So, you’re up for a day of coconut-laden cocktails in the infinity pool, you can’t wait to see the world-famous Bali sunset and you know that the beach clubs are calling you.
But you’re worried that in the middle of the chill beats, the buzzing crowd and paradise vibes, you’ll suddenly be desperate to go home because your footwear hurts or worse, it’s full of sand and rubbing in all the wrong places.
The good news is that your day doesn’t have to end like that and you can look awesome, without compromising your comfort when it comes to footwear in Bali’s beach clubs and our guide will teach you exactly how to do just that.
Why Does Your Footwear Matter At Bali’s Beach Clubs?
Bali’s beach club scene is quite unlike any other in the world and it’s all about creating a mood and one that most of us want to blend into seamlessly.
When you step through the doors of FINNS or Potato Head or Ku De Ta, you’re looking to make a statement to get your day off to the right start.
And these beach clubs are all about that laid back tropical vibe but with a twist of glamour which means you’re going to want to do better than a pair of tatty flip-flops (even designer ones).
You want something that can take you from the sandy ocean shore to sleek-tiled dance floors, something that you can wear while swerving an actual wave and still bust out your best moves later on in the evening.
And let’s not forget the unpredictable Bali weather, it can go from hot and humid, to torrential downpour, to bright and sunny in a minute.
You don’t want to be limping back to your villa at the end of the day or searching the sand in vain for a lost heel. So, let’s talk footwear that won’t let you down.
Elevated Flip-Flops: The Bali Classic Look
The OG of the beach club scene is thongs or flip-flops. However, that doesn’t mean a tatty pair of 2 buck thongs that you bought 5 years ago from a beach stand here. Not unless you want people to think “I stay at hostels and rarely shower” anyway.
You want an elevated pair of thongs that make you stand out from the crowd. You don’t have to spend a fortune, mind you, Havaianas (they’ve got stores all over the island including one opposite FINNS and Atlas) do sleek, cushioned thongs with metallic and neutral colours that look great with your flowy maxi-dress or tailored shorts. And they won’t cost more than $20-$30 here in Bali.
If you want to go next level, you could look out for brands like FitFlop or Tory Burch which offer maximum bling but also comfortable arch and heel support but still with that barefoot feeling of comfort.
Why thongs? Flip-flops are breathable in the sticky humid heat here in Bali and they’re very sand-friendly, kick them off, give them a tap and they’re good to go. They also dry fast if you get soaked in a pool, a wave or run them under a tap. The only downside is that they suck on the dance floor as they don’t tend to have much grip.
Espadrilles: Casual Chic That Really Works
If thongs had a cool cousin, it would be espadrilles. They’ve got the same level of chilled out to near horizontal vibe going on but they’re also a bit more polished.
You see them everywhere in Bali, those woven textures with rope soles and that’s because they’re awesome for beach clubs. They’re light, they’re breathable and they have that “Euro summer” appeal that fits right in at the stylish spots on the island.
Opt for a flat pair in canvas or leather or push the boat out and go with some embroidery or even a flash of colour that suits the accent of your sarong.
Why espadrilles? They hand the sand and the pavement like champs. They’ve got more than enough structure to properly support your feet all day long. And that closed toe thing they’ve got going on stops you from stubbing yourself on a day bed or deckchair.
One thing though, suede espadrilles are a bad idea in Bali, the humidity is not kind to them.
Strappy Sandals: Sexy But Practical
Strappy sandals have been cool since the ancient Greeks and Romans put them on and they’ve stayed that way through the Reformation right up to the present day.
They’re perfect when you want something that’s not too casual but also not too fussy. Think flat or low-block heels adorned with thin leather or woven straps.
If you go with a tan, white or metallic pair, they will literally match with anything that you want to wear from a bikini with a throw over kimono combo to a line jumpsuit.
But remember, when it comes to strappy sandals, you want cushioned soles and adjustable straps, don’t skimp on these. Hard soles hurt after a few hours and tight straps will dig into your feet in the heat of the day.
Why strappy sandals? They absolutely scream “Bali beach club chic”, they’re absolutely sexy and yet, still entirely practical. Your feet can breathe and you can tackle unstable terrain.
Best of all, they handle the day to night transition perfectly, they’re perfect for sundowner sessions and late night parties alike.
But… avoid stiletto heels with this kind of sandal, unless you only intend to spend time on the deck at whatever beach club you’re in. Heels are a no-go on sand, gardens, etc.
