NewsAPR 20, 2022

Our 10 Favorite Leather Sandals for Men & Women

Leather sandals. Those two words are like an ode to summer (something we’re big on around here). Perfectly casual while plenty stylish. Easy to dress up or dress down. But know this: all leather sandals are not created equal. And at OluKai, we take great pride in creating the best. So, why are OluKai leather sandals for men and women the best? Are OluKai sandals made with real leather? And which leather sandals do we recommend for men and women?

Don’t worry, we’ve got answers to all these questions below.

The Best Leather Sandals for Men

Tuahine

“Best ever! They're totally suitable anywhere from the beach to a nice dinner out…”

People are raving about the Tuahine, and it’s easy to see why. Perfect for all-day wear, these stylish leather flip flops top the charts. What’s more, they’re crafted with waterproof full-grain leather, which can handle wet feet, tidepool hopping, and splashes (but hey, don’t submerge in water!) And as our reviewer above put it, they really do go from the beach to a nice dinner out without a worry.

Mekila

Aloha, brown leather sandals with a story! A nod to the Paniolo (cowboys) and ranching culture found in island upcountry, these sandals are overflowing with richness and quality. Feel the workmanship that went into every step of creating these comfortable leather sandals made with high-character, full-grain leather, and take them off from time to time just to enjoy the intricate embroidery inspired by the stitching on Hawaiian saddles.

‘Ilikai

“I love my OluKai ‘Ilikai sandals! The toe strap is soft and the footbed is oh so comfortable! These sandals offer excellent support and comfort that I have never experienced in a flip flop before.”

Looking for some of the best leather sandals? ‘Ilikai understood the assignment. These are our first leather sandals to feature an in-board construction style where the straps dive into the footbed platform. This provides a more secure fit while allowing for a clean, sharp aesthetic. From our reviews, it sounds like it’s a winner.

Kai Po‘i

Like a fine wine, the Kai Po‘i leather sandals just keep on getting better. Crafted from the high-character Italian leather (which is known for being the best, softest leather out there) these need to be worn to truly appreciate their beauty. Featuring laser-etched, cresting wave artwork and functional, molded-rubber traction pods, this premium leather sandal's clean lines and comfortable fit put it squarely in the category of best leather sandals.

Mea Ola

We’ve always got island life on our minds, and we could say the same about the Mea Ola. The rich, premium full-grain leather Mea Ola features canoe lash whipstitching and octopus-inspired laser-etched artwork—a design inspired by age-old tradition. They’re super comfy too, which is a must when it comes to cruising the islands and experiencing all they have to offer.

The Best Leather Sandals for Women

‘Aukai

“BEST LEATHER FLIPS I’ve ever owned and I’m 53 and owned A LOT of flips. High quality, comfortable, can dress up or down. Look forward to putting them on everyday!!”

It’s hard not to get excited about these leather sandals for women, especially when you give them a spin. Because with beautifully soft leather and truly lasting comfort, this is leather you’ll live in. The understated style is every girl’s favorite sandal look, but thanks to unparalleled arch support and soft nubuck leather, these take comfort to a level your regular sandals have never even heard of.

Kāpehe Luana

We couldn’t talk about leather flip flops without mentioning the Kāpehe Luana. With a strappy design that’s fun and carefree, these comfortable leather sandals are an easy choice. And if you’re wondering if they’re as comfy as your plastic flip flops, look no further than the premium, full-grain leather, breathable microfiber lining, and soft toe post.

Paniolo

“My feet are in the best shape they've been in YEARS because of these shoes…”

Whether you pick these leather sandals for their foot-friendly vibes or because they’re so darn cute, you won’t go wrong with the Paniolo. Perfect for around the town, out of town, or just about anywhere, these are a no-brainer on our list.

Kīpe‘a ‘Olu

If you feel like it’s time to shake things up a little, check out the Kīpe‘a Olu. A slide with a beachy and boho vibe, these leather sandals for women are a stitch above. You’ll love the timeless design that blurs the line between relaxed and dressy because you won’t ever have to think about whether your sandals go with your outfit or not. They do.

Honu

The beloved Honu (sea turtle) is close to our hearts, so it felt natural to create a pair of insanely comfortable leather sandals in its honor. And whether these are your faves because of the honu-inspired, laser-etched artwork on the footbed, or because of the modern, lower profile silhouette, or because they’re just such an easy everyday choice, the Honu won’t disappoint.