Reef

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Reef

36 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 30, 2025

  What Are the Best Travel Shoes That Are Actually Worth It?

  Keen Austin is a pretty good choice if you can only take one shoe. On most work trips I pack something that looks nice for work (dressy sneaker like Adidas Gazelle or loafer) and a running shoe for longer walks, hikes and gym. For hot climes, usually I also throw in my Archies flip-flops as they are super light. Really depends on activities. I'm on a family trip now and have Reef Otis boots (similar to Blundstones but lighter) and gore tex NB sneakers - great for winter trip that is mostly city walking and some easy trails. I put Superfeet green insoles in anything that's not a running shoe as I have high arches. Probably could have got away without the sneakers on this trip tbh as I doubt I'll make it to the gym.

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• #2Nov 5, 2025

  Reef Flip-Flops aren't even "Buy It For Now"

  I ve worn Reef phantoms for over 25 years. They were hands down my favorite. I often had a few colors and wore them daily in Hawaii so cal and Thailand. They were the most comfortable and durable. Back then.  I noticed a day and night change during COVID. Sadly worse for wear  I mean they suck. Yet I keep buying them but lately what lasted years has been a couple months and I’m tired of wasting my money on reefs. I ve been trying to find a more durable option and have come to resent reefs. They are NOT the same. Still looking  for another. Anyone with decent experience with reef phantoms (the regular ones not the air max style) that moved on to something similar?  I’m gonna retry Olakai but the one I test drove felt off.  Still open to them. Any particular models?

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• #3Sep 2, 2025

  Bought these Reef sandals 20 years ago

  Late to the party here, but I have a pair of Reef flip flops (rubber sole, woven polyester straps) that I bought almost 20 years ago. I wore them for about 16 years and they were getting pretty worn so I ordered a pair of the same shoes. 2 years in and they were already falling apart. By the 3rd year, I pulled out my original pair. So either I just got unlucky and bought a bad pair, or their quality has gone downhill significantly. Note: I’m in Los Angeles and wear these constantly year round.

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• #4Aug 8, 2025

  Should Birkenstock soles look this bad after 1 year of occasional use?

  I walk about 1,000 miles per year in my Reef sandals. This is about what they look like after 1,000 miles.

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• #5Aug 7, 2025

  Reef Flip-Flops aren't even "Buy It For Now"

  My last reefs lasted around 10 summers of daily use. I only got new ones because my gf kept commenting on how ratty they looked. I've had my new ones for about 2 years and live in SoCal, so they get a lot of use, and I just checked the soles and they look as good as new. OP definitely either got a low end pair or a knock off from Amazon.

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• #6Aug 7, 2025

  Reef Flip-Flops aren't even "Buy It For Now"

  I would guess that you got the wrong ones. I’m no footwear expert, but just a general rule is that if you want flips to last for a while there should definitely be a different, much harder material on the bottom of the flip than at the top where your foot makes contact. If you can bend them easily when they are new, then you have a comfortable but short lived pair. https://a.co/d/e2aUqsr This pair has a much harder sole. Just a warning though, there are trade offs between traction/comfort and durability. That is the case both on the tops and bottoms of the flip. Most models will prioritize comfort with soft tops. Then you will want to see some kind of harder tread on the bottoms that is glued on, which I might add is another point of failure if you go with a cheap brand. The pair I linked is showing wear and smoothing out on the top, but the tread at the bottom still looks almost brand new. I’ve had them three years but admittedly I don’t wear them as often as you do.  Mostly I just walk my dog with them. I used to do a lot of coastal fishing and boating, so I have torn up a lot of flips in my life and have seen dozens of pairs die through one mode of failure or another. This is definitely one of the best pair I’ve owned from a combined comfort and durability perspective.  All buying a particular brand does is get you a pair held together with a higher quality adhesive. You still need to make sure you choose a pair with your preferred trade offs in materials.

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• #7Aug 7, 2025

  Reef Flip-Flops aren't even "Buy It For Now"

  Yup. My Reef Ojai sandals were purchased, with a paper check, in 2001. Still going strong, but not a daily wear. Weekends and summer evenings mostly. https://www.reef.com/collections/mens-leather-footwear/products/mens-sandals-ojai-classic-faded-olive

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• #8Aug 7, 2025

  Reef Flip-Flops aren't even "Buy It For Now"

  I've had a few pair of Reef's and never had an issue

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• #9Aug 7, 2025

  Reef Flip-Flops aren't even "Buy It For Now"

  I had your same story. Until I found the right "model". You want the reef "smoothy". It's their super old school traditional flip flop that's extremely durable and affordable. Sometimes hard to find, usually sold at surfer shops, but you can find them listed on Amazon. 30-40 bucks, 4+yrs, daily use. Hope this helps.

