Reef vs Rainbow Sandals Comparison – This is What I Would Choose

​Are you a die-hard fan of Reef Sandals? Or do you love to wear Rainbow Sandals only?

Reef vs Rainbow sandals battle is going on since last so many years.

Hundreds of online forums and Facebook groups usually involve in intense discussions regarding this issue.

Today, I am trying my best to compare these two legendary flip-flop brands.

I have spent last 72 hours researching about the best features of these two sandals.

And this article will provide you all the major differences and similarities in between these two flip-flops.

In the end, you will come to know about the true winner.

So, without further delay lets delve into the topic.

​Little Background of Reef Sandals

​The first official company operation of Reef started from 1984 in San Diego, US.

It was founded by two brothers named as Santiago and Fernando Aguerre.

The sandals that these brothers make; became really popular among beach goers and sea surfers.

Their iconic sandals are really trendy and useful for beach activities.

Their main motto is “Beach Freely”. Reef sandals are considered to be the most relaxed, comfortable and highly supportive for your feet.

​Little History of Rainbow Sandals

​Rainbow Sandals is a bit older company than the Reef Sandals. Its operation first started in 1974.

It was first founded by Jay Longley in Laguna Beach, California state.

Its operation later on moved to San Clemente, California.

The company specialises in making premium quality and highly durable hemp, leather and rubber sandals. Its leather sandals are popularly known as Rainbow Sandals.

They make around 1000 pairs in a day. Although the brand is USA based, 75% of its production is performed in China due to glue solvent requirements.

You can read more about this sandal manufacturer at its company history page.

​Key Differences Between Reef Sandals and Rainbow Sandals

​Now here comes the main part of this comparison guide.

I have done the research and found out some similarities and main differences between Reef vs Rainbow sandals.

Let’s check them out one by one.

1. Break-in Period

The break-in period is really important for any new sandal or shoe for that matter.

If you purchase a new shoe or a boot, you expect to walk in it with more comfort and higher foot support.

When it comes to shoes or boots, it usually takes longer time to break in and be more comfortable.

But when it is sandal, you really don’t expect it to take longer to break in.

You consider them to be comfortable and supportive for your feet from day one.

This is the number one issue that affects the overall rating of Rainbow sandals when you compare them with Reef sandals.

Reef sandals don’t take long to become comfortable to walk from day one.

Rainbow sandals are made from premium leather material.

This is the reason they take few days to break-in and become comfortable.

If you want to learn how to break them in faster then check out this guide.

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2. Sizing & Fitting

When you talk about foot width and size, obviously you look for a footwear brand that offers versatile fitting.

Many people especially women have this complain that Rainbow sandals are not great for wide feet fitting.

They are best for narrow feet folks in majority.

On the other side, Reef Sandals come in wide varieties of shapes and sizes.

You can wear them comfortably even when you have wide feet.

So, for sizing and fitting, I tend to rate Reef brand higher than Rainbow sandals.

3. Footbed Quality

Many ladies have complained in the past about the sweaty footbeds of Rainbow flip-flops.

Excessive sweating and slipping are the two main concerns that I feel is affecting the performance of these sandals.

On the other side, Reef sandals don’t seem to have these issues.

The footbeds are not that sweaty and slippery as compared to Rainbow brand.

But once break-in happens, Rainbow sandal footbeds are much more comfortable to wear.

Because the footbed conforms to your foot size and width much faster.

In case you want to clean the dirty footbed of your sandal, I recommend to follow these 7 easy tricks.

4. Comfort

The comfort factor for any sandal depends lot upon its level of arch support, footbed comfort and strap fitting. Its size, width and length also matter a lot.

When you compare Reef vs Rainbow sandals, in my opinion both are pretty good in the comfort department.

I will provide slightly higher rating to Reef sandals because they don’t require lot of break-in as compared to Rainbow flipflops.

5. Versatile ​Usage

When you wear a sandal, you want it to not just look good but also perform well in different environments.

May it be a friend’s beach party or an outdoor hiking adventure, your sandal or flip-flop should provide sufficient support, comfort and protection for your feet.

This is where Reef sandals have a little upper hand as compared to the Rainbow sandals.

Rainbow sandals too have good multipurpose usage, but Reef flipflops perform really good in all types of conditions.

6. Style and Looks

Rainbow sandals have limited colors while Reef sandals are more colourful and vibrant in nature.

Both sandals look stylish and trendy.

But Reef sandals have more varieties and colors available.

In that sense, I also rate Reef flip-flops a little higher than Rainbow sandals.

7. Durability

When it comes to durability factor, the material of sandal plays a pivotal role.

If the sandal is made from synthetic and foam material, then it breaks down much faster.

Such types of sandals do not last longer.

If the sandal is made from premium leather and rubber material, then they definitely last longer and don’t become thinner after heavy usage.

Rainbow and Reef sandals both are made from good quality leather material.

That’s why both are equally durable and have much longer life span.

8. Grip and Traction

​When you wear a good quality sandal, you also expect it to provide better grip and traction at the same time.

Whether you want to go hiking in rainy season or want to dance on a slippery dance floor or even want to walk outside in the rain; you definitely need a sandal that can provide you firm grip and traction.

When I compare both the sandals in this department, I found that Reef sandals perform much better than Rainbow flip-flops.

In my observation, I found out that sandals that have foam tread patterns do not perform well in the mud and rain.

That’s why it is better to get a sandal that has a deep rubber tread pattern.

It provides much better grip and traction in slippery areas.

In this department too, I believe Reef sandals are best as compared to Rainbow flip-flops.

9. Price

In terms of price, Rainbow sandals are bit costly as compared to Reef footwear.

As Rainbow flipflops are made from premium leather and the manufacturing cost is much higher, their prices are also little bit higher.

So, if you are looking for cost efficient and affordable leather sandals, then I would prefer to use Reef sandals.

​Conclusion

​I have compared both the sandals in terms of durability, comfort, traction, style, fitting, versatility, footbed quality and their break-in period.

In almost all departments, Reef sandals have performed better than Rainbow sandals.

Therefore, the true winner in my opinion is Reef sandal.

Although Rainbow sandals are equally good in all departments; they still lag behind a little when compared to the Reef footwear.

If you are a fan of Rainbow sandals, please don’t mind.

It is my personal opinion which is based on the testing of both the brands.

So, I hope you will understand and take it lightly.

Click Here to Check Out Best Reef Sandals Online.

Click Here to View Best Rainbow Sandals Online.