Suggestions for Beach Shoes and Swim Caps.. Oh my!

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

If things go as planned, we will be closing on a beach house mid-March. I need suggestions for well-made shoes with arch support (if possible) for daily walks. These walks will be on the beach, so they need to be waterproof.

The house has a pool, so I also need a few swim caps.

I don't recall where I bought my last swimsuit online, 4yrs ago. The website had a great search feature to narrow down the thousands of choices.

I have searched Houzz and the internet trying to find a past thread where we talked about purchases. I ordered a batik shower cap and would like to get more, but cannot find the dang thread. ETA: It has a flat band half way around and elastic half way. No bow, not adjustable.

Suggestions for other beach and pool necessities are welcome. We haven't owned a place at the beach since 1996. I've always said I was a mountain gal and not a beach person, so this goes to show you really can teach an old dog a new trick.

Featured Answer

Allison0704
Original Author

2 years ago

Update #2: Returned all three swimsuits from swimsuitsforall. Everything I've kept is from Land's End. One pieces, tankini's (thanks, @mtnrdredux_gw ), swim/board shorts and leggings/yoga pants/whatever you want to call them. Also discovered Coolibar for tops, Columbia brand (bought at Bass Pro in person and online, directly from Columbia onine and local store near us).

@just_terrilynn , I just wore a new swim cap this morning and came back to report on the brand. Turns out it was the one you suggested for longer hair - Dsane. So much easier to get on/over all my hair. Didn't go underwater, so cannot report on that. I ordered it on the cannot-be-mentioned website.

Merrell trail/running shoes for walking. So lightweight and comfortable. Croc sandals for around the house or walking to the beach. Have not worn my water socks yet. The Aleleader shoes rubbed two places on my right foot when walking on the beach. Don't know if it's just the shoes or shoes/sand combo. Maybe I need to wear water socks with them? That just doesn't sound comfortable. I like going barefoot on the beach anyway.

DD2 and family came to visit a few weeks ago. DGS is about to come back for a week with Gigi and Papa. Then DS and his family are coming mid-July.

All the boxes are unpacked. We are both now parking inside the garage and we survived our first tropical storm. LOL

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Comments (51)

Allison0704
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you, @cmm1964 Are there any swim caps that are easy to get on and off without pulling hair very much? I visualize my child hood swim caps, which reminds me of putting on Spanx. LOL
Jilly
3 years ago
I’m sorry, I don’t have advice ... I just came to say I can’t wait to see it! This is exciting. :)
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hcbm
3 years ago
Silicon swim caps are the best for ease of use. However, if you full dunk your head the edges will get wet. I’ve never had a swim cap that is 100% waterproof. Lands end water shoes are great. I also love their swim suits. Enjoy your new beach house.
maddielee
3 years ago
Why the desire to have a swim cap? For lap swimming or to keep hair dry?

If swimming laps, look for a speedo cap like swim teams wear.

Can’t help with the fancy type like Ester Williams wore. For all the time we spend at the beach, lake or pool can’t say I ever see anyone wearing one.

You will need numerous cute wide brim hats, to go with your new cute swimsuit coverups.
Tina Marie
3 years ago
I could walk all day in croc flip

flops. vionic also has some supportive flip flops. I’ve never worn a swim cap. Sounds like you got your project! Enjoy!
mtnrdredux_gw
3 years ago
Congrats, how fun!

Why do you need a swim cap? I haven't seen one in years! Is the pool chlorinated?

For suits, try Everything But The Water IIRC. Shoes that can get wet but also work for walking on the beach can be tricky. I have water shoes but they need to be tight fitting, which is not great when you walk on sand and sand gets in them. I think a well structured flipflop might be best.
Bestyears
3 years ago
I think I would be more inclined to. use something like THIS for hair protection. A cap just seems so hot and constrictive to me.

I bought Keen sandals a few years ago, and now I wouldn't be with anything else around water. They have been so good for my back too, which never hurts on the days I wear these. This is just one of many they make. KEEN SANDAL
localeater
3 years ago
Swimoutlet.com has pretty good search tools. I may have learned about it here....
rubyclaire
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Many of my friends swear by the Land's End swim skirts, shorts and rash guards. I only have the rash guard and like it very much.

