For some of us, Earth Day is every day, but every April the topic seems to be front of mind for everyone. Being truly eco conscious isn’t as difficult as it seems, and often the overwhelming feelings about it all can be tamed when you consider that every step towards sustainability counts.
Check out OluKai’s online exclusive for its newly introduced Liko collection.
The process comes from the cross-cultural collaboration of two women: Meleana Estes (a lei maker from Oahu who learned her craft from her grandmother, who was a renowned lei maker) and Maibe Maroccolo (a natural dye maker from Brasilia, Brazil). “You realize that everything we need, it’s in nature,” says Maroccolo.
The three shoes in the collection, the Liko ‘Olu sandal, the Liko Pehuea, and the Liko Kahu shoes, all use one-of-a-kind hand-dyed colors. Dyed in small batches using a 100-percent natural and non-toxic dying process with plants found in Hawaii, the collection uses yellow hibiscus flowers, koa tree bark, and eucalyptus and passion fruit leaves for the tones and variations that soften with use over time.
Women’s options in the Liko collection are the Liko ‘Olu slide slippers with a premium, full-grain leather upper and the Liko Pehuea sneakers with a lightweight, breathable canvas upper. The ‘Olu has an anatomical molded EVA midsole with a premium full-grain leather footbed cover and plush foam underlay for comfort. The Pehuea has a dual-density anatomical PU footbed and is lined with a soft microfiber footbed cover. It also has OluKai’s patented drop-in heel design, making the shoe also perform as a slide.
The men’s option is the Liko Kahu, also made as slip-on shoes that can perform as slides. They have a lightweight, breathable canvas upper with a soft, quick-drying mesh lining. Like the Pehuea, this shoe has a dual-density anatomical PU footbed and is lined with a soft microfiber footbed cover.
Celebrate the Earth with any of these shoes. The Liko ‘Olu lists for $120 and comes in yellow hibiscus and gray acacia (with eucalyptus). The Liko Pehuea lists for $150 and comes in the same two colors. The Liko Kahu lists for $150 and comes in brown koa and gray acacia (with eucalyptus). All are available on the OluKai site.