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• #10Aug 7, 2025

  Reef Flip-Flops aren't even "Buy It For Now"

  Their policy is definitely not as good as it used to be. I swear something happened with their sizing too. I bought a pair last year and the leather almost immediately wrinkled and split (like so fast, the soles were unmarred) I emailed them and they were like you can’t get them wet… I didn’t even have a chance to get them wet. I love my older ones, usually get a handful of years out of them with pretty rough use. I agree they’re not bifl. Rubber ones last quite a bit longer if you’re gonna be around water or rougher surfaces.

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• #11Aug 7, 2025

  Reef Flip-Flops aren't even "Buy It For Now"

  They last me several years per pair, they are ridiculously comfortable, and they look good.

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• #12Aug 7, 2025

  Reef Flip-Flops aren't even "Buy It For Now"

  You got the wrong ones that’s the crappy low end. Look at the difference in the $50 pair and it’s easy to see and feel the difference. I wouldn’t buy the ones you did because they felt horrible and the bottoms looked “slippery “.

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• #13Aug 7, 2025

  Reef Flip-Flops aren't even "Buy It For Now"

  +1 for Rainbows, but I really came to say you’d have a better experience with Reefs that aren’t $35-40 off Amazon. I’ve had reefs last me years, and I’ve also seen Reefs on cheap store racks that are far less quality than their top tier. You get what you pay for. Reefs or Rainbows in the $75-80 range will serve you better.

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• #14Aug 7, 2025

  Reef Flip-Flops aren't even "Buy It For Now"

  They aren't all the same. I bought a like new pair in 2022 that i wear all the time and they haven't worn much. Got another as a gift in a different color a few weeks back. The material the sole is made differently. Still comfy but unsure on lifespan yet.

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• #15Aug 7, 2025

  Reef Flip-Flops aren't even "Buy It For Now"

  I live near beach towns and I buy **Reefs** from the local surf shops. It's a bit of a tradition. They cost between $65 and $80 and last me around 3 to 4 years. For me, Reefs aren't "buy it for life" items, and I never expected them to be. I don't wear the same pair all the time; I alternate with different brands. I'm going on my second year with a few pairs from '**OluKai**' (Hawaii), and so far, so good. Very comfortable. Your Amazon link shows Reefs for $39. Is that an official or authorized Reefs reseller?

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• #16Aug 7, 2025

  Reef Flip-Flops aren't even "Buy It For Now"

  You can bet the pre covid versions are still going strong. You obviously have post covid stock. Everything has gone downhill since then!

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• #17Jun 12, 2025

  Buy It For Life "Stylish" Summer Sandals?

  Honestly, I just find a good pair of reefs and wear it until the soles melt. Summer sandals are kind of inherently temporary, because you're going to be on various very hot surfaces, likely in wet and dry, sweating and stinking up sandals.

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• #18Jun 10, 2025

  Advice for year round sandals

  I had a beautiful pair of reef sandals. Was going on year 6…. But a vicious predator that masqueraded as a puppy chewed half of one up

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• #19Jun 9, 2025

  I loved this pair of Olu Kai flip flops for 15 years, wearing them daily about 5 months out of the year. Finally last night I stepped in shit and my wife convinced me to buy a new pair. I got two.

  Reef was sold twice. Rockport owns them now, and unfortunately, aren’t the same Reefs. I still have my two pairs of Reefs from 2011 and they are still going strong. I hear the new ones don’t last a year.

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• #20Jun 5, 2025

  My birthday is coming up. What brand of Sandals should I ask for?

  I’ve had my Reefs for about 10 years now. I wear them a lot in the summer but the summers are short here so they don’t get constant wear year round. The soles are still in great shape tho the leather straps are starting to fray and peek and not look great. I am definitely going to look for a new pair of Reefs when I decided to replace these.

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• #21Jun 5, 2025

  My birthday is coming up. What brand of Sandals should I ask for?

  Flojos, Reef or Rainbows

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• #22Jun 4, 2025

  My birthday is coming up. What brand of Sandals should I ask for?

  I’d recommend Chacos. They have a few different styles. I’d also like to mention Reef sandals. They’re cute, they’re comfy, and they’re waterproof. I can’t speak to their longevity though but they’re holding up very well so far!

