Rainbow Sandals are the best you’ll ever own
I was never one to wear flip flops as a kid. I mean common they look so uncomfortable. Who wants to have something stuck between your big toe and second toe the whole day. It just seemed illogical. For that fact, that’s why I wore sandals most of the time.
Growing up however, the fashion sense inside of me told me to re-evaluate flip flops and eventually I picked up some basic ones from American Eagle for a beach trip. I still thought they were a bit uncomfortable but figured that was just how it was – life of a fashionista hah.
I was shown the light
My eyes weren’t open until my good buddy Jia told me about this brand of flip flops called Rainbow Sandals . At first I kind of laughed that off. Seriously who would brand their flip flops Rainbow. 1) A macho man like me would never want to wear anything rainbow looking on my feet. 2) I have never heard of this brand. So as my friend explains it, with him doing law school @ Columbia, all of his Cali friends raved about these flip flops and swore by them as the only ones they’d ever buy and wear.
Meeting a bunch of his friends that summer and spending some time in NYC, I definitely started noticing this particular brand of flip flops more and more. So I decided to give Rainbow a shot and went to one of their two physical locations in the world in NYC.
Store in NYC
The store itself is in SoHo and pretty small. It has a really earthly and natural feel to it once you step in. The layout is nothing special except for the heaps and heaps of flip-flops that just line the racks along the side of the walls. They don’t exactly have the largest line of flip flops so it was pretty easy to figure out which flip flop I wanted. Jia pretty much told me that I had to get the Classic Leather model with double layers.
The double layers is supposed to simply last longer and also provide even more comfort and support. He already had the tan or brown color so I thought i’d get something different and pick up the black one.
Total cost = $53+tax. Not the cheapest but once you have them you’ll never switch to anything else. I can’t speak for the other models as I haven’t tried them but if they’re half as good as the classic leather, i’d vouch for them!
So what’s the deal?
So what makes Rainbow flip flops awesome? I can say that after wearing this to the city, the beach, around Europe, Asia and literally anywhere I’ve been during the summer months, they’ve held up amazingly for these past 3 years.
\At the end of the day it’s all about comfort. The biggest selling feature is definitely their ability to mold to your feet. They start off as flat blocks of foam/rubber and as you wear them, the leather will slowly begin to develop grooves based on your walking patterns and where you put down your weight.
Eventually you get the perfect grooves to match your feet kind of like Homer’s butt grooves on his couch. Check out the picture of my flip flops to see what they look like today.
Verdict
Awesome-balls. I seriously don’t know if I’d get any other flip flop. When these die on me (who knows when that’ll be), I’ll buy another set of Rainbows. When I ask people if they’ve heard about it, most people will have no clue what I’m talking about. I feel like it’s almost like a West-coast fight club. I’m just glad that I’m not part of the club. Just don’t tell anyone that I’ve broken the first rule.
I loved my original black ones so much that I decided to pick up a second pair on a recent trip to NYC. I wanted a brown colored one. I’ve had this new pair for about a year and it’s broken in and colored in quite nicely!
Where can I pick a pair up?
Unforthnately the New York City retail store for Rainbow has closed and now the only one available is in San Clemente, CA now.
Online
The other easy way to do it is just buy it online. Amazon always carries a good amount of stock and is the easiest place to buy Rainbows.
Sandy Beach says
I have been wearing rainbow sandals for almost 40 years! The problem is they are now made in China and quality suffers. They are smaller than what they used to be. I have tried to buy a new pair for at least a year and they never have my size. What happened to made in the USA? I will think twice next time I purchase flip flops made in china for top dollar!
Will Tang says
Oh no I didn’t know they are now made in China. I wonder when that change happened.
Chris says
I have always had a good product from Rainbow. My sandals usually last from about a year to two years before I wear through the top or bottom layer but my last pair lasted about 6 months when the side strap came unglued. I sent pictures of the top and bottom which were not worn through and said that they would not hold there guaranty because it was worn through the bottom or the top. I asked them where was it worn through and they never respond back. Talk about running from there guarantee. I could of bought cheaper ones for six months.
Will Tang says
Ah I’m sorry to hear about that. I know their warranty is supposed to be lifetime. Hopefully they’ll get around to replacing yours soon. Mine have lasted at least 7 years now so I’ve been pretty happy. Mine are the double layered ones and I haven’t noticed any crazy wear although at the same time, I’m not wearing it everyday so I might not be using it as regularly as you.
Joshua says
I bought a pair, they lasted a week. They were supposed to have a lifetime guarantee, but they do not actually respond to costumer service requests. Just spend 2$ at Walmart, they will last longer
Will Tang says
I’m still wearing mine right now and it’s been more than 5 years. I haven’t tried their warranty process for the lifetime issue but I’ve heard they’re pretty good about it. I’d try reach out again and if there’s a phone number I’d go through that instead of online. Hope that helps!
John Matthews says
Will Tang, I have a pair of Rainbows that are almost identical to your second pair, except my feet are probably smaller. It’s true; once you wear these (especially the Double Layer) you will NEVER go back to other flip-flops. I live in Saluda County, SC and the only place around here you can find these is at C.B. Forrest & Son. I’ve also gotten good blue jeans over there and will definitely go back if I need new sandals. By far the best pair I’ve ever worn.
Ethanbro says
While visiting my buddy in Dana Point, I told him I had to get a pair of slippers before flying back home. He took me directly to the San Clemente store (right after a surf) and turned me on to the best pair of slips I’ve ever had. Nothing fit as good or felt as good until now. Had often seen the Rainbow ad in the surf pubs, (Surfer’s Journal), now quite happy to own a pair. The Rainbow brand is named after the appearance of waves lining up as they approach a point-break. The waves bend around the point as they meet the shallows near shore (it’s a surfing thing, and now I broke the first rule too I guess!)
Will Tang says
Hey Ethanbro! Thanks for your comments and the explanation for where the Rainbow brand got their name from.
I’m on my second pair of Rainbows (since I wanted a different color) and love them! The break-in period this time around hurt a little but I’ve been golden ever since then!