Reef Men's Leather Fanning Sandal Review
The Reef Men's Leather Fanning Sandal in Dark Brown (size 8) is not just any flip flop; it's a fusion of style, comfort, and ingenious functionality. Designed for the modern man who enjoys the beach lifestyle, these sandals are an essential addition to your summer wardrobe.
Features
- LEATHER FANNING MEN'S SANDALS: Handcrafted with premium materials and anatomical arch support for superior comfort.
- BOTTLE OPENER: Unique church key bottle opener integrated into the rubber outsole, perfect for on-the-go refreshment.
- ARCH SUPPORT: Provides excellent support that ensures comfort throughout the day.
- FOOTBED and AIRBAG: Features a shock-absorbing EVA foam footbed paired with a 360-degree heel airbag for added cushion.
- BEACH FREELY: Designed for versatility, allowing you to embrace beach life anywhere!
Pros
- Durable leather construction enhances longevity.
- Built-in bottle opener is a fun and practical feature.
- Anatomical arch support provides all-day comfort.
- Shock-absorbing footbed helps reduce impact during walking.
- Stylish design suitable for casual and beach wear.
Cons
- May require a short break-in period for optimal comfort.
- Some users may find the sizing runs slightly large.
- Not as breathable as some other sandal options.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Reef Men's Leather Fanning Sandal | Teva Men’s Mush II Sandal | Birkenstock Arizona Sandal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Leather | Synthetic | Cork and Leather |
| Bottle Opener | Yes | No | No |
| Arch Support | Anatomical | Minimal | Contoured |
| Footbed | EVA Foam | Soft Foam | Cork Footbed |
Detailed Review
The Reef Men's Leather Fanning Sandal stands out in a crowded market of men’s footwear thanks to its unmatched combination of comfort and practicality. The leather upper offers a classy touch while ensuring durability against everyday wear. One of the most innovative features is the built-in bottle opener, which adds an element of fun—ideal for outdoor gatherings or beach trips.
When it comes to comfort, the anatomical arch support makes each step feel stable and satisfying. This design is especially beneficial for those who tend to spend long hours on their feet, as it alleviates common discomfort associated with flat sandals. Additionally, the footbed is crafted from compression molded EVA foam, providing exceptional cushioning along with a 360-degree heel airbag, making these sandals perfect for both casual strolls and more vigorous activities.
However, new users might find them a bit stiff during the first few wears, so it's advisable to give them a short break-in period. Some reviews also mention that they might feel slightly larger than expected, so consider trying them on before purchasing or paying attention to size guides if buying online. Lastly, while the leather is stylish, it does lack the breathability seen in some purely synthetic options, potentially leading to warmth in hotter weather.
In summary, the Reef Men's Leather Fanning Sandal is a versatile footwear choice that merges comfort with fun features, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their summer style.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Excellent anatomical support with cushioned footbed. |
| Durability | 4/5 | High-quality leather and robust design for long-lasting wear. |
| Functionality | 5/5 | Unique bottle opener feature adds usability on-the-go. |
| Style | 4.5/5 | Stylish design suitable for various occasions. |
| Value for Money | 4/5 | Offers good value considering durability and functionality. |
User Reviews
Very comfortable fit. Many flip flops are difficult to walk in and I have found myself adjusting my gait or my stride or even the way my foot hits the ground from heel to toe. These Fanning Sandals are a snug fit with a soft fabric that does not scratch the inside of your big toe, and I walk normally. Big difference! Love the wide leather upper and soft inside underneath.
Fair price, good quality and fit. Not quite as comfortable as I expected when wearing for an extended time
I've had my Reef Phantoms for almost ten years so I decided it was time to retire them! I originally bought them to go kayaking in but ending up wearing them all the time in the summer and they were starting to get nasty so I decided it was time to give the Fannings a try. So far I think they are going to be some of the best sandals I own! They stay on your foot snug but not too tight, they don't pop loud when you walk, and they are just flat out comfortable. They do have the bottle opener but I don't plan on using it b/c it seems like of nasty to open your beer with the bottom of your shoe. They are on the expensive side for a pair of sandals but you get what you pay for.
I could not find what I was looking for in the women's selection. This is exactly what I wanted! Sturdy, comfortable, and they feel like they will last a long time. I'm 37 and these are my favorite flip flops thus far. I will note to the apprehensive buyer that when I first put my foot in, it seemed like it would take a time to break in. They broke stiffness quickly and I could live in these.
