Are you curious to know the perfectly looking outdoor shoes? In such context, Olukai and Sanuk are on top of the footwear brands list.
Sanuk is the earlier victor, but Olukai is also highly popular because of its sustainable practices and supportive shoes.
This article will highlight some positive and negative aspects of both brands and determine which shoe will fall into the winning category.
Comparison Table Between Olukai and Sanuk:
| Olukai | Sanuk |
|---|---|
| Olukai | Sanuk |
| 2005 | 1997 |
| Innovative and water-resistant | Stylish and vegan-friendly |
| Offer enough arch support | Offer good arch support |
| More sustainable | Eco friendly |
| Sandals, boots and shoes | Shoes, sandals and boots |
| A bit durable | Very durable |
| Requires a break-in process | Don’t require a break-in process |
| True to size | Runs small |
| Suitable for walking, outdoor activities and everyday wear | Suitable for camping, hanging out and surfing |
| More breathable | Breathable |
| Lightweight | Slightly heavy in weight |
| Costly | Affordable |
| 1-year warranty | 1-year warranty |
Overview of Olukai:
Olukai is a Hawaiian island-inspired footwear brand with a deep commitment to nature. It was founded by Bill Worthington and Matt Till in 2005 for the creation of supreme quality and comfortable shoes to showcase the culture and spirit of Hawaii.
In the heart of Olukai, the Aloha spirit lies, which reflects the way of deeply rooted love, care and respect for the world around it. This philosophy serves each step of Olukai, from sustainable construction methods to commitment to the conservation of marine life.
Olukai is dedicated to serving the community along with the conservation of marine life with the use of premium materials and quality craftsmanship. Each Olukai shoe reflects the finest materials, such as fabrics, sustainable components and full-grain leather. Due to this construction and attention to each detail, Olukai shoes not only look appealing but also bring durability and comfort.
The unique anatomically contoured footbed reflects the natural curve of the Hawaiian island. Due to this unique feature, each shoe offers an unparalleled level of support and comfort so you take each step with pleasure whether you navigate around rough terrains or beaches.
Olukai partners with the Ama Olukai Foundation, which shows cultural support and conservation of the environment in Hawaii and its surrounding areas.
The brand is a Certified B Corporation with a main focus on sustainability and manufacturing of shoes that not only last long but also minimize the carbon footprint.
Olukai shoes are mainly designed in the US and crafted in Asia, Mexico and China by adhering to high-quality standards and environmental sustainability.
The Olukai Ohana flip-flop sandal is considered as a best-selling product because it symbolizes the Aloha spirit and offers unparalleled comfort and support to live with an open heart.
Overview of Sanuk:
Sanuk, also called “Happiness” in Thai, is a playful and comfortable footwear brand, was founded by Jeff Kelley in 1997, who aimed to manufacture shoes that never feel uncomfortable while going out on adventure.
Sanuk sandals are equipped with a real yoga mat foam footbed with maximal cushioning that may be hard to find in any other shoes and offer a supportive foundation with the calming and relaxing ground feel of yoga practice.
The brand also refers to the distinctive sandal construction as “Sidewalk Surfers” because of its surfer-inspired design. All Sanuk shoes are labeled as “Vegan Friendly” because of no use of animal products.
All the Sanuk shoes are characterized by laid-back and carefree styles that showcase the love for outdoor activities and commitment to simple pleasures. With attention to detail, all Sanuk shoes are perfect for exploring the city and beach and unwinding at home by offering comfort level and keeping your style game at a place.
At first, Sanuk manufactured hand-made shoes with recycled tubes and carpet pieces, but with time, Sanuk shoes have extended for all genders and ages from casual wear to easygoing for outdoor adventures and more.
Moreover, Sanuk has always worked for the improvement of the planet by minimizing gas emissions and recycling.
The brand has collaborated with “Olukai” and “Grateful Dead” for the manufacturing of uniquely designed sandals along with the commitment to craftsmanship.
Sanuk is also a B-certified corporation and follows all standards to enhance transparency, performance and sustainability.
Sanuk is originally present in Southern California, but the shoes of this brand are manufactured in the United States, China and Vietnam.
