Locals Sandals - The Official Footwear Of Hawaii

GOT SLIPPAHS?

Rubbah slippahs (Hawaiian Slang for rubber sandals or flip-flops), were originally introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by the Japanese. The rubber slipper is still, by far, the most popular footwear of Hawaiian locals. They are cheap comfortable and stylish.

The original brand of rubber slippas in the Hawaiian Islands are “Locals Sandals”. They have been the “surfer’s choice” for twenty years and running. Virtually everyone living in Hawaii has at least one pair. These low-priced, island style slippers are also gaining popularity on the mainland as people begin to relize they don’t have to spend $30 to $50 to get a good pair of everyday sandals.

FUNCTIONAL

If you spend a lot of time outside, at the beach, waterfalls or even around the house, chances are you could use a pair of Locals. Locals can be worn virtually anywhere. They are the ideal footwear for hitting the beach, they’re light weight, don’t fill with sand and offer protection from hidden debris.

Locals also make a great shower shoe or around the house slipper. They easily fit in your bag and most of us living on the island store at least one pair in the car for those times when we forget our shoes at home (it’s a barefoot lifestyle out here). Locals Sandals to the rescue!

STYLISH

When it comes to style, Locals have something for everyone. By far and away the most popular is the traditional solid black sole with a smoke strap. Locals also come in a rainbow of other color straps, and for good reason.

In Hawaii everyone kicks off their sandals before entering a house (it is a sign of respect and helps keep dirt outside). It’s not uncommon to see fifteen pairs outside a front door. Having different colored straps help distinguish your sandals from everyone else’s and avoids the dreaded “Eh brah, you take my slippahs?”

AFFORDABLE

Probably the biggest scam the surf industry has ever pulled is convincing the general public that they need to spend up-words of forty dollars for a pair of “cool” sandals. Wrong. There’s a much better alternative that we Hawaiian locals know about.

Besides the comfort and easy-going style, the coolest thing about Locals sandals is the price. Prices can range from $3.99 to $8.00. At such a ridiculously affordable price your Locals collection is sure to blossom (I have about four pairs).

Also when your dog chews them up or you forget them on the beach, you can breathe easy. The low price also makes these rubber slippers the ideal footwear for the kids (who seem to grow a size every month).

SIZING

Depending on where you purchase your Locals Sandals, sizing may be different then you’re use to. In Hawaii locals are sold by the inch (not by shoe size), which can get a little confusing. We suggest you buy from a website that does the conversion for you.

Here is a basic guideline of the more popular sizes to help you select the right size.

WOMENS:
4.5 - 5.5 = 9.5”
6 - 7 = 10”
7.5 – 8.5 = 10.5”

MENS:
7.5 - 8.5 = 10.5”
9 – 10 = 11”
10.5 – 11.5 = 11.5”

Sizes are now available (at select locations) in mainland sizes, but they typically only come in whole sizes, so round up. If you wear a 7 ½”, you probably want a size 8. Selecting a size that comes just to the end of your heel will prevent mud and puddles from splattering up the backs of your legs when you’re off the beaten path.

CONSIDERATIONS & TIPS

Remember, like any other shoe, rubber slippers can become slippery when they get old and worn (though they hold up better then the $40 surf brands). A good tip that will increase the life of your Locals Sandals is to wash the salt and sand off every time you leave the beach.

A word of warning, you’re friends are probably going to try to take off with your locals after they see how stylish and comfortable they are.

Repeat after me – “Hey, brah no take my rubbah slippahs!”

By: Jazmin Blessed

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