Some Olukai shoes are designed to be water-resistant or waterproof, particularly their outdoor and water-friendly lines. These shoes often use materials like quick-drying synthetic fabrics and waterproof leather to provide protection in wet conditions. However, not all Olukai shoes are waterproof, so check the specific product details before purchasing to ensure they meet your needs.
You see Olukai’s everywhere around water… at the beach… swimming pools… and holiday resorts… and hey they are Hawaiin after all… So you would think they are waterproof – right? But you may be surprised to learn that no they are not… They are water-resistant but that’s not the same as being waterproof.
Water-resistant leather shoes and sandals like OluKai will protect your feet from most trickles but you must still be cautious… Although the leather is treated with a durable waterproofing spray… it will eventually absorb water if left in an enclosed area… meaning it is not truly waterproof.
Every OluKai sandal and footwear is designed to be water-resistant… However… their materials are not intended to be used as a water barrier for heavier rain events or to be actually worn in the water… They are not water shoes… You should never swim or take a shower in your OluKai shoes or sandals.
Pros and cons of Olukai shoes in terms of their waterproofing:
| Features | Benefits | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof materials | Offers shoes made with waterproof materials to keep feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions | May not be suitable for individuals who require breathability or ventilation |
| Water-resistant coatings | Provides shoes with water-resistant coatings to help repel water and keep feet dry | May not be suitable for individuals who require full waterproofing or who frequently encounter water |
| Durability | Offers long-lasting durability and protection, reducing the need for frequent replacements | May require additional time for break-in period |
| Versatility | Can be suitable for a variety of activities and occasions, reducing the need for multiple pairs of shoes | May not be suitable for individuals who require specialized footwear for certain activities |
| Style | Offers a stylish and trendy option for individuals in need of waterproof footwear | May not offer as many design options as other brands |
| Fit | Offers a secure and comfortable fit for a variety of foot shapes, reducing the risk of foot pain and discomfort | May require additional time for fitting or custom orthotics to be added |
| Sustainability | Uses environmentally-friendly materials and production methods | May not be suitable for individuals who prioritize other features over sustainability |
Overall, Olukai shoes offer waterproof or water-resistant options to keep feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions. They also provide durability and long-lasting protection, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Olukai shoes are versatile and suitable for a variety of activities and occasions and offer a stylish and trendy option for individuals in need of waterproof footwear.
However, they may not be suitable for individuals who require breathability or ventilation and may not offer full waterproofing for individuals who frequently encounter water.
Additionally, they may require additional time for fitting or custom orthotics to be added and may not offer as many design options as other brands. Finally, while Olukai uses environmentally-friendly materials and production methods, they may not be suitable for individuals who prioritize other features over sustainability.
| Also Worth Reading: Do Olukai Shoes Have Arch Support? (What If You Have High Arches?) |
Does Olukai Make A Waterproof Shoe?
No… they actually don’t… Olukai’s are fabulous for wearing around water and just because they are not waterproof doesn’t mean they can’t handle wet conditioners.
The closest you will find one of Olukai’s shoes mentioning any form of waterproofing is the OLUKAI Pehuea Heu Women’s Slip-On Sneakers – the description says it is made of premium waterproof leather however that is just what the upper is made of.
So while the upper is waterproof and great for the occasional sea spray or sudden downpour of rain. Customers report that if you get caught in heavy rain your feet will still get wet… But the shoe itself will not be damaged by the rain all you have to do is allow it to dry out afterward.
The OLUKAI boat shoe combines a classic look with a casual feel that can even be worn with a suit… No Tie Laces… a breathable mesh lining… and all-weather rubber soles let you wear these shoes anywhere – from the shoreline to the boardroom.
OLUKAI is very specifically designed but not over-designed… None of the features are superfluous–only essential to ensure a tight… secure fit… Instead of gimmicky details… we have focused on delivering a clean product that automatically adapts to your daily activities.
With a specific focus on breathability and comfort… this shoe conforms to the contours of your foot with each step.
| Also Worth Reading: Do Olukai Sandals Stretch? (8 Ways To Stretch Olukai Sandals) |
Can You Wear Olukai In The Water?
While Olukai’s beach and water sandals are actually made for hanging around the beach and other wet environments such as pools… water parks… etc… The company warns that submerging your sandals for long periods could cause damage… So…
They can handle getting fully wet and do dry out quickly but while I would not hesitate walking along the beach close to the shoreline on the wet sand and wouldn’t panic if the odd wave came up unexpectedly and my Olukai’s got wet I wouldn’t deliberately wade out into the ocean in them.
