Customer Reviews

Rainbow Sandals - Mens Premier Leather Single Layer (XL)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It's been over two years since I bought these sandals. I wear them daily, and they have proved extremely comfortable and long-lasting. I can see myself wearing them for years to come, but I just ordered a new pair (same color, but double layer) because these ones have become extremely dirty (constant contact with chlorine water at the pool I work at, going to school daily, the beach, etc). I still plan to wear these to the pool, around the house/garden, etc.

One thing to note is that the sandals become MUCH darker with age. I bought the "Sierra Brown" variant and they are now overall darker than the "Expresso" with areas that are almost black.

I agree with the people who believe that around $50 for sandals is quite pricey; however, I've worn them daily for much longer than shoes I have bought for much more. Rainbows are well worth the price.

This is my 3rd pair in 10 years of the Sierra color Rainbow Premium Single Layer sandals. I've now owned this pair about 2 months. IMO they seem different than my other pairs. My shoe size is 11.5 wide and I wore XL fine on my previous two pair but had to bump up to XXL on this pair. Not a problem, just not sure what to make of it. Rainbows are notorious for their break in period, and these were no different. But the difference is that my older pairs took about a week to break in, these took about 3 weeks. After two blisters, redness, and pain they are now molded to my foot and the most comfortable sandals I've ever owned. Please allow for a lengthy break in period. They'll reward you in spades. Also, my other pairs were virtually indestructible, whereas this pair seem to stain much easier and already the outer heel is starting to show some wear. It might just be me, but it seems this new pair isn't up to the quality of the older pairs due to the before mentioned occurrences. (These are high quality, just seems a step below my older ones.) I dunno. Still the most comfortable sandals I've ever worn.
Just allow for break-in. Highly recommended.

After reading the reviews here, I decided on a pair of Rainbow sandals. The initial break-in period was rough -- I barely made it through a weekend with them at the shore, right after I got them. But after a couple weeks, they started getting very comfortable, and have continued to improve. After a few months with them, they're soft, plenty durable, and they look nice too. I could wear them all day -- and I try to, whenever possible.

I highly recommend a pair of these. They're expensive, but you get what you pay for. And once you're past the first couple weeks, you'll be wondering how you ever wore anything else on your feet.

The durability on these things is incredible, I've had them for years and I don't know how the strap is still attached after what I've put them through and they still don't look very scruffy at all, they look great. I was unsure at first about the comfort, but like most leather footwear, once you where them around for a short while, they feel fantastic.

Comfortable, durable, easy to clean, easy to slip on, great purchase.

Rainbow Sandals do not live up to their reputation. They take a while to break in (mine are now well broke in) but that is not the problem. For some reason my heels will not stay centered on the back of sandals (a problem usually only reserved for wally world $2.95 sandals) and I developed stone bruises do to this fact. Below I will list Pros and Cons of Rainbow Sandals.
Pros:
- real leather
- durable construction
Cons:
- Uncomfortable before and after break in see above
- Very expensive
- Not enough padding (maybe the double layer is better, but I will never know because I am through with Rainbow products).
- If you ever get them wet even just the top they become dangerously slippery
- My feet will not center on the sandals (I have taken an informal survey and I notice even among adherents to the Rainbow cult that most are off center).

In closing I would recommend Cobian or Reef as I have had great luck with both brands.