I Bought These Comfy, Supportive Sandals on a Whim in Hawaii — and Now I’m Throwing Out My Old Slides

While packing for a recent trip to Hawaii, I thought I’d prepared for everything. I packed comfy sneakers for hiking Diamond Head State Monument and a sturdy swimsuit for a beginner surfing lesson. I packed breezy dresses for nice dinners in downtown Honolulu and white linen pants for lounging on Waikiki Beach. But in all of the excitement, I somehow managed to forget one crucial thing: a pair of supportive sandals. (Chalk it up to traveling in January, I guess).

Not wanting to sport my sneakers to the beach, I bought the OluKai Kamola Women’s Woven Slide Sandals on day one from a nearby shop — and they’re probably the best last-minute purchase I’ve made in years. I wore these shoes all day right off the shelf, and they kept me comfy (with no blisters!) the whole week. I ended up wearing them every single day. 

OluKai Kamola Women’s Woven Slide Sandals 

Let me start by saying that I’m a Florida girl who grew up practically living in sandals year-round, so my standards are high. Right off the bat, these stylish leather woven slides molded to my feet perfectly and supported my arch, unlike other sandals I own. According to the brand, they’re designed to mimic the contoured feeling of being barefoot in wet sand, and while I can’t say they felt exactly like that, the supportive arch was super comfortable. No wonder, since the Hawaiian-inspired brand has comfort right in its name: “olu” means “pleasant” or “comfort” and “kai” means “ocean” in Hawaiian. 

I also love that these slides have a sturdy, water-resistant sole that I didn’t mind getting slightly wet after swimming (although from what I’ve read, I’d never submerge them as they’re not fully waterproof). And I don’t know how OluKai managed this, but they don’t make that dreaded “flop” noise that most other slides make; they stay secure on my feet. Plus, the grippy bottoms helped me stay secure on slippery surfaces like the hotel pool deck.

Most importantly, I feel the OluKai Kamola Women’s Woven Slide Sandals’ style extends far beyond the beach. I can dress them up with cute sundresses and shorts or even wear them with a blazer and cropped jeans. Honestly, I might even throw my old flip-flops in the trash after buying these. I opted for the tan pair that goes with just about everything I own, but I’m eyeing them in black, too.

OluKai Kamola Women’s Woven Slide Sandals 

It looks like other travelers love these comfy sandals just as much as I do, too. “These do not tear apart the tops of my feet,” said one Zappos reviewer. “They are super comfortable [with] great support for a sandal. They stay on while walking.” Meanwhile, another said, “Omg. So soft and comfy. Arch is in the exact spot, leather is like butter.” I couldn’t agree more!

Take it from this travel editor — these leather slide sandals are the quality pair you’re looking for, and they really saved the day on my Hawaii trip. From the beach to nice restaurants and back, the OluKai Kamola Women’s Woven Slide Sandals were exactly what I needed for a stylish and comfortable trip to Honolulu, and I already know they’re going to be my go-to sandals for every beach trip this summer.

If you’re still searching for the perfect comfortable slide sandals for summer or just need a cute pair at a more affordable price point, keep reading for some highly rated options at Amazon for less.

More Affordable Comfy Slide Sandals at Amazon:

Cushionaire Franca Woven Slide Sandal

Mtzyoa Flat Braided Sandals

Reef Cushion Vista Sandals

Dream Pairs Braided Slide Sandals

At the time of publishing, the price started at $100.

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