Slide Sandals: That Effortless “I’m Not Trying” Look
Slides are back in and we think they’re perfect for that chilled out look as part of Bali’s beach club scene.
We’d go with something like Birkenstocks (you know, the posh sleek leather kind, not those “urban hippy” vibes), Adidas Adielette slides or even go all the way upmarket and invest in something from Gucci or Prada if you want to really impress.
Slides are open toed, easy to slip in and out of and they look awesome with anything from kaftans to board shorts.
Why slides? They’re the ultimate in “I am not really trying, but I am still absolutely smoking hot”. They’re super comfy for the long haul and bar or beach club hopping won’t be a problem.
They are also perfect for even a wet dance floor when everyone else is slipping all over the place, you won’t be.
And they’re low maintenance, when they look a little shabby, rinse them under a tap and they’re as good as new. You can’t say fairer than that, really.
Wedge Sandals: A Little Lift And A Lot Of Style
Look, not all wedges, we know. But wedges can really work in a Bali beach club just as long as you pick the right pair of wedges.
Don’t opt for something sky-high that will leave you tottering all over the place, go with a mid-height cork or even espadrille style pair of wedges with ankle straps.
You can check out Castaner or Stuart Weitzman for ideas on how to do this well. You want natural tones or maybe even a flash of a tropical print for luck.
They’re absolutely awesome for fancy nights out at FINNS and they’ll give you a little extra height in your Instagram snaps.
Why wedges? They help to lengthen the leg and thus, make you look awesome, but without making you wobble about like you would on heels.
Their wider base also means you stay steady on sand or grass rather than sinking in as you do in heels.
They’re also dressy enough for night wear but perfect for daytime fun too. However, we’d always recommend you try out wedges in a store for a few minutes as some of them can feel pretty heavy after a short while on your feet.
Barefoot Sandals: The Bohemian Wildcard
Our final pick for the truly “freespirited beach club goer” is the barefoot sandal. Sure it’s quirky, but it’s plenty beach-y, right?
The barefoot sandal is what we’d think of as jewellery for your feet and we love delicate straps and beaded designs that tie off neatly around your ankle, giving you that barefoot look with a chic and fashionable twist.
These can be picked up anywhere too. Etsy is a great place to shop online for barefoot sandals but a stroll around any market in Bali and you should be able to find an excellent pair too.
Why barefoot sandals? They’re light, they pack easily and you can feel the sand in your feet while still looking intentional about things.
They rock at earthy spots like Potato Head and La Brisa where everyone’s a bit artsy and out there. The downside, however, is that they suck for foot support and you don’t want to wear them all day long so take a second, different, pair if you choose this option.
What To Avoid When Picking Beach Club Shoes
While we’ve got a lot of “dos” in the footwear category, we’ve also got some pretty straightforward “don’ts” too. Beach clubs are not ideal places for the following:
- High heels – sand and stilettos really don’t mix. Heels are fine if you just turn up and sit at a restaurant table all night long. But otherwise, they’re among the worst things you can rock up to a beach club in. It’s super easy to break a heel on the sand, grass, etc. too.
- Closed toed sneakers – they may feel like a sensible and safe option but in the heat and humidity of Bali, they will quickly become a sweat bath for your feet and they’ll be stinky by the time you get home too.
- Plastic sandals – don’t do cheap footwear for all day long stints and beach clubs, not unless you like blisters, anyway.
- Combat boots – anything chunky and heavy is a bad idea, not only will they weigh you down and tire you out but they’re entirely out of place in a beach club where everyone is fairly skimpily dressed.
Insider Tips For Footwear At Beach Clubs
OK, we’ve also got some handy tips that should help you sort out your footwear no matter what happens during your beach club day out:
- Take a backup pair – if your shoes turn out to be something you hate, having a pair of foldable flats or slides in your bag can make all the difference in the world. It’s an escape plan for your feet.
- Waterproofing for the win – not only do areas around pools and beaches tend to have plenty of water but in Bali, the skies can open at any time and a lot of water can fall out of them. If your shoes are waterproof, you won’t spend the day with your feet in soggy uncomfortable shoes.
- Break your shoes in before the beach club – we can’t stress this enough. A long day at FINNS in new shoes is a recipe for serious blisters on your feet. In the tropics, blisters can easily get infected too. So, give them a day or two’s wear before you get here.
- Make sure to match the mood – slides and espadrilles are awesome in the day but at night, you might want a wedge or a strappy sandal particularly if the party zones have a stricter dress code.
