Verdict from 97 user reviews
5 reasons to buy
- A majority of the owners find the OluKai Kulana comfy to wear in the office or on the beach.
- The flexible construction of this slip-on walking shoe makes it easy to traverse uneven surfaces, says many reviewers.
- According to a bunch of people, this model fits well.
- Multiple buyers commend the arch support on this model as their feet don’t quickly get tired.
- The sophisticated aesthetics of this product appeals to a lot of gentlemen.
2 reasons not to buy
- Some consumers have ranted about the durability of the Kulana because the seams unraveled, and the top material quickly got scuffed.
- A few users felt unstable because of the shape of the rubber pods, especially at the heel.
Bottom line
You won’t feel overly dressed at happy hour when you’re wearing the OluKai Kulana straight from work. Its simple yet elegant style easily fits in any boardroom meeting, but because of its light construction, it can also be used on boats or beaches. However, the bottom structure of this walking shoe may be something you need to get used to. But in the end, it still comes highly recommended for its design and performance.
Tip: see the best walking shoes.
Good to know
Who is it for? The OluKai Kulana is intended for people looking for a work shoe that offers the comfort of bedroom slippers. Its minimal yet cushioned sole unit provides ease of walking and standing for all-day wear. Meanwhile, its style is quite laid-back that it can go from an office look to casual wear for after-hours drinks.
What makes it different? OluKais are known for its Drop-In Heel feