OluKai Paniolo W

I have tried several different Olukai flip flops. These are my favorites because first, I love the embroidery on the footbed -- so cute! The colors are great. I ordered Dune, but the red and blue colors are very pretty (they are much darker in person -- red is more wine and blue is darker). Second, the straps on this flip are very smooth. The part between your toes is leather, so that's something to consider whether it will bother you. The Kumu has fabric there, and they are very similar to this shoe. One thing I have finally discovered with Olukai shoes is that I have to size up. I normally wear a 7.5. I don't have a wide or narrow foot. I have narrow ankles but a bit wider across my toes, but not overly so. I don't have long toes, though. When I tried the 7 (in many different Olukais) the arch just did not hit me right. It was a little bit too far forward, but I couldn't slide my foot any farther forward because my toes are short. The 8 is a bit long beyond the toes, but it isn't bad. The arch hits me in the right spot, though. So, if you have short toes and are in between, size up. If you have longer toes, you'll probably be fine sizing down. The length was fine in the 7, but the arch just didn't hit me right. Olukai says on their website that's how you determine your size -- the one where the arch hits in the right spot. The straps are more snug on the 7 and will probably stretch. I just hope they don't stretch too much on the size 8. I also tried the Haiku, Kumu, and Ohana. The Haiku was too narrow on me and just shaped a bit weird, so if you have a narrow foot, you might try that one. The Kumu fit close to the Paniolo, but the straps were a bit rougher, plus they are a little wider as well. That one does come in nice colors, including pewter (metallic). The Ohana also felt good, but it does have a much higher arch. So, if you need a higher arch, try that one. That's the one where I really felt the arch was in the wrong place. I haven't gotten to wear my Paniolos much because I ordered the wrong size, but wearing them around the house they feel great. I expect some breaking in, but that is going to be the case with almost any leather shoe. I have never spent this much on a pair of flip flops, but as a stay at home mom, I wear them all the time, so it's worth it. I can't wear cheap shoes with no support. I am a runner and used to good support in my running shoes. These have very good arch support. I put medium just because the Ohanas have more. I highly recommend the Paniolo, but I recommend all Olukai shoes. You just have to find the right ones for your feet and allow some break-in time.

I'd also recommend: Chaco, Sole, Earth, Birkenstock, Orthaheel