The Complete Guide to Reef Sandals
Hey there! If you‘re reading this, you‘re probably curious whether Reef makes quality, comfortable sandals that are worth the investment. Well you‘ve come to the right place for an in-depth look at this surf-inspired brand.
As an avid sandal-wearer myself, I‘ve tested my fair share of flip-flops over the years. And I have to say, when it comes to combining cushioned comfort with durable construction, Reef stands out from the crowd.
In this post, we‘ll dig into everything Reef – their story, most popular sandal styles for men and women, how they stack up in terms of value for money, and whether their sustainability claims hold water (pun intended!).
So grab your swimsuit and sunscreen, and let‘s hit the beach…
About Reef
Founded back in 1984 by Argentinian brothers Fernando and Santiago Aguerre, Reef draws heavy inspiration from the surf culture of their home country. The aim was to produce high-quality sandals perfect for strolling from beach to bar in laidback coastal towns.
And quality certainly shines through across their product range – from the materials they use to the clever design features they incorporate to keep your feet supported and comfortable, even after hours of wear.
But there‘s more to this brand than meets the eye…
Here are some key facts about Reef worth knowing:
- Privately owned by the founding brothers
- Employs over 100 people globally
- 653k Instagram followers and counting
- Sponsor several top surfers and ocean activists
- Won the SIMA Environment Award in 2021
So not only have they built a hugely successful global brand – they‘re also using their platform to promote positive change. Which brings me to…
Reef‘s Sustainability Efforts
As lovers of the ocean, Reef makes protecting marine environments a huge focus across their business practices.
Some stand-out initiatives include:
- Partnering with Surfrider Foundation through their "Better Beach Alliance" program which organizes beach clean-ups globally
- Using recycled materials in their sandals – things like recycled rubber, vegan leathers, and Repreve yarn made from recycled plastic bottles
- Ensuring their supply chain meets high ethical standards through working with the Fair Labor Association
It‘s great to see a brand putting principles before profits. Reef also empowers individual customers to get involved through beach clean-ups and fundraising campaigns. Nice one Reef!
Now let‘s get into the good stuff and find out if their sandals live up to expectations…
Reviews of Reef‘s Most Popular Women‘s Sandals
Ladies listen up! I‘ve scoured through countless Reef sandal reviews to pick out 4 of their most raved-about styles for us gals:
1. Reef Leather Smoothy
If you want a sleek, sophisticated sandal that feels like you‘re walking on clouds – the Reef Leather Smoothy is a top contender.
The lowdown:
- Genuine leather straps + cushioned foam footbed
- Contoured arch support
- Rubber outsole with reef tread for traction
- $50
What reviewers say:
"Oh my gosh these sandals are like heaven for my feet! The arch support is perfect and they don‘t rub my heels at all. So cushy and comfortable – I want to wear them everywhere."
My take:
I‘m in love with how soft and supple the leather feels – it molds perfectly to your foot shape. The contouring arch support is a godsend for all-day wear too. My only critique would be that the toe strap feels a little flimsy compared to the durable leather straps. But it‘s a tiny flaw in an otherwise heavenly sandal!
2. Reef Star Cushion
Channel resort-chic vibes with the gorgeous Reef Star Cushion sandal. With it‘s intricate strap detailing and rose gold accents, this sandal glams up any outfit.
The lowdown:
- Faux leather straps
- Metallic detailing
- Anatomical arch support
- Rubber sponge outsole
- $50
What reviewers say:
"Absolutely love these sandals! So cute and comfortable at the same time. Great quality too – the straps are still going strong after daily wear."
My take:
While the comfort doesn‘t quite match the Smoothy, style points for these sandals are off the charts. They dress up casually easily while still being nice to your feet thanks to that spongey cushioned sole. The only bummer is the faux leather doesn‘t feel as supple. But for the price, they‘re a flaming hot pair!
3. Reef Escape Lux
If luxury comfort is what you seek, enter the Escape Lux. With premium full-grain leather straps, these sandals ooze high-quality vibes.