I don't have these waterproof options but I do love my leather Birkenstocks. Super supportive for my high arches and other recurring foot issues. I would try these if I wanted a supportive waterproof sandal:

ETA: google swim turbans for an alternative to standard swim caps.
Allison0704
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks everyone. In the middle of helping DH (who is a bit slow going through his things!) but will look at suggestions later. Swim cap is just for sometimes, at our house, not public pool. My hair is thick and long, so I won't always want to get it wet. Pool is saltwater.
mtnrdredux_gw
3 years ago
Ahh, that makes sense. I'm not sure if saltwater is bad for hair, but it must be better than chlorine.
nekotish
3 years ago
I second Vionic flip flops. They are much more comfortable to walk in than garden variety flip flops. I've never been able to wear Birkenstocks, as the hard edge cuts into my foot.

My daughter was on a swim team for years and they would comb a light conditioner through their hair before putting on swim caps. Helps ease the tug when putting on a cap and conditioned hair at the same time. Of course they always showered and washed their hair after, so if you are trying to avoid having to do that, my suggestion won't help.
terezosa / terriks
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
You might want something like these Merrell "shandals"
maire_cate
3 years ago
This summer I discovered Rip Skirt Hawaii for stylish and easy to wear swimsuit cover-ups. The skirts come in 4 different lengths, are wrap around with adjustible velcro closures, dry quick. wrinkle free, don't cling even when your suit is wet, they're light weight and roll up. Oh and they come in lots of cute prints and solid black. The best part is I feel comfortable wearing them into shops or out to lunch.

https://ripskirthawaii.com/
mtnrdredux_gw
3 years ago
Maire, I like those!

I'm getting all new swimwear so this post is timely. I have worn one piece suits for years and years and only in the last few years switched to 2 piece. I have kind of given up on looking good in a swimsuit, with a whole host of shortcomings so I figure I may as well be more comfortable. Outside of the US, even elderly women wear 2 pieces. One pieces are such a PITA to get on and off, and I hate the way tankinis float up. My one remaining concession to vanity is underwire.
Oakley
3 years ago
Congratulations on the house! One warning about the swim caps, and they make some really cute ones. Never cover your ears, water will still get in them. My mom lost her hearing in one ear when water got between the cap and her ear.

Once you buy your swimsuit (I vote for the skirt) and cap, you must take a picture for us. hee hee
maire_cate
3 years ago
Mtn - I have 4 of those skirts. Since our gym closed due to Covid we hired our instructor and exercised in a friend's pool this summer. We could have changed clothes at her place but it was just easier to throw something on and drive home. My girlfriend's DIL lived in Hawaii and recommended them. Somehow they also repel water so you don't look like you have a wet bottom. They'd make a great wardrobe addition when vacation travel opens again.

And another vote here for Lands End.
just_terrilynn
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I like this swim cap for pool laps (wouldn’t wear in public). If you completely submerge your head in water, water will get in somewhere around the edges. However, my hair mostly stays dry as I pull it all on top my head in a ponytail. The cap is designed to allow a lot of hair on top. It’s easy on & off.
mtnrdredux_gw
3 years ago
Looks very Sunset Boulevard. It needs a big fake diamond too LOL.
OutsidePlaying
3 years ago
I love my rip skirt, Maire. I really need to get another one so thanks for mentioning them.

I can’t stand sand in my shoes, so I am no good at making a recommendation. I do like my water shoes, which are Keen and have worn them on a beach.

I prefer 2-piece tankinis for swim wear. I can buy different sizes if needed for top and bottom. My favorite brand is La Blanca as it fits my long torso best, but Ralph Lauren and Tommy Bahama have cute, good-fitting ones too. I really prefer to go try on a swimsuit, but now it seems like an effort to shop.
Springroz
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Congratulations on the house!!!