I'm going to start this review by clarifying that I have a lean, narrow foot. I have a C toe and a B heel. So this review is biased towards a narrow foot. That being said, I have tried about twenty different sandals to find a couple that fit reasonably snug. So for comparison purposes this may be a useful guide for people. My preferences are light weight, comfortable, with a heel strike that has some padding. I also like moderate arch support. I don't want a lot of flop in my flip. I don't want a negative heel. I'm going to list the sandals I've tried, and give a brief comparison, which should be helpful to everyone. I'll start with this one:Reef Mens Leather Fanning ll - (9 Mens) These are the heaviest of all the sandals I've tried, weighing in at 219 grams each. The footbed is comfortable but more firm than some of the others. Nice looking. They have an average fit, (fairly snug), but they were a little lose on me. I think these would last a long time. Unlike with the Reef Draftsman, I did not feel the bottle opener under my arch. Comfortable, but expensive and heavy.Reef Leather Slap ll - (Mens 9) Oddly, this sandal was a full size shorter than any other Reefs I tried, (A full 1/2 inch), so order up. They weighed in at 205 grams each, making them the second heaviest in this comparison. Had they been the same size as the Fanning ll's they would have been the heaviest. Average fit. These are one of the most comfortable sandals in this line-up. Very cushy heel.Reef Phantom LE - (Mens 9) This leather sandal is much lighter, weighing in at 142g. Somewhat more snug fitting than average. Very comfortable and attractive. Reasonably priced. This pair was a keeper for me.Reef Phantom Prints - (9) Weighing in at 113g, these were the second lightest sandal of the bunch. Snug fitting and comfortable, these are my personal favorites. Reasonably soft heel-strike with an average width footbed and just the right amount of arch support. They won't likely last as long as some of the heavier sandals, but they can be had for half the cost. I've seen them for $20 on up, depending on color and size.Reef Phantoms - (Mens 10) These synthetic sandals seem to be made elsewhere from the other two Phantoms listed above. The fit is much different. They are wider in the footbed and sloppy fitting. These are made for a wide foot. Again, they are fairly light, weighing in at 134g, and I got these a full size up from the other two because everyone said they ran small. I think they run just a half size smaller.Reef Draftsman - (9) This is a leather sandal with no additional heel support. It also has a bottle opener on the bottom. Nice looking, fairly snug fitting, and fairly light, (About 156g) but this sandal has an issue. As others have indicated, you can feel the bottle opener under your arch. I don't think anyone would be comfortable in these for long. I sent these back.Reef Crew - (9) This leather sandal is fairly light at 138g each. They have a slender footbed and a somewhat snug fit. I like that, however, there is no additional heel support and they run as high as $60.Reef Twinpin - (9) These basic synthetic leather sandals are fairly light at 137g each, and they have a slender footbed, but the thong is very lose and has no additional heel-strike.Sanuk Fraid So - (10) These sandals weighed in at a modest 139g each and were really comfortable and attractive. I loved this sandal. Unfortunately, they have a very wide footbed and a very lose fitting thong. Yep, fraid so. But if you have fat feet, you'll love these.Sanuk M Fraid - (9) These leather/poly sandals weighed in at 175g each, making them one of the heavier sandals here. They have a slender footbed, (A full half inch thinner than the Fraid So), but with a sloppy thong. Sanuk Beer Cozy - (9) This fabric sandal has a wide footbed and a sloppy thong, but weighed in at a respectable 134g each. These have a very cushy, comfortable footbed. People rave about how comfortable they are. But you need to have fat or wide feet. Dang!Teva Mush ll - (9) These are by far the lightest of the bunch, weighing in at a mere 92g each. They're also comfortable with a fairly narrow footbed and a snug thong. So, yes, I love these. And at $25 they are a bargain, even though they won't last as long as some of the more expensive sandals here. The middle of the heel-strike is a little harder than the surrounding area and some people have complained about it, but I haven't been bothered by it in the short periods of time I've spent in them.Teva Men's Classic - (9) This is a very basic, uninspired sandal with a ruff, heavily textured, old school footbed. Perfect for some people, but I found them uncomfortable. It's light, but not as light as the Mush ll's. The thong was more loose than the Mush ll and it runs a little more money.Teva Mush ll (Canvas) (9) I listed these as well because the canvas thong fits more loosely than the regular Mush ll's and weighed a little more. Other than that they have the same footbed.
These flips are the most comfortable I've ever had. Love the look too. I've even used the bottle opener a few times in a pinch. Although it grosses most people out, I don't mind.
Great product
I completely snapped my Achilles Tendon in 2004 and in plaster for 3 months, then Kevlar so I needed sandals with solid support. I tried a number of sandals and nothing compares to Reef. These specific sandals have a large durable cushioning piece in the heel. These are more solidly built sandals. I’ve never bought any other make since as I don’t want an imbalance to cause other issues like back problems. Broken Leg? Ski Injury… these are the sandals to buy.