Unless I’m traveling to do some hard-core hiking or backpacking, I usually like to bring multi-purpose shoes that will perform well on the trail, but also be useful in city streets. As a teenager, I once went on a trip with five pairs of shoes, and I never want to do that again.
I’ve long been a fan of the OluKai brand, both for the sheer comfort of their shoes and for the company’s philanthropy in supporting those who preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage and Aloha spirit of Hawaiʻi. As far as comfort, the brand’s “wet sand principle” inspires the design of its shoes. You know how your bare foot feels when you stand on wet sand. All at once, the sand cups the heel and fills the arch, while the toes splay out and aren’t smooshed together.
I’ve often had trouble finding shoes that support a wide front foot, and admit that I’ve squeezed into some popular standard hikers that fit a little snugly around my toes. Never again.
The OluKai Makiki is an all-terrain shoe is lightweight, breathable, and durable. It’s your trail-to-town shoe with a sleek silhouette that you can wear on the plane, in town, and on the trail. The design features water-resistant suede, mesh, and TPU overlays for added protection.
The footbed is soft and supportive, and the midsole and heel are cushioned to absorb impact. The Wet Grip Rubber outsole keeps you steady on your feet and has a directional tread that supports your natural stride even on wet surfaces. Both my husband and I have tested out the women’s and men’s Makiki and it’s become our new favorite for all-day wear.
The Makiki shoes come in both women’s and men’s versions, both listing for $150. The women’s Makiki comes in white sand/tapa (pictured), coral rose, and lava rock/dark shadow—as well as limited edition combinations of bright white/coastal blue, sandshell/carob, and lava rock/HLA. The men’s Makiki comes in white sand/tapa, cloud gray/poi, and trench blue—as well as limited edition combinations of white sand/puka and lava rock/HLA.