Titlenine.com has some great swimwear!!
Jennifer
3 years ago
For water shoes, I purchased Aleader brand. I haven't used them in the pool yet! They are very comfortable with good arch support. A foot injury last summer in the pool prompted me to get these to try next summer.
jmck_nc
3 years ago
I've seen those rip skirts advertised, but hesitated to buy since it was a facebook ad. Now I will reconsider! I second the recommendation of titlenine, but beware you pay shipping both ways if it does not work out. I have had good luck with Zappos for suits. I usually wear black skirted bottoms with a variety of tops and I can buy a bunch and send back the ones I don't like for free. Also, got a great suit from Garnet Hill last summer that got rave reviews from my DIL and husband. But it has a very loose, flowy top (under the bust) so not great for swimming...just for swanning around the beach or pool;)
Allison0704
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you, everyone, for the recommendations. Still haven't had time to explore.

I have never gone in a pool and not gone underwater. LOL I'm probably a lost cause.

@cmm1964 I had not thought about Lands End. I will definitely check out the shorts.

@Jilly It will be quite the change. One moment I am excited, and the next I am overwhelmed. I’ve helped children move out of state, but not done it myself. We will have both houses until our current home closes. It is not on the market yet, but will talk to an agent this week. DH wants to keep it furnished to show. The new house is smaller (about 3400sf), with little wall space, so I have a long list of items to sell. Hopefully the FL sellers will send the requested floor plans, so I know exact measurements and solidify my decisions. DH is only attached to a few items, most of them purchased early in our marriage, so he said “sell everything else and start over.” Um, no!

There is not much to do right away. The house is only a few years old. I can visualize everything but two walls of the laundry room. It might need improving. The DW and SxS are not paneled, so that might change down the road. Nothing needs painting, but will probably paint the bedrooms at some point.

@maddielee LOL I remember Ester’s fancy swim caps. I already have several wide brim hats and coverups, but only one swimsuit.

@Tina Marie I have several pairs of Croc sandals. They are comfortable. DH swears by his brand of water sandals, but I don’t always want my feet encased that much.

@mtnrdredux_gw Thanks! I am thinking my Croc sandals will be my go-to until I decide they aren’t working. DH walks for miles and miles.

@localeater I believe I purchased my last swimsuit there after learning about it here.

@rubyclaire I have never been a Birkenstock fan since their arch support seems to bother my feet. I haven’t worn a between the toe sandal in decades. Will google swim turbans, thanks.

@nekotish thanks for the conditioner tip. I just started using Color Wow hair products, but even their frizz control didn’t help during our trip. I told DH I might have to give up on trying to look decent. LOL

@terezosa / terriks Love love Merrell sandals. Will look at those, thank you.

@marie cate I like the sound of lightweight and quick dry of Rip Skirt Hawaii

@mtnrdredux Why are we so hard on ourselves? While I’ve lost weight since last fall, that doesn’t help what age and gravity does to a body. We are trying to convince my sister to move too. She won’t right away, but once she visits we think she will change her mind. She could get a condo or townhouse within walking distance to the beach, and not far from our house. If she doesn’t our three adult children are still nearby to help in case of an emergency.

@Oakley Thanks for the warning. Oh, you can hold your breath until you’re blue in the face, but I won’t be posting photos. LOL

@just_terrilynn Thank you. I wouldn’t wear every time I get in the pool, but it’s nice to have options so I don’t need to wash and dry my hair each time. I know salt water is better on your skin and hair than chlorine. I am hoping my color does not become to brassy in the sun. There is a nice outdoor shower, so I hope to take mine there and to rinse out my suits.

@outsideplaying I have never tried on a tankinis, but being able to switch out patterns sounds fun.

@Springroz Thank you.

@Jennifer I’ve never heard of Aleader brand, thanks. Hope your foot injury wasn’t serious.

@jmck_nc I need to look at Zappos for suits. A few days ago, I glanced there for shoes. Didn’t even notice swim suits.

Thanks again for all the recommendations.
Jilly
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Allison, I didn’t realize you were selling your current house! You’ve got a busy few months coming up!