The lowdown:
- 100% full-grain leather
- Buttery soft cushioned foam bed
- Lightweight yet durable
- Rubberlon outsole for flexibility & grip
- $70
What reviewers say:
"I swear these sandals mold perfectly to your feet! The leather is so soft and the sole offers great arch support. Just wish they came in more colors."
My take:
Without doubt, these are the most luxuriously comfortable sandals I‘ve ever worn. It‘s like having little clouds hugging your feet with every step. They‘re so expertly crafted too – neat stitching, quality hardware, robust structure. My only niggle is the outsole tread could grip better on wet surfaces. But hey, why would you wear such finery in the rain!?
4. Cushion Bounce Vista
Bring the bling with Reef‘s flashiest sandal – the Cushion Bount Vista! Glitzy rhinestones embedded into the faux leather straps means these sandals sparkle almost as much as your personality.
The lowdown:
- Faux leather straps
- Rhinestone embellishments
- Extra cushiony foam footbed
- Textured rubber outsole
- $50
What reviewers say:
"These sparkly sandals are just gorgeous! Comfy right out of the box too thanks to that soft squishy foam. I get so many compliments whenever I wear them."
My take:
While they‘re not the most durable sandal I‘ve come across, style-wise these win hands down. Slip your feet into a sandal that oozes glamour and confidence with every step! Just be careful wearing them on the dance floor, as the rhinestones can peel off the material over time. But hey, you can always add your own if need be!
So there you have it ladies – 4 top-rated Reef styles built for all-day adventure in the summer sun!
Now let‘s see which Reef sandals are proving popular amongst the gents…
Reviews of Reef‘s Most Popular Men‘s Sandals
Alright fellas, time to school you on which Reef sandals you need in your summer wardrobe:
1. Reef Fanning Sandal
When it comes to iconic Reef styles, the Fanning reigns supreme. Loved by celebrities and us average Joes alike, this sporty sandal suits laidback adventurers down to a T.
The lowdown:
- Synthetic leather straps
- Contoured compression molded footbed
- Air cushion heel for shock absorption
- Rubber traction outsole
- $55
What reviewers say:
"Best sandals I‘ve ever owned, hands down. So insanely comfortable it feels like I‘m walking barefoot across sand. Yet they still offer great arch support which my flat feet desperately need."
My take:
I totally get the hype around these sandals – the comfort level is off the charts! The contours cradle your feet perfectly while the air cushion heel makes each step wonderfully bouncy. My only gripe would be that white colorways can stain easily. But throw them in the wash and they‘re good as new!
2. Reef Rover Leather Sandal
Exude laidback sophistication with the durable, water-friendly Reef Rover Leather sandal. Crafted from quality leather with air-infused comfort, these are built for casual beachside living.
The lowdown:
- Full grain leather straps
- Air cushion midsole for cloud-like comfort
- Non-marking rubber outsole
- Contoured arch support
- $65
What reviewers say:
"After years of wearing these leather sandals daily – whether out walking the dogs or hitting the beach bars – they still look and feel brand new. Crazy comfortable too thanks to that squishy air cushion footbed!"
My take:
While the straps run quite narrow, once molded to your feet it‘s like wearing custom-made sandals. And while the rugged tread lacks grip at times, it makes up for that with durability. After all the abuse I‘ve put them through, they still feel cloud-soft underfoot!
3. Reef Ridge Leather Sandal
Laidback beach lifestyle meets rugged outdoorsman with this handsome leather hiker-sandal hybrid. The Reef Ridge Leather is built to handle off-road adventures in total comfort.
The lowdown:
- Oiled full grain leather
- Air cushion midsole
- Compression molded ridge footbed for arch support
- Non-marking rubber sponge outsole
- $70
What reviewers say:
"I work outdoors on my feet all day and these sandals are perfect – supportive, super comfortable and durable enough to handle tough terrain without falling apart. The leather straps are so soft too! "
My take:
While the chunky styling won‘t be for everyone, I love the way these sandals fuse comfort, support and durability so nicely. The deep heel cup keeps your foot locked-in while trekking over uneven ground, and that spongey foam midsole cushions pounding feet a treat!
