Reef™ Fanning Sandal Review
3/13/2007
I've been wearing Reef sandals for a long time now. Since I first
saw them some 15 or 16 years ago. Reef sandals back then were only
available in one style/color at the local surf shop that I occasionally
visited. Cheapy sandals that I wore prior to the Reef's were notorious
for slipping on wet pavements/sidewalks and I still have scars
to show for it. Over the years, I've gone through 3 Reef sandals,
which gives you an idea of their durability.
I wear the sandals primarily on warm days. Trips to the beach,
camping, fishing, malls, parks, stores and around the house yard
work or relaxation.
Recently, I needed a new pair and, I just happened to be at an
outlet store and found that Reef had expanded their product line
making apparels, shoes, accessories including sandals in various
colors/designs. The pair that I purchased was the signature sandal
from Mick Fanning which had the closest resemblance to my old ones. |
| A Closer Look |
These new Reef sandals aren't made in Brazil or wherever they were
made before. They're made in China (is everything being made in
China?). There's a diamond textured top sole that minimizes slippage
and I noticed that the instant I put them on. At the heel, there
is an air cushion. I've seen this in a lot of sport shoes
and, in my opinion, it's just a gimic or a style statement.
The bottom sole, at the foot's arch, is a depressed area with a
metal (probably stainless steel because it hasn't rusted yet) clip/tab
of some sort. I had no idea what this was until I did some research.
It's a bottle opener! Another thing... it's patented.
The quality appears to be good. But, as I mentioned before, I've
been wearing sandals for years so, quality in footwear means nothing
to me. It's the durability that leaves a longer, lasting impression,
in my mind, that makes me go back to a certain brand/product. |
| Using Reef™ Fanning Sandal |
These Reef sandals, for me, are still every bit as comfortable as
sandals could be. I've heard people say, that with any footwear,
there's always some amount of break-in period. Mine were broken-in
the minute I put them on (probably because I wear sandals frequently).
With these new sandals, I found that I can walk with more comfort
in longer distances. I don't know if it's because they are new or
maybe the air cushion actually does work.
Since my old ones were fairly worn I didn't expect these to slip
on wet pavement and, thankfully, they don't. |
| Conclusion |
A few days of wearing the Reef Fanning sandal, it get's
to the point where it just becomes another sandal. I've already
accepted the fact that they are comfortable and expect it every
time I put them on.
|
| About the bottle opener |
A few weeks after wearing the new sandals, I was playing volleyball
with some friends in a park. When I went to retrieve the ball,
I happened to step in some doggy leftovers. Although I managed
to wash the sandals thoroughly, opening another bottle with it
never crossed my mind...
:-)
Gary Kawamura |
| My previous pair of Reef's |
|
They're a little worn out, but, I still use them around the house
and save them for guests when they happen to drop by. |
|
