Olukai Amo sandal

Posted: 07/26/2010 In Category(s): Reviews :: Product Reviews

Olukai has made a splash in the outdoor industry in just the last four years, producing high-quality, waterproof footwear with uncanny comfort. Those traits are reflected in the company name, which is derived from the Hawaiian words “Olu,” meaning comfort, and “Kai,” meaning ocean.

The SNEWS® picked up the Amo flip-flop sandals last summer, and we’ve been amazed by the durability of the product during that time. We’ve walked countless miles in them on a variety of surfaces from asphalt to dirt paths, and taken them on numerous camping and paddling trips. Part of the Makai collection, we found the Amo sandals truly live up to their Hawaiian translation of “sparkle.”

After trying other flip-flop sandals that slipped on slick surfaces or stiff foot beds that never broke in, the Amo would even please Goldilocks with its “just right” design. The key to the company’s comfort is its anatomical compression-molded EVA midsole and foot bed. They provide medial and lateral arch support, and also support the contours of the foot. From the get-go, the Amo bypassed the break-in phase of other sandals and quickly conformed to the shape of our feet, creating a personalized fit.

The straps are made of synthetic leather, with a jersey-knit lining that is soft against the foot and dries quickly. Over time, the liner has gotten dirty and faded a bit, but has not frayed in the slightest. The toe post is made of nylon webbing that is soft and not stiff, so it doesn’t cause any chafing between the toes. The outsole is made of a non-marking rubber and has a pattern that reflects the company’s Hawaiian/Polynesian heritage. The rubber and the sole pattern combine to provided a firm grip on a wide rage of surfaces.

Though some people might think the $60 price tag is high for flip-flops, the Amo has proven to be durable over an extended period of time, and the thoughtful design and advanced materials make it worth the outlay of cash.

SNEWS® Rating: 4.5 hands clapping (1 to 5 hands clapping possible, with 5 clapping hands representing functional and design perfection)

Suggested Retail: $60

For more information: www.olukai.com

To learn more about how SNEWS® conducts product reviews, click here.

---

SNEWS® CHAT -- Have a comment, idea, retort, or an engaging thought that was inspired by this article or from our opinions expressed in the SNEWS® View? Just click here to comment now.