I meant to write this on Oco’s post of her favorite rooms: another thing I admire about you two is how you both moved to very different styles of houses, which would overwhelm most people regarding decorating. But you both made the new houses just as beautiful, inviting, and personal as the former ones. You’re both so naturally talented at making anywhere you live look amazing. Not everyone can do that!

I’m so excited for you, I know you love a new project. :)

ETA: Oh, how I wish I lived in your town when you start selling things! Lucky people. :D
OutsidePlaying
3 years ago
I meant to add that the saline pool will be so much more forgiving on your skin, hair, and swimwear. The pool at our lake condo is saline and it is also supposedly cheaper on maintenance, not as caustic to pool ladders and other mechanical equipment.

I didn’t realize you were selling your current beautiful home either, but know you will enjoy this new setting.
Tina Marie
3 years ago
Oh my! I thought this was a second house! I am shocked you are selling your AL home! I thought you were thrilled to be living closer to your children and the grand kiddos!!?? Of course, they will all love visiting you! What about your daughter that lives with you? Will she be moving with you? Of course we will enjoy seeing what you do with this house and I look forward to that! I cant imagine leaving our area, but my sis and BIL are moving to their charleston house this spring. 😢
rubyclaire
3 years ago
Looking forward to following along with this new adventure. You all are people of action!

And yes, if Birkenstocks don't feel good on your feet there is no compelling reason to consider them. They are definitely function over form :).
straitlover
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I like to get suits from Swimsuitsforall.com. In the pool, I like my Ryka HydroSport shoes if I am exercising (water walking, water aerobics, etc). Just checked, and Nordstrom Rack has them for 29.97, may have to order a new pair! If I'm just piddling around in the pool, I like those cheapo slip on water shoes you can buy anywhere during the season; the only reason I wear them is to keep my toenail polish from getting chipped. For walking on the beach, I like my Keens similar to the Merrell ones posted above.
Allison0704
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
@straitlover I will definitely check on the Ryka shoes.

@Jilly @Tina Marie @OutsidePlaying Believe me, I know! At this point in our lives, I just do not want to own more than one home. Our current home is probably the most elegant house I will ever own, and we enjoyed doing the remodel and living here. Sometimes I ask myself WTH, and at other times I remember how and why we made this decision. Honestly, I am doing it for DH who (since retired) does absolutely nothing after his morning YMCA routine. With his health issues, walking and pool exercises are his only hobbies. Not that I don't need to get out and walk too! We had said when we bought this house that if it didn't work out for us here, we would sell. So we are keeping that promise. I will walk around the house and cry (just like our last home), take photos of things I will miss (and never look at again) then move on. I thought I would miss our last two homes but really haven't.

If not for CV19, and the lack of seeing everyone the past eight months, I probably would not even consider. FaceTime has helped, and I can do that from anywhere. DD2 started Grad school last week, and for the next year it will be online classes. Her DH is currently working from home, but can work remotely from anywhere. So they plan on visiting monthly for long weekends or longer. We plan on having Camp Gigi for a week or so for each grandchild (when age appropriate for the now 1yo). DD1 will be renting an apartment and staying here. DH and I will get my sister to go with us in February for another walk-through (hopefully) and get our agent to show her a few condos and townhomes. If we ever decide we want a smaller house here, we will buy one and have two homes. Never say never! LOL
Tina Marie
3 years ago
I'm sure it will all work out. Your current house is beautiful, but your last home is the one I loved. I'm not sure I could have left it! I hope your sister changes her mind. The sunshine and sea air will be good for your husband! I hope you both love it there.
robo (z6a)
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Allison, congratulations on the move! If I may ask, which coast?? This is huge news.

my in-laws spend 6 mos in Florida and we visit them twice a year down there for 1-2 weeks. Of course it’s a huge draw from chilly Nova Scotia.

they chose a golf community and my fil golfs 5-6 days a week, sometimes twice a day. So it keeps him busy. They have a pool as well.

they enjoy hosting and visits as long as we don’t get in their hair TOO much :D they have the common split plan with a primary suite on one side of the house and guests on the other.

