getting sandy and wet.