Two Argentine brothers, a La Jolla beach, and a sandal that became a surf-culture staple.
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The brand's flip-flops caught on quickly among surfers and beachgoers, and Reef grew into one of the world's leading active-sandal makers. It was acquired by VF Corporation in 2005 and later sold to the Rockport Group in 2018.
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For everyday beach-and-around-town wear, most buyers say yes. Reef built its name making casual sandals that hold up to constant use, and owners point to durable soles, comfortable straps and a low cost per wear over time. They sit at a sensible mid-range price rather than the cheap or the extravagant end.
Support is one of Reef's calling cards. Many models use contoured footbeds with built-in arch support, which sets them apart from the flat drugstore flip-flops that often cost the same. If support matters to you, look to Reef's cushioned and arch-support styles specifically rather than the most basic rubber thongs.
Both are beloved Southern California sandal makers, but they feel different. Reef offers a wide spread of materials and designs, from rubber flip-flops to leather and slides, with comfy footbeds at a fair price, while Rainbow is known for handmade leather sandals that mold to your foot once broken in. Choose Reef for variety and value, Rainbow for that one classic leather pair.
A classic flip-flop is the natural starting point, since that is the product Reef became famous for among surfers and beachgoers. Pick a contoured, arch-supported style if you'll be on your feet a lot. From there you can branch into leather pairs or slides depending on the look you want.
That's exactly the crowd Reef was built for. The brand's sandals became popular among surfers and beachgoers soon after it launched, and it has since grown into one of the world's leading active sandal makers. They're made for sand, water and casual coastal life rather than formal wear.
Reef was started by two Argentine brothers, Fernando and Santiago Aguerre. In 1984 they moved from Argentina to the San Diego beach community of La Jolla, California, and began the brand there. That surf-town origin still defines its laid-back identity.
Ownership has changed hands over the years. Reef was acquired by VF Corporation in 2005 and then sold to the Rockport Group in 2018. Through those changes it has remained focused on casual, active sandals.
At its heart Reef is a maker of casual sandals, the flip-flops known as thongs in Australia and jandals in New Zealand. That single focus is how it grew into one of the world's leading active sandal manufacturers. When people say Reef, they mean comfortable beach sandals.
Rinse off sand and salt water after beach days, let them dry fully out of direct sun, and avoid leaving them baking in a hot car, which can warp the foam. Treating leather styles with a suitable conditioner keeps the straps supple. Simple care goes a long way toward a low cost per wear.
Your foot should sit fully on the footbed with a small margin at the heel and toe rather than hanging over the edge, and the strap should feel secure without pinching. With a contoured footbed, give yourself a little time to get used to the arch shape. A correct fit is the difference between all-day comfort and sore feet.
