Sandals from the Shore: A Californian "Rainbow"

A staple footwear trend here in Southern California for over three decades, Rainbow Sandals are the footwear of the eternal summer. Founded in San Clemente, CA by Jay R. Longley, Jr. Rainbow Sandals provide the perfect mixture of comfort and quality. Simple style, supreme materials, and amazing affordability have made these sandals a Californian favorite, and now an essential Spring/Summer staple in your wardrobe as well.

      Sandals have been around for millennia; an open-toe footwear alternative that not only predates the shoe, but also comes back into style every 9 months: like the birth of Summer. Drawing from early sandal inspiration, and using quality materials, Rainbow Sandals have formulated the perfect sandal. The sandals’ base is formed by sponge rubber layers of different densities, held together with a specially formulated adhesive. These sponge rubber layers allow for distribution of weight throughout the layers, creating a form to every individual’s foot. These base layers are covered with high grade leather, hemp, and other materials. Best known for their tan leather sandals, Rainbow understands that quality need only be exceeded by comfortability. The leather, with the average wear & tear, also forms a “memory” to a persons’ feet which adds another level of comfort to the sandals.

Aesthetically speaking, you can’t go wrong with whichever pair of Rainbow Sandal that you pick (although personally I am a larger fan of the flats and sandals as opposed to the wedges). There is a range of styles and materials for men and women, each with a variety of colors. The original, California classic, is the tan single layer arch leather sandal. But for more endurance in the lifetime of your sandal, you could always go for the double layer, if you wear them as much as I do. As far as colors, there is an option for any Spring/Summertime outfit of your choice. Personally I keep to the earthtones, which are essential for mens footwear, mixing both leathers with and without sheen(as they note as top-grain smooth leather). For you ladies, there is a variety of colors, so pick colors that compliment your summer style scheme. Tan is a staple, but try something different as well. Bold or pastel, whichever you choose you are sure to love.

And if fashion, functionality, and thousands of anecdotal stories aren’t enough to convince you of why these sandals are made for you, their customer service will. Strolling through the aisles of the San Clemente Rainbow Outlet, where there are stacks and stacks of sandals, one can spend hours looking at the framed sandals on the walls. But the frames don’t carry the ideal sandal, rather pieces of someone’s favorite pair. Holes in the sole, straps missing, and a story to match… these are memories of sandals who have lived a full life of adventure; scaling mountain tops, traversing oceans, and literally running down runways. But why submit their stories, aside from paying homage to their favorite pairs? These people have also enjoyed the quality customer service of Rainbow Sandals, which replace your sandals for the life of the sole. So if anything should ever happen, aside from meeting a fate with a lawn mower or a curious puppy, Rainbow Sandals will find a way to fix or replace their wonderful product.

   So although you may not wear them year-round like us Southern Californians, I hope that they find their way into your seasonal wardrobe, holding a special spot in your hearts and in your closets. They will bring you a ray of sunshine all the way from California, that will brighten your Summer.