If you‘re looking for the perfect sandals to take you from the beach to the boardwalk and beyond, look no further than Reef. This iconic California footwear brand has been crafting high-quality, ultra-comfortable sandals and shoes since 1984. With a focus on laid-back style, premium materials, and eco-friendly practices, Reef has built a loyal following of beach lovers and trendsetters alike.
In this comprehensive Reef review, we‘ll dive deep into the brand‘s history, best-selling products, customer reviews, and sustainability initiatives to help you decide if Reef sandals are right for you.
About Reef: Surf-Inspired Style Since 1984
The story of Reef began in 1984, when two entrepreneurial brothers from Argentina, Fernando and Santiago Aguerre, relocated to San Diego, California to pursue their passion for surfing. Inspired by the laid-back beach culture of Southern California, the Aguerre brothers identified a need for high-quality, comfortable sandals that could keep up with their active lifestyle.
With an initial investment of just $4,000, Fernando and Santiago began importing sandals from South America and selling them to surf shops along the California coast. The brand quickly gained a cult following among surfers and beach-goers, who appreciated the sandals‘ durable construction, supportive fit, and cool, casual style.
Over the past four decades, Reef has grown from a small startup to a global lifestyle brand, with a presence in over 100 countries worldwide. Despite its growth, Reef remains true to its surf roots and commitment to quality, comfort, and sustainability.
Today, Reef offers a wide range of sandals, shoes, and apparel for men, women, and children. The brand‘s collection includes everything from classic leather flip-flops to eco-friendly water shoes, street-smart sneakers, and cozy slippers. With ambassadors like pro surfers Mick Fanning and Kai Otton, and celebrity fans like Matthew McConaughey and Jessica Alba, Reef has cemented its status as a true icon of coastal cool.
Best-Selling Reef Sandals for Men, Women, and Kids
Reef is best known for its signature sandals, which combine laid-back style with all-day comfort and support. Here are some of the brand‘s most popular sandal styles for men, women, and kids:
Men‘s Reef Sandals
Reef Fanning Sandals: Named after pro surfer Mick Fanning, these classic leather flip-flops feature a comfortable cushion footbed, a bottle opener built into the sole, and a herringbone outsole for traction. With a 4.5-star rating from over 3,000 reviews, the Fannings are a fan favorite for their durability, versatility, and convenient bottle-opening feature.
Reef Phantom Sandals: The Phantoms are another popular choice for men, with a sleek, minimalist design and a super-soft cushion foam footbed. Available in a range of colors and patterns, from basic black to bold prints, these sandals have a 4.5-star rating from over 1,000 reviews.
Reef Draftsmen Sandals: For a dressier option that still offers Reef‘s signature comfort, the Draftsmen sandals feature a rich leather strap and footbed with anatomical arch support. Customers rave about the Draftsmen‘s versatility, with many saying they can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Women‘s Reef Sandals
Reef Ginger Sandals: The Ginger sandals are a best-seller for women, with a slim, feminine strap and a soft, padded footbed. Available in a variety of colors and prints, from basic brown to metallic rose gold, the Gingers have a 4.5-star rating from over 2,000 reviews.
Reef Cushion Breeze Sandals: For a more supportive option, the Cushion Breeze sandals feature a cushioned EVA footbed with anatomical arch support and a durable rubber outsole. With a 4.5-star rating from over 500 reviews, customers praise the Cushion Breeze for its all-day comfort and stable fit.
Reef Vista Sandals: The Vista sandals offer a trendy, strappy design with a comfortable padded footbed and a low wedge heel for a touch of height. Available in a range of neutral and metallic colors, the Vistas have a 4.5-star rating from over 100 reviews.
Kids‘ Reef Sandals
Reef Little Ahi Sandals: These cute, colorful flip-flops are perfect for little beach bums, with a soft, squishy footbed and a durable rubber outsole. The Little Ahis have a 4.5-star rating from over 500 reviews, with parents praising their durability and easy on-off style.
Reef Kids Grom Leather Sandals: For a more grown-up look, the Grom Leather sandals feature a classic leather strap and footbed with a non-marking rubber outsole. With a 4.5-star rating from over 100 reviews, parents say the Groms are comfortable, well-made, and versatile enough for any occasion.
