Time for new "Sandals" (flip-flops) -- Suggestions Wanted

I looked down the other day and realized it's just about time to replace my trusty 14-yr old sandals. Then, in rapid succession, I wondered when we started calling flip-flops sandals, when they became acceptable for everywhere and realized that, as a Floridian, probably once a week I'm somewhere that leather flip-flops count as being overdressed.

Anyway, I've been sporting the same pair of black leather rainbows forever, and I'm ready for some new ones. The leather gets slippery in the rain, but I've been otherwise perfectly content with them. Before I pull the trigger on an identical replacement is there anything else I should be looking at?

Thanks.

 

Thanks, all, for the suggestions, haven't gotten to trying them all yet but I will get to most of them. I realize I'm being super picky about something that should be pretty easy, but, back in school after 20 years, money is tighter than it once was.

@Captdave13 You were right on comfort with the olu kais I tried on today. As far as looks, one pair I tried -- "Mea Ola" -- are incredibly good looking. Well into the sandal side of the range. The price on the other hand... I really need to get a sales thread up. Have you tried the leather models? the "water-ready" models? both? I've seen a few (vocal minority) questions on durability. While I'm not really expecting/looking to get another 14 years out of something I'd like to get 2-3.

I'm with you, @garza . Though in a pinch I guess I'd rather have the beer than not have the beer. Though I generally have a carabiner somewhere about my person. Or a lighter. Or a key. Or a bill. Or... If there isn't already a ways top open a beer thread and I haven't opened one within the next couple of hours someone please remind me.

 

Thanks, I appreciate the extra info.

 

I've gone with the Olukai Kipi, as I wanted the slight lugging they offer over the Ohana.

First impressions: super comfortable out-the-gate. Compared to the rainbows they are slimmer top to bottom, but a good bit wider/chunkier. They also are substantially more fitted, and hug the foot a lot better than the rainbows, which I like. I'm also happy to avoid the long rainbow break-in period.

On the other hand, it's a substantial downgrade in at least apparent sturdiness. That's not the sandal's fault, and it's a trade-off I new I was making. The leather top rainbow basically never breaks down, and I don't expect the olukai foam top to wear as long. Upside is rainbow leather is stupid slick when wet. No idea how the thinner sole will wear over time. Deterioration will be what it will be -- with luck, I'll get some years out of them.

(I'm sort of spoiled -- my everyday show is a Scarpa Zen (stop reading EDCForums and go buy a pair -- I'll wait). Tie them as tight as you can for a week or two until they break in. They now fit like a second skin when tied but you can put a figure eight at the end of the lace and leave them slip-fit 90% of the time. They have to be replaced so infrequently it's a wonder Scarpa can pull in enough money to stay in business.)

The only real spot that I'm not sure about the compromise is the center/toe-strap doesn't seem even half as secure as the rainbows. We'll see how that goes, and I'll try and remember to update this thread. I have heard that olukai's concept of the 1-year length of time on their replacement policy tends to be on island-time, though I obviously hope for no breakage to begin with.

Thanks for the help, all.