4. Reef Cushion Bounce Phantom
Embrace your darker side with the sleek, modern styling of the Cushion Bounce Phantom. Understated yet undeniably stylish.
The lowdown:
- Faux leather
- Extra thick cushioned foam bed
- Air cushion midsole
- Grippy rubber outsole
- $50
What reviewers say:
"Normally when shoes have this much cushioning they‘re either rigid or overly squishy. But these sandals strike the perfect balance – soft yet still really supportive! Not to mention how cool they look."
My take:
While the rugged good looks appeal visually, the comfort factor seals the deal for me. Your feet sink blissfully into that pillow-top footbed while still feeling secure thanks to the deep heel cup support. And the air cushioning gives just the right amount of bounce to prevent that jarring sensation underfoot over long distances.
Well I don‘t know about you, but I‘m itching to get my feet into some new Reefs after writing this!
Reef Sandals: Yay or Nay?
So when all‘s said and done – are Reef sandals really worth investing your hard-earned cash in?
Here‘s my verdict…
Quality & Durability – from the materials to construction, Reef sandals are built to last. Robust rubber outsoles hold up well over time while leather straps mold perfectly to your feet.
Comfort – with anatomical arch support and cushioning galore, Reef‘s have comfort dialed. Feel the love in every blissful step.
Style – while not the height of high fashion, Reef nails chill, beachy vibes with classic and contemporary styles to suit any laidback adventurer.
Value – ranging from $40 – $70, Reef sits affordably mid-market. Given their quality and comfort return, I‘d say they offer excellent value.
So that‘s a big YAY from me! The only real downside is lack of free shipping. But order over $55 and even that‘s covered.
Where to Buy Reef Sandals
While Reef‘s website Reef.com offers the biggest range of latest sandal drops, you can also shop the brand at:
- Zappos
- Nordstrom
- DICK‘S Sporting Goods
- DSW
- Kohls
- Amazon
Reef also has a handy store locator to find brick-and-mortar stockists near you.
I‘d recommend signing up to Reef‘s email list too. They send special offers and early access to new launches – plus 10% off your first order which is a sweet bonus!
Reef Return Policy & Shipping
One concern when buying shoes online is getting the sizing right. But Reef has customer‘s backs with a generous return policy.
You have 60 days to return unworn merchandise for a full refund. Reef even provides a prepaid return shipping label to make sending items back a breeze.
Exchanges however are NOT allowed under the policy. So my advice – order 2 sizes if unsure which will fit best. Then return the one that doesn‘t work out. It‘s a bit more effort but better than getting stuck with uncomfortable sandals!
Now for the potential bad news…Reef charges for shipping:
- Standard Ground: $7
- Expedited: $10 – $20
OUCH! But here‘s the good part – spend over $55 and standard ground shipping is FREE. Which really isn‘t difficult given most quality sandals cost $50+.
Once I learned this trick, I started waiting until multiple items caught my eye to place orders. Sure I had to practice more patience. But finding 3 cute sandals at once was never an issue with Reef! And not paying shipping was so satisfying 🙂
Get in Touch with Reef
Questions about sizing, orders, returns? Reef‘s customer service crew has your back!
Hit them up:
📞 By Phone: (844) 500-7333
Available 9am – 6pm EST Monday through Friday
👩💻 Online Contact Form
I‘ve always found their customer service friendly and helpful over the phone. But for simpler queries, the contact form works great too.
Well my fabulous friend, we‘ve just about reached the shore after our deep dive into all things Reef!
I don‘t know about you but I‘m longing to slide my feel into a cushy new pair. Hopefully I‘ve helped you decide whether adding Reef to your summer sandal rotation is a smart move.
If you ask me, comfortable, quality sandals suitable for adventures big and small…what‘s not to love! Thanks for riding this wave with me 🙂
Catch ya later!
Beth xoxo