I could picture you heading back and renting for a few weeks when you’re grandchild deprived as well.
pricklypearcactus
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Congratulation! I would love to have a beach house with a pool someday.

As an avid swimmer who hates swim caps, I highly recommend keeping some swimmer's shampoo on hand. This is my favorite. I have long hair half way down my back (bit longer since I haven't cut it during this pandemic) and swim 3x or more per week. This shampoo keeps my hair healthy and prevents chlorine and salt buildup.

https://malibuc.com/products/swimmers-wellness-shampoo

I would recommend looking at Prana for swimwear. They have a good variety of styles and cuts (full coverage and less coverage) and the quality and durability is good. For some reason their site isn't offering them right now, so it must be a seasonal catalog. I have a few other swimwear brands that I like, but they tend to run skimpy (Body Glove, Jolyn).

I like water socks that are more like a sock with a sole than a real shoe. Depends on what you're doing, but these are my favorites for all sorts of water activities. I wear them in kayaks or on rocky (or sea-urchin-y) beaches. I can swim in them. I can fit them into flippers for snorkeling or diving.

https://www.speedousa.com/womens-surfwalker-pro-30-water-shoes-style-7749003
jojoco
3 years ago
These are the best water/beach/drag-your-kayak-down-over-sand shoes I have ever had. I bought them before I went to the Dominican Republic and ironically I didn't use them there. They are light weight and have an adjustable strap for easy on and off--even when wet. Great for walking on rocks and cute enough to wear pool side. Mine were cobalt blue, but all I can find now are black. I swear by them.
Allison0704
Original Author
3 years ago
@robo (z6a) it is in the Panhandle. We had a place there in the last 80s for about a decade. My maternal grandparents also had a house in the area, but further east. Numerous vacations there growing up, as a single young adult and then with our children. Now to make grandchildren memories.
rubyclaire
3 years ago
I grew up in the Panhandle - the beaches there are second to none! Congratulations!!
Lars
3 years ago
This is what I bought to wear around the pool. They are more like socks than shoes, and I think you would wear some sandals over them. I also have surf booties that I bought at a surf shop to wear when I go surfing at a rocky beach and for climbing on sharp rocks at the beach. A lot of the beaches here have steep cliffs.

I bought Keen sandals to wear for white-water rafting. I have a swim cap that I bought at a surf shop, but it is not that comfortable, and so I don't wear it, but it is supposed to help keep one's head warm when surfing in cold water, and it covers the ears.
mtnrdredux_gw
3 years ago
I think you will enjoy another project. Good that you don't miss your old homes, I miss mine!

Our first home was a very formal brick Georgian, and we had just replaced 69 historically accurate windows when we found and bought our current primary home, on a lark.

The first time I walked into my former house after betraying it by buying the new one, I looked around and my heart sank. I felt I had made a terrible mistake. I know most of my friends and family did too; they may still. They are very different so don't appeal equally.

In fairness, a home that facilitates your lifestyle (as it sounds like your new one will) is important, and you will no doubt infuse it with your charm and personality.
mtnrdredux_gw
3 years ago
OOH nice! I just love the housing stock in the panhandle, frankly more than anywhere else in FL. All that white stucco and West Indies wood shutters (like IIRC Alys Beach).

We nixed it from our list because it is a location that doesn't work as well for snowbirds. I seem to recall that the high season was summer, as it is here.
Oakley
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
The panhandle would be the place I'd move to. My close friend and her DH bought a house in Seacrest, on 30A. Oh my it's gorgeous. She's sent so many pictures from the beach and it's never crowded. Lot of shopping in quaint and cool stores and bars.

And she bought herself one of those three wheel bicycles. I'm really jealous now.

Now, about that selling of your things. Remember the Rose stem in a vase in your lake house? Just asking is all. ;)
Allison0704
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks, everyone. I was having a bit of a hard time yesterday morning (lack of sleep and tasks ahead), but it got much better during the day.

We also buying on 30A, but not in a planned development. We wanted room and privacy. The dune lakes are so beautiful. We just love the area.