Olukai’s seem to handle saltwater conditioners just fine as well and if wearing sandals to the beach you can quickly rinse them off under running water.
| Also Worth Reading: Are Olukai Shoes Zero Drop? (Are They Barefoot Shoes?) |
Do Olukai Shoes Smell?
This is another big issue when your Olukai’s get wet… A lot of people are reporting problems with them smelling… And even if you are not around the water your sweaty feet (and even if you think you are not a sweater) will cause your footwear to stink.
This is why you need to air dry your Olukai’s after you wear them… Just don’t continue to chuck them in a dark area straight after use… Allow them to dry naturally just out of direct sunlight.
You will need to wash the footbeds as well and you can read more about that below… However… if you do not treat them right they will definitely smell.
| Also Worth Reading: Why Do My Feet Sweat So Much in Sandals? (Smelly Sandals) |
Can You Wash Olukai Shoes?
You can machine wash the footbeds and the shoelaces in a washing machine… Just make sure you place them in a mesh bag first to contain them… However… do not machine wash the actual shoe… And that goes for sandals as well – none of the Olukai’s can be machine washed.
The best way to keep your Olukis clean is to hand wash them… The company does not recommend submerging them in water and it would be a shame to ruin a great pair of shoes by accident!
Like most other shoes you can wipe the exterior of the footwear with a damp cloth to keep them clean… If they are really dirty and need a little extra attention you can hand wash them using cold water and mild detergent… Give them a scrub by using a gentle brush.
It still might be best to avoid any sort of hand washing the leather parts of your shoes and use leather cleaning products instead.
| Also Worth Reading: 10 Shoes Similar to Sanuk: (Hemp… Canvas… Cotton… Leather) |
FAQs: Are Olukai Shoes Waterproof?”
Some Olukai shoes are designed to be waterproof or water-resistant, while others may not have this feature. Olukai offers a range of shoes for various activities and conditions, including styles designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable in wet environments.
Olukai uses various technologies and materials to create waterproof or water-resistant shoes, including:
Waterproof leather or synthetic materials: Some Olukai shoes feature waterproof leather or synthetic materials designed to keep water out while maintaining breathability
Water-resistant treatments: Olukai may apply water-resistant treatments to the shoe materials to enhance their ability to repel water
To determine if a specific Olukai shoe model is waterproof or water-resistant, look for information in the product description or on the shoebox, which should indicate if the shoe features waterproof or water-resistant technologies or materials. You can also consult with a footwear specialist or Olukai’s customer service for more information about a specific shoe model’s water protection capabilities.
To care for and maintain your waterproof or water-resistant Olukai shoes, follow these general guidelines:
Clean your shoes regularly with a soft, damp cloth or brush to remove dirt and debris
Dry your shoes away from direct heat sources to avoid damage to the materials and waterproof properties
Use a waterproofing spray or treatment, if applicable, to maintain the water-repellent properties of your shoes
Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use
Always follow the specific care instructions provided by Olukai for your particular waterproof or water-resistant shoe model to ensure the best possible maintenance and longevity.
Many waterproof or water-resistant Olukai shoes are designed to be both protective against water and breathable. Breathability is essential for providing comfort and preventing moisture build-up inside the shoe during extended periods of wear. However, the level of breathability may vary depending on the specific shoe model and materials used in its construction.
Olukai waterproof or water-resistant shoes are designed to provide reliable water protection and comfort across various activities, similar to other brands’ waterproof shoes. The primary difference between Olukai and other brands may be in the specific technologies and design elements used in the shoes. When comparing waterproof shoes from different brands, consider factors such as fit, comfort, support, and performance to find the best option for your needs.
In summary… Olukai’s are like having a waterproof shoe that isn’t waterproof… Sounds strange I know… but what I mean is it is designed for hanging around the water… and getting them wet is not a fearful thing.
But… they are not designed to be submerged underwater… Sure they will handle the occasional dunking and misfortune… Just air dry them out afterward and take care of them.
So don’t deliberately go out of your way to submerge them… Don’t go swimming in the… don’t have showers in them… don’t wade out into the ocean in them.
But if you do happen to get submerged by a wave… get caught in the rain… or accidentally step into a puddle… don’t panic just air dry them out… and should be right… And hopefully without the smell!
You may also be interested in… Can Twisted X Shoes Get Wet? (IF So… Can You Wash Them?) and Are Ecco Shoes Waterproof? (Will They Keep Your Feet Dry?)