Our Go-To Picks Of Footwear For Bali’s Beach Clubs
OK, if we were to narrow things down for you, we’d go with some metallic strappy sandals (all ancient Greek style) and a pair of cushy leather slides (a la Birkenstock). That will cover all your beach club basses.
They’re versatile, they’re comfortable and you won’t be complaining that your feet hurt by the time midnight swings around. And, as importantly, they will look awesome in your beach club photos and that’s half the reason you’re there, right?
FAQs
What Footwear To Wear In Bali?
For most people the go-to in Bali will be thongs (or flip-flops) but we should note that if you want to enjoy walking around, it’s best to splash out on a slightly elevated pair (decent straps and some cushioning) rather than opt for a cheap $2 pair from a street stall.
Fortunately, there are plenty of decent places to buy thongs in Bali and Havaianas has shops all over the island.
Other than that, you may want shoes with better levels of grip and support when on the beach or hiking through the jungles or mountains.
And you can pretty much wear anything you want, as long as it’s breathable and comfortable elsewhere on the island.
There are no footwear police in Bali, so don’t worry about giving into your personal style. Just remember that it’s hot and humid and big, heavy boots are usually a bad idea.
What To Wear When Clubbing In Bali?
You should check with the beach club or night club to see if they have a dress code and if so, you will need to adhere to it.
However, that’s the only proviso, you’re free to wear whatever you want to Bali’s clubs. But we’d recommend that you opt for layers and lightweight, breathable choices.
This lets you stay cool no matter how hot things get and you will always look awesome too.
What Should I Bring To A Beach Club?
We recommend that you pack light to visit a beach club. There’s no need to take things that you’re going to risk losing during the day unless you need them.
That means some cash (or a card but no more than two cards, leave the others in your hotel), some suncream, sunnies, a hat, and any clothes you need. If it’s a chill out place, you might also take a book. But other than that? Leave it in your room. You won’t need it.
And whatever you do, don’t take a towel or a camera (other than your phone) as most beach clubs won’t let you take these inside. Nor will they let you bring in any outside food or drinks, so it’s best not to take any of those, either.
Do I Need Heels In Bali?
No, in fact, in most environments in Bali, you’re probably going to regret wearing heels. Beaches, gardens, rice paddies, etc. will see you sink in and possibly lose a heel.
The pavements, streets and sidewalks are full of potholes, you can easily end up breaking a hell or twisting an ankle.
In fact, the only place where you might be glad of wearing heels is in a fine dining restaurant but even there, they’re not mandatory and you might be better off choosing something a little more practical just in case you have to walk to your ride at the end of the night.
Do I Need Trainers/Sneakers In Bali?
Do you need trainers/sneakers in Bali? In general, probably not. Though you may want to wear them if you want to take a casual stroll through a rice field or play certain sports.
However, overall, most people will find that hot and humid climate of Bali isn’t best suited to closed footwear and will prefer something a little more open to the elements so that their feet can breathe better.
Can You Wear Red In Bali?
Yes. We’re not sure where the rumour that wearing red in Bali is a bad idea came from. (It might be confusion with Thailand where the two political factions often wear red or yellow and wearing the colours of one faction, can upset the other).
You can wear red anywhere and at any time in Bali with the possible exception of a funeral. As with most of the world, the Balinese tend to prefer subdued respectful colours at a funeral, but otherwise, red is just fine.
What Does A Black Bag Mean In Bali?
It’s a popular myth here in Bali that market stall merchants will give you a colour coded bag that speaks to other traders of your haggling skills.
The idea being that this would help them separate easy marks from cheapskates and allow them to maximize profits.
In this imaginary system, a white and black bag mean friendly haggler, a red bag meant you would pay the tourist price and a black bag meant that you would be a very hard bargainer.
The only trouble with this myth is that anybody who knows Bali, knows that nobody here is this organized and why would a stallholder care whether their competitor got the better of you or not?
So, in reality, a black plastic bag means nothing except that you’re not carrying a reusable shopping bag and are thus adding to the island’s plastic pollution woes. Yes, that’s meant to shame you into taking your own shopping bags with you.
Final Thoughts On The Best Footwear For Bali’s Beach Clubs
There is no prescribed footwear for a beach club in Bali and you can rock up in anything that you feel comfortable in. However, if you choose something from our list above, you’re more likely to fit in, feel good and enjoy the best possible day out.
We’ve learned from hard experience that nothing ruins a day out quite like wearing the wrong shoes to a beach club. Blisters are no fun.