@mtnrdredux_gw Alys Beach houses are beautiful but too much white for me. The Rosemary architecture is my favorite. We've rented there twice, both times while school was in session. The streets and parking are so claustrophobic. Summertime has got to be awful for introverts like me and DH.

On a side note, I grew up in the same neighborhood as the owners of the market in Seaside. The neighborhood kids would meet at the lake to swim and have moss battles. LOL We stopped to walk around and the son that is about my age was there, so we got to catch up.

@Oakley Was in the MBR? I still have the frosted vase Mom gave me, but the pretty roses were donated when we moved.
User
3 years ago
Just found this after someone mentioned it on the stuff thread....moving to a particular location for a spouse is something I understand all too well. I am still amazed at your fortitude in doing this so soon after the last move. Are you taking that gorgeous magnolia light fixture with you? And your beautiful free standing silver chest? Will you keep anything in storage? That is a massive downsize, I am both gobsmacked and impressed!
Allison0704
Original Author
3 years ago
@User the electrician removed my lovely-will-never-leave-you-behind Magnolia light fixture yesterday, as well as the smaller Magnolia ceiling light in the canopy bedroom, the vintage French chandelier in the living room and my paternal grandmother's light fixture in the bedroom with blue draperies. The French piece was a booger to get packed. It will ride down with us at closing. I am going to have the Fortuny in the MBR listed as "not staying," but if the buyer ask, I will leave, as it will not be easy to transport and I can always buy another. I am so tempted to take some of the draperies, but they are so hard to remove since the rings are hand sewn (would have to remove rods to remove). I don't think I will do drapes in the next house, but who knows.

We do not plan to keep anything in storage. DD1 asked for the sliver chest, and she is using in her apartment kitchen, complete with a round silver tray on top to place her smoothie mixer. If my father had not been cremated, he would. be rolling over in his grave. LOL

They brought down a lot of things from the attic yesterday, so now my garage is half filled with packed things and items to donate, and boxes/materials. The girls are both suppose to come over this weekend to go through their things in the attic. DH wants it empty asap.
User
3 years ago
Oh my, the amount of work! I’m still traumatized from our move a year ago, and I’m not exaggerating in the least. I’m glad your DD wants that piece and other things. So many kids don’t want anything of real quality. One of mine basically buys all furniture (and seemingly everything else) from Pottery Barn. It’s a look that can be achieved with little to no effort and that’s the whole point, I guess :(

So happy you have rescued your lighting before the house is on the market. i realized too late that my vintage Schonbeck chandelier in the dining room would have fit nicely in the new house. I bought something completely different thinking to go more modern and I’m still dissatisfied with it after a year, so the hunt begins again. DH is completely mystified by this process...

Good luck and Godspeed with this new chapter. Living in Florida almost guarantees you will see everybody on a regular basis!
Allison0704
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you to everyone who commented. I just ordered water shoes from Aleader, swimsuits and covers from Land's End, water socks from Amazon and I'm about to look at swimsuitsforall.
Allison0704
Original Author
3 years ago
Wanted to update and thank everyone again that suggested Land's End (I've never been so happy to be trying on swimsuits before! LOL). I liked them so much, I ordered several more to try. Received a couple of beach covers and a variety of things to wear while walking on the beach early mornings.

The Aleader shoes came today. Felt a tad scratchy under the tongue for a few minutes, but then felt fine.

Still waiting on swimsuitsforall order.

Thanks again!
Tina Marie
3 years ago
@Allison0704 Glad you are finding so many things! If you are like me, I don't "sunbathe" so when on the beach (walking, etc.) I usually wear shorts and a tee/tank, etc. Of course you will have to get in the ocean when the grandbabies visit! I use swimsuits, coverups, etc. for the pool.
Allison0704
Original Author
3 years ago
Exactly! Sunbathing isn't healthy. We have a pool, so swimsuits will be needed there, and for any ocean dipping.
User
2 years ago
That is a lovely pool, Allison! i hope you will do a photo walkthrough when you have everything in place.

Suggestions for Beach Shoes and Swim Caps.. Oh my!

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