Shoes are very essential to protect our feet from extreme weather like very hot and cold temperatures. They have also evolved into enhancing one’s personal sense of style and fashion.
Two of the most reliable brands that offer footwear for varied climate conditions are Olukai and Rainbow. In addition to shoes and boots, both brands have become household names in the world of comfortable sandals or flip-flops.
The Olukai VS Rainbow debate often centers around comfort, durability, and price point, with Olukai typically positioned as a premium option and Rainbow as a classic, long-lasting choice. If you want to know which brand offers better features, I will discuss everything you need to know in this article. So, Let’s begin
| Olukai | Rainbow Sandals |
|---|---|
| Founded in 2005 | Founded in 1974 |
| More shoe styles | Fewer styles |
| Athletic and training shoe options | Casual and everyday styles |
| Relatively new brand | Old brand |
| Affordable and expensive options | Affordable |
| More colors options | Fewer colors |
| One Year warranty | Lifetime guarantee |
Overview of Rainbow Sandals:
Rainbow sandals have become one of the most popular brands because word has spread worldwide that they are well-made and comfortable.
The brand Rainbow’s founder, Jay “Sparky” Longley, was strolling along a beach in 1972, he came across a pair of damaged sandals that had been dumped there, making a mess on an attractive beach site.
He decided right then that he would make a comfortable, strong sandal that would last a long time. Sparky devoted a lot of time and effort over the years working and selling its footwear, and after a while, people became aware of Rainbow Sandals.
After two years, Sparky was advised to relocate to San Clemente, where he established Rainbow Sandals, Inc. in 1974. After that, sales of its shoes began skyrocketing in the year 2000.
With so many popular options Rainbow Men’s Premier Leather Single Layer Arch is the brand’s signature best-selling style, which is incredibly lightweight and feels extremely pleasant on feet.
Moreover, the brand validates the quality of its products with a guarantee that lasts as long as the sole of the sandal.
In addition, to protect the feet of the homeless, orphans, and victims of natural disasters, the brand asks customers to send back any sandals that still have little life left so that they can be repaired and donated.
Overview of Olukai:
Since its beginning, it has always been a priority for Olukai to fulfill the company’s original mission which is to “make footwear that blends durability for the ocean lifestyle, waterman, and a brand that has strong values and roots with comfort, style, and craftsmanship.”
The brand was founded in 2005 by Bill Worthington and his business partner Matt Till, who intended to design a multifunctional pair of sandals as flip-flops grew in popularity.The shoes are designed to be casual, supportive, and comfortable while being attractive enough for daily wear.
With their super soft genuine shearling-wrapped upper and straps, the Kpe’a Heu Sandals are a top seller among women and consistently receive excellent reviews.
The brand is also connected to the history of Hawaii and embraces the meaning of Ohana and Aloha. The company even gives its products Hawaiian names, including terms from the Hawaiian language.
It is a Certified B Corporation that has always prioritized sustainability by designing products to last a lifetime and minimizing its carbon footprint.
In the belief of giving back to the community, the brand formed the Ama OluKai Foundation, which provides financial support to organizations committed to preserving Hawaiian heritage and culture.
In this way, the company produces high-quality shoes while staying true to the values that have been passed down through Hawaiian generations.
Major Differences between the Brands:
Read on to find out how Olukai compares against Rainbow footwear, in the end, you’ll find out who the real winner is:
1) Comfort:
The most admirable feature of Rainbow shoes is undoubtedly their ability to conform to your foot. At the start, their shoes feel like flat blocks of rubber or foam, and as you wear them after some time, the leather will gradually start to get grooves where you walk and put your weight down and ultimately you will get the perfect grooves for your feet to walk comfortably.
Also, their sandals and flip-flops don’t make your feet sweat, even in those crazy hot countries you’re traveling through, and they offer arch support so you can walk in them for hours without your feet getting tired.
Alternatively, all of Olukai’s footwear is created on custom-made lasts for greater fit, ease, and support, resulting in a superb level of overall comfort.