Reef‘s Commitment to Sustainability
In addition to crafting comfortable, stylish sandals, Reef is also committed to minimizing its environmental impact and supporting ocean conservation efforts. Here are a few of the brand‘s key sustainability initiatives:
Eco-Friendly Materials: Many of Reef‘s sandals and shoes are made with eco-friendly materials like recycled PET, organic cotton, and water-based glues. The brand also uses recycled and recyclable packaging materials whenever possible.
REEF x Surfrider Foundation Partnership: Since 2008, Reef has partnered with the Surfrider Foundation to support beach cleanups, water quality testing, and other ocean conservation efforts. To date, Reef has donated over $500,000 to the Surfrider Foundation through product sales and event sponsorships.
Better Beach Alliance: In 2019, Reef launched the Better Beach Alliance, a corporate social responsibility program that aims to reduce beach pollution and support coastal communities around the world. Through the Better Beach Alliance, Reef has sponsored beach cleanups, donated products to local schools and community organizations, and funded educational programs about ocean conservation.
Customer Reviews: What People Are Saying About Reef Sandals
Reef has earned a loyal following over the years, with customers praising the brand‘s comfortable, durable, and stylish sandals. Here‘s what some satisfied customers have to say about their Reef sandals:
"I have been wearing Reef sandals for over 20 years, and they never disappoint. The Fannings are my go-to for everyday wear – they‘re comfortable, supportive, and hold up well over time. Plus, the bottle opener in the sole comes in handy more often than you‘d think!" – Mark S.
"I love my Reef Ginger sandals! They‘re cute, comfortable, and go with everything from sundresses to shorts. I have them in three colors and wear them all summer long." – Jessica T.
"I bought a pair of Reef Phantoms for my husband as a gift, and he loves them. He says they‘re the most comfortable sandals he‘s ever owned, and he wears them everywhere from the beach to running errands." – Sarah K.
"I got my kids a pair of Little Ahi flip-flops for our beach vacation, and they were a hit. The kids loved the bright colors and squishy footbed, and I was impressed by how well they held up to sand, salt water, and rough play." – Emily G.
Of course, no product is perfect, and some customers have reported issues with durability or fit. However, the overwhelming majority of Reef reviews are positive, with customers praising the brand‘s comfort, style, and overall value.
How Reef Compares to Other Sandal Brands
When it comes to beach-ready footwear, Reef faces stiff competition from other popular sandal brands like Rainbow, Olukai, Havaianas, and Teva. So how does Reef stack up? Here‘s a quick comparison:
Comfort: Reef sandals are known for their ultra-comfortable footbeds, which feature soft, cushioned materials and anatomical arch support. While other brands like Rainbow and Olukai also prioritize comfort, Reef‘s unique combination of squishy foam and supportive contouring sets it apart.
Durability: Reef sandals are built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. However, some customers have reported issues with the straps or soles wearing out over time, particularly with the brand‘s cheaper flip-flop models. In terms of durability, Reef is on par with brands like Rainbow and Teva, but may not be quite as long-lasting as Olukai‘s leather sandals.
Style: Reef offers a wide range of sandal styles, from classic leather flip-flops to trendy wedges and sneaker-inspired designs. While the brand‘s aesthetic is definitely surf-inspired, Reef sandals can easily be dressed up or down for any occasion. In terms of style, Reef is more versatile than brands like Havaianas or Crocs, but may not be as fashion-forward as Teva‘s designer collaborations.
Price: Reef sandals are priced competitively, with most styles ranging from $30 to $80. While the brand‘s leather sandals and eco-friendly designs may be on the pricier side, Reef offers good value for the quality and comfort of its products. In terms of price, Reef is similar to brands like Rainbow and Olukai, but may be more expensive than budget-friendly options like Havaianas or Old Navy.
The Bottom Line: Are Reef Sandals Worth It?
After thorough research and analysis, we can confidently say that Reef sandals are a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking comfortable, stylish, and sustainably-made footwear. With a wide range of styles for men, women, and kids, high-quality materials, and a commitment to eco-friendly practices, Reef ticks all the boxes for a great sandal brand.
While no product is perfect, the overwhelming majority of Reef reviews are positive, with customers praising the sandals‘ all-day comfort, laid-back style, and surprising versatility. And with prices starting at just $30, Reef sandals offer great value for the quality and features you get.
Of course, the best way to know if Reef sandals are right for you is to try them for yourself. With free shipping on orders over $55 and a generous 60-day return policy, there‘s no risk in giving Reef a try. So why not slip on a pair of Fannings or Gingers and see what all the fuss is about? Your feet (and your beach-loving soul) will thank you.
