OUTDOOR RETAILER, SLC
 |
| Kia'i Trainer-quick drying breathable air mesh, moisture wicking Dri-Lex Lining with Aegis Microbe Shield, easy-off toggle, toe cap and heel stay for stability, non-marking rubber outsole. |
words/images Judith Ecochard
Toward the ocean---Makai- and Makua- toward the land- fused with Maori/Polynesian artisan details, all inspire the premium footwear by OluKai.
 |
| Treads for grips and rigid ESS shank plate to protect vs. coral, lava rock etc. |
Based on the left coast now, each shoe, slide and flip flop is made with premium leathers, technical materials (uppers/outsoles) and with anatomical footbeds that are "comfort out of the box."
 |
| Personalized fit |
All styles we saw embrace the brand's Hawaiian heritage, lifestyle, and cultural heroes...AND embody OluKai's design philosophy---"about quality, hand-work and fit...all hugely important."
Pictured up top, the KIA'I Trainer (translates-"Guard") this water shoe is designed to handle the needs of lifeguards...with the red and gold-symbols of strength, embroidered HLA island detail chain, AND a portion of proceeds benefitting the HLA Junior Guard Program. ($110)
 |
| KOHOLA |
For the Makai water performance shoes, "the principle of wet sand" factors into the design elements including supportive, sturdy frames with an anatomical arch and grippy outsoles.
Pictured above and below-the KOHOLA- (translation-Coral Leaf)- made of lightweight, quick drying webbing and water resistant synthetic leather toe post medallion and anchor points- make this flip-flop rugged enough for any ocean or land adventure. And handsome too.
 |
| Non-marking gum rubber outsole |
The Maliko -is a split toe, cross-over minimalist adventure shoe with a removable water resistant insole,
...quick drying breathable mesh shell, molded heel control for stability, adjustable lace toggles for and easy, secure fit...and very cool, the outsole design is inspired by the Octopus tentacles---with suction cups.
 |
| Siping built-in for wet/dry traction in all directions. |
MAKUA selections-are very handsome---and are made of vegetable died, premium, full grain leathers that soften up over time, and mold to one's feet.
 |
| Tatoo design/and sewn details, vegetable dyed Italian premium leathers. |
The art and traditions of the islands factor in ----featuring original artwork, unique details, and intricate stitching. Really unique---these are what we deem as upscale flip-flops...that plenty of guys we know-would love to be able to wear to work.
 |
| PU'ALI-warrior-inspired art, details and color=premium full grain leather straps, synthetic pigskin lining, and neoprene backer, |
 |
| Scarring on straps |
 |
| Premium full grain leather wrapped outsole with non-marking rubber traction pods. |
 |
| KAVA-a medicinal root. |
 |
| Premium full grain leather wrapped outsole with non-marking traction pods with Moko artwork tread detail. Guys will learn how to cross their legs, while seated...so as to show off these outsoles. Women's |
 |
| OHANA with Mica and Berry thongs ...LELE (right) |
The gals get the same attention to details, elegant embellishments and timeless silhouettes of the guy shoes---but with the added flair of color.
For the water---the OHANA (translation-family) and LELE (translation-=hop, skip and jump) are both made with water resistant synthetic leather straps with soft quick drying jersey knit linings and neoprene backings- uppers, anatomical footbeds, non marking outsoles that grip...and soft nylon toe post webbings.
Bold colors in an easy to wear MALKI tie shoe---the Pakele are made of silky soft suede uppers...and for all day comfort-a triple layer anatomical footbed with high density EVA for heel and midfoot support and the OluKai signature cushioning. Nice and fun.
 |
| PAKELE-embossed leather heel patch on cotton poly covered footbed INFO: www.olukai.com |