Moreover, the anatomically corrected footbed cushions and stabilizes your stride, while the roomy toe box lets your toes and forefoot flex out naturally with every step.
The heel cup provides shock absorption and stability and the cushioned insole will keep your feet feeling relaxed throughout the day.
All in all, Olukai shoes are made to simulate the sensation of walking barefoot on wet sand.
2) Popularity:
Rainbow Sandal’s slogan “Repair, Reuse, and Recycle” as well as their lifetime guarantee is well-liked by people globally. Their footwear is a popular choice among people in California because it is versatile enough to wear with any casual clothes. Also, Surfers are in love with their flip-flops as they are perfect for the Southern California lifestyle.
Conversely, Olukai shoes are popular among adventurers who enjoy visiting different locations. In 2014, the brand was established as a Certified B-Corporation, which shows their concern for the environment as well as the community.
Moreover, the brand rebuilds social and environmental performance standards by collaborating with over a thousand other Certified B-Corps from 33 nations and 60 different industries.
Forbes and other well-known media publications have also featured the brand’s trendy and environmentally conscious footwear.
3) Target Market:
Rainbow sandals and their other footwear is intended for both men and women aged between 18 to more than 60. Also, the brand offers its collection to people who have foot-related issues. Rainbow sandals primarily target a youthful, college-aged demographic. This target audience values comfort, durability, and a classic, casual style. Students, surfers, and beach-goers often align with the brand’s image of a laid-back, outdoor lifestyle. Rainbow sandals offer an affordable and long-lasting footwear option that effortlessly transitions from the beach to everyday wear, making them a popular choice for this target market.
In contrast, The Olukai shoes are for men and women between the ages of 21 to almost 35 who need versatile, comfortable, and stylish outdoor shoes and want to shop sustainably.
Olukai targets a more mature and affluent consumer seeking premium footwear. Their target market often values comfort, style, and quality craftsmanship. This demographic typically enjoys outdoor activities, travel, and a relaxed, sophisticated lifestyle. Olukai positions itself as a luxury brand that offers exceptional comfort and durability, appealing to individuals who appreciate the finer things in life.
4) Price:
You may expect to spend $59 to $85 on a pair of Rainbow sandals, conversely, the price range for Olukai shoes is slightly high, costing you from $65 to around $170. If you want more style options and features then Olukai is the obvious choice.
5) Design:
Rainbow stands so strongly behind the quality of its designs that it will fix or replace any sandal that doesn’t perform properly. Their shoes are handcrafted using specifically made glue to hold the layers together while keeping the straps in position so that broken sandals do not litter beaches. For a custom, comfortable fit, the founder designed a range of sponge rubber densities with “memory” to mold to the wearer’s foot.
A few of their shoes may have a hint of colors, but most of them are in neutral tones. This allows them to complement most outfits and ensures that their style is timeless. You can stroll for hours in their sandals while traveling in hot climates or around the beaches, whereas their boots are designed for surfers.
On the other hand, Olukai makes an effort to give each part of its designs a lot of consideration. Every shoe design is made with real, hand-made art that shows details of island culture. Also, the brand makes sure shoes fit well by using custom-made lasts and anatomical footbeds. The finest materials are meticulously selected to look attractive, endure a long time, and feel soft.
Their collection includes high-quality, long-lasting shoe construction and has a unique style that makes it great for running, hiking, walking on the beach, and any other outdoor activity you can consider.
Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
Regardless of their benefits and drawbacks, both companies have a lot to offer and are also concerned with the environment and community. The Olukai VS Rainbow debate have dedicated followings, and the choice between the two often comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the wearer.
Olukai shoes come in more styles that are great for adventurers and travelers in different weather conditions and their athletic footwear will be the best for running, training walking for extended periods.
Rainbow sandals, on the other hand, have relatively fewer styles to offer than Olukai, still, they have a good selection of sandals and flip-flops that offer the best support and comfort in hot weather at a fair price.
It is my personal opinion which is based on the testing of both brands in depth, now you can check any of them according to your needs.