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• #23Apr 8, 2025

  Best sandals/slippers with arch support for daily use for 3+ hours of walking?

  I love my reef platform slides. They are cork and because they’re so tall they conform perfectly to my feet. I have really high arches tho so not sure if they’re right for people with flat feet. They’re pricey, I think they’re like 50-60 bucks but I haven’t found anything I like more for everyday slides I can wear for hours

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• #24Apr 8, 2025

  Best sandals/slippers with arch support for daily use for 3+ hours of walking?

  I've been wearing Reef Fanning sandals for years. Not BIFL, but they do last quite a long time.

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• #25Apr 4, 2025

  Searching for a Great Pair of Flip Flops - Reefs?

  Honestly no idea, picked them up at a surf side shop in California when I was chasing a girl cross country. It's the only thing that has lasted from that era. I believe they are just the classic Ojai. They didn't have all these models. I don't have them at the house, they are at my parents place (which is where we spend our summers).

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• #26Apr 4, 2025

  Searching for a Great Pair of Flip Flops - Reefs?

  Had my Reefs for almost 20 years now... god that sucks to think about. I don't know what build quality is like now, but they have been a solid brand in my eyes. If I was looking now I would maybe look at Chaco or Birkenstock as well.

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• #27Apr 4, 2025

  I literally live in my flip-flops; what brand is genuinely odor-proof, even after being put through the paces (so to speak)?

  Best pair I ever bought were on a Carrefour in Jakarta for 20p. Had them for years. I know Reef are sturdy and well made but they're also quite pricey. Can't speak to odor proof but I feel a rinse in seawater solved the issue for me in the past. I realise it's quite an individual thing.

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• #28Apr 1, 2025

  Searching for a Great Pair of Flip Flops - Reefs?

  The one with the bottle opener on the bottom. Any of those are perfect for long term use, and style!

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• #29Apr 1, 2025

  Searching for a Great Pair of Flip Flops - Reefs?

  I buy Reefs exclusively. The only reason I get rid of a pair is that the rubber hardens and becomes slick and dangerous. I only buy the thick soled ones, as the thin ones weren't as comfortable. I get about 4 years out of a pair, and I wore them daily when I lived in Florida. I had a flip flop tan like a bikini model. They are tanks and never give up. My sister replaced 4 decent pairs for my 1 pair. And they feel like you're walking on clouds. I'm not usually brand loyal, but I am with Reef, as long as they don't fuck up their original "recipe"

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• #30Apr 1, 2025

  Searching for a Great Pair of Flip Flops - Reefs?

  Flip flops are my shoe-type of choice. Reefs are decent. I have owned a pair of Scott Hawaii flip flops since 2020. They were about $35 and are still my go-to shoe when I am forced to wear them. Haven't looked to see how much they cost now. Olukai are pretty good too. Rainbow also last well.

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• #31Apr 1, 2025

  Searching for a Great Pair of Flip Flops - Reefs?

  Second this. Knew a guy who wore through them. As in, there was a hole in the sole where his heel and big toe were touching the ground. I’m pretty sure he was skateboarding in them. My current pair is probably 10 years old at this point, as my shoe of choice (though I don’t walk much). They do take breaking in though. You basically have to mold them to your feet by brute force.

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• #32Apr 1, 2025

  Searching for a Great Pair of Flip Flops - Reefs?

  Reefs are great but not BIFL. They are more like a 3 year product. I used to always have them for the lightweight arch support options. So hard to find arch support in a flip flop otherwise. The only reason I stopped wearing them is the local shop I got them from closed down.

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• #33Apr 1, 2025

  Reef Flip Flops. First pair going on year 7. Friend has pair on year 8. Dad’s pair is on year ~12-13.

  Never had to. Just bought another pair of these after 9 years haha finally busted at the toe joint after me beating them to death

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• #34Mar 8, 2025

  Reef sandals tha lasted eight years of very heavy use next to their replacement. May they also live for eight years!

  Same. Reef is best by far. Pool guy for 20+ years. Won’t wear anything else.

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• #35Feb 2, 2025

  Flip Flops - What is your go-to brand?

  Reef Cushion

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• #36Feb 2, 2025

  Best simple, not overly-engineered shoe for walking 12k steps/day?

  I go-‘tos— the generic $50-60 ASICS off of their own website, a pair of ColeHaans, Reef Neptune in in between weather In the summer, Fit-flops Surfa sandals, Skechers sandals, Keen Astoria.

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