Sanuk has introduced the “Yoga Mat” in the sandal collections and it has become the best-selling product with comfortable footbed and real yoga mat materials that enhance cushioning and support while walking.
Differences Between The Brands
Now is the time to point out some major features of both brands to decide which brand must be your next choice:
1) Comfort
Olukai shoes offer an unparalleled level of comfort while reflecting the spirit of Aloha. In the center of these sandals, a contoured footbed is present with a natural curve that cradles your feet and offers extraordinary support.
Along with the footbed, the dual-density PU midsole is the standard feature that not only enhances cushioning while offering a personalized experience but encourages foot alignment along with health and minimizing fatigue.
On the other hand, Sanuk shoes are famous for their laid-back comfort and a touch of fun because the brand is committed to providing a comfortable experience with the use of a Yoga Mat comfortable footbed. With the use of cushioning technologies and yoga mat materials, these shoes not only offer comfort but also feel supportive.
Besides, Sanuk shoe construction with the use of vegan materials enhances sustainability and attracts eco-conscious users who want shoes for outdoor adventures but, at the same time, they want to keep their feet relaxed and happy.
2) Popularity
As Olukai is committed and inspired by Hawaiian islands so its fame is like a tidal wave because the brand offers a relaxed and sun-soaked ethos of marine life and become the favourite choice for users who prefer comfort and style.
Due to their commitment to sustainability and quality craftsmanship, Olukai shoes are famous among many users and have gained huge recognition in the footwear industry.
Sanuk shoes have also earned a major place in the hearts of people because of their comfortable yet playful spirit. Due to the fusion of relaxation and fun in the shoes, this brand has gathered huge fame among many users.
Though the brand is not so famous among celebrities, it has a loyal customer base that is the real advocate for the brand’s commitment to excellence.
With time, the brand is gaining recognition in the footwear market because of its comfort and innovative designs.
3) Target Market
Olukai’s target market revolves around consumers who prefer stylish yet comfortable shoes and people who want to resonate with the spirit of Aloha and embrace active and laid-back life.
Other than this, Olukai is the love of people who want versatile shoes for the transition from coastal adventures to urban explorations. Moreover, Olukai is committed to sustainability, so it attracts the attention of eco-conscious users.
Sanuk targets all genders, including men and women, who want comfortable yet playful shoes with a laid-back style. Moreover, the brand caters to the needs of all, from college students to young users to adults to different age groups.
4) Price
Olukai shoes are mostly available at the average cost of $80-$150, but sandals of this brand are costly compared to boots.
Whereas Sanuk shoes are commonly available at $30-$100, most of the designs are available at $50, which makes this brand more affordable than Olukai.
5) Design
Olukai shoes are a seamless blend of style with performance because of the brand’s commitment to Aloha. With the full grain stretchy leather upper and quality fabrics along with attention to detail, embossed logos and stitching, these shoes not only look graceful while enhance durability.
Besides this, dual-density PU and EVA midsole with gel insert in the heels along with removable insole enhance comfort and support during extended periods of wear and are resistant to cracks and hardening.
For enhanced traction and durability, Olukai shoes are equipped with rubber outsole with molded rubber pods and razor siping along with a thick layer of EVA which creates a channel for better grip on wet surfaces.
In comparison, Sanuk shoes offer laid-back and quirky designs with a touch of fun because of the use of yoga mat materials and other technologies that create a supportive and plush foundation.
Most Sanuk shoes are vegan-friendly with canvas uppers that offer a soft and cushioned fit and textile fabric that adds a new layer of style to shoes with eye-catching designs and colors. The upper also showcases elastic style cuts and ragged edge details.
With dual density and soft midsole and Air Pad Suspension Technology, Sanuk shoes offer maximal cushioning and absorb shock while walking. However, these shoes don’t have removable insole but have padded collars and molded EVA footbeds, which make them odor-free.
The outsole of Sanuk shoes is made with durable rubber that offers protection from hard elements and enhances support and flexibility.
Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
Both brands are committed to sustainable practices and have clear goals to provide a wide variety of comfortable and quality shoes to users.
In terms of support during long-distance walking and running, Olukai shoes are superb, while for a more relaxed and comfortable fit, Sanuk shoes are an ideal choice.
No matter which brand you choose, it will surely be worth investing in.