When shopping for a new pair of shoes, comfort, and style are the two most important features to consider, you can get these qualities in footwear from popular brands Olukai and Reef.
Whether you need attractive sandals for the beach or casual shoes for errands, these brands have something for every activity.
Even though both brands offer similar-looking shoe styles, however, there are differences that we are going to discuss in this article. Continue reading to find out which brand is better for you.
Comparison Table Between Reef And Olukai:
| Reef | Olukai |
|---|---|
| Founded in 1984 | Founded in 2005 |
| Long rich history | Relatively new brand |
| Become B-Corp in 2003 | B-Corp certified since 2014 |
| Water-resistant | Water-friendly |
| Reliable to wear around the boat, rocks, and reefs for surfing, skating, sailing | Best for hiking, walking around the beach and running |
| Affordable | Affordable and pricey options |
| For Men, Women, and Kids | For Men and Women |
| No break-in period | Short break-in period |
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.
Overview of Reef:
The brand Reef has been known for making fashionable and practical sandals and flip-flops for many years.
Two South American brothers, Fernando, and Santiago Aguerre started REEF in 1984 due to their obsession with the beach and surfing.
Their goal was to design high-quality, excellent products that complemented their preferred lifestyle. The company’s dedication to creating shoes that are both fashionable and long-lasting made it get to the top of the footwear market rapidly.
The brand stands out in the crowd by offering a wide range of styles and colors for men, women, and kids which are perfect for every taste.
The Fanning model by Reef is their classic flip-flop that has a water-friendly design; it is rated 4.5/5 stars and has over 2,013 ratings to date, making it one of their bestselling on the website.
In addition, Reef is just as dedicated as it is to its customers when it comes to giving back to the community. The company has also collaborated with a variety of organizations to improve ocean health and conservation.
Last but not the least, Reef is also environmentally conscious; the company has adopted sustainable practices in its shoe manufacturing and uses recycled materials for the reduction of its impact on the environment.
Major Differences between the Brands:
In this section, I will assist you to choose between Olukai and Reef by comparing them in different aspects. Let’s dive in:
1) Comfort:
Olukai shoes are intended to replicate the feeling of walking barefoot on the wet sand as the brand incorporates the “Wet Sand Principle,” in their manufacturing process. No matter what your foot shape is you always feel at ease in these shoes since they cup the heel, fill the arch, and spread the toes.
The heel cup helps with shock absorption and provides stability, and the toe box provides unrestricted movement for the toes. The padded insole and the arch support will keep your feet feeling great all day long.
Moreover, the ergonomically contoured footbed cushions the arch of the foot without adding excessive weight to the shoe, making these an excellent choice for people searching for a pair of lightweight yet comfy shoes.
In contrast, Reef shoes feature a soft footbed and cushioning around the heel while providing greater arch support to help absorb shock. Also, due to the super-quality construction materials, they’ll keep your feet dry and comfortable even when they are soaked in water and handle frequent submersion. Whether they are wet or dry they will maintain their shape, keep your feet stable, and provide out-of-the-box comfort.
In short, you can choose both brands according to your preferences and you will enjoy the ultimate level of comfort.
2) Popularity:
In January 2014, the brand Olukai legalized its commercial activities by becoming a Certified B-Corporation. Their shoes are popular among adventurers who enjoy exploring the world.
Forbes and other well-known media publications have featured the brand’s attractive and environment-friendly footwear, also, OluKai received “Breakthrough Brand of the year” at the SIMA Image Awards!
On the other hand, Travelers and beachgoers favor Reef shoes, also their boots have become popular among surfers worldwide, both for warmth and protection.
The brand is also B-corp certified since 2003 and only employs leathers and suedes from tanneries that have earned the highest possible rating from the Leather Working Group, which is either Gold or Silver.
3) Target Market:
Reef aims its products at males and females between the ages of 16 to 30. They feature styles inspired by their surf background and are designed to appeal to a wide variety of people who like activities such as skating, surfing, hiking, snowboarding, etc.
Alternately, The Olukai targets men and women between the ages of 21 to almost 35 who want functional, comfortable, and stylish shoes. The brand offers a variety of options for beachgoers, adventurers, runners, and hikers.
4) Price:
Reef shoes and sandals usually cost between $40 to around $100, whereas, the price of Olukai shoes is relatively high ranging anywhere from $65 to almost $170. Both brands offer options for budget-conscious people and those who are willing to spend more on a higher-quality product.
5) Design:
Olukai and Reef use high-quality materials and manufacturing methods to make sure their shoes can handle the wear and tear of everyday use.
Reef shoes were designed to be worn in wet environments as they maintained their shape for a long time. These shoes are great for aqua aerobics, water sports, scuba diving, paddle boarding, or just walking along the beach.
You can also rely on their shoes to keep your feet warm in colder regions and to help you walk over sharp rocks and reefs. With additional insulation on your feet, you will be able to surf longer in cold water, making it easier to handle your surfboard.
Conversely, Olukai is committed to providing careful consideration to every aspect of its designs. Every shoe features authentic, handcrafted artwork that reflects the island’s culture. In addition, the brand employs custom-made lasts and anatomical footbeds to ensure shoes fit properly.
The finest materials are meticulously selected to look attractive, endure a long time, and feel soft on the skin. From water-friendly sandals and beach town shoes to upcountry boots Olukai offered you the ultimate luxury experience.
These shoes are ideal for running, hiking, beach walking, and any other outdoor activities you can think of due to their adaptable designs.
Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
Hopefully, the article above makes it relatively easy to understand the differences between Reef and Olukai in terms of many features.
Olukai shoes are well-made from sustainable materials and don’t need to be replaced as often, making them a more environmentally friendly choice. Also, if you expect to spend a significant amount of time in and around water, reef shoes can be an excellent investment for foot protection, comfort, and elegance.
We recommend checking out both companies because each of them provides a wide variety of styles suitable for different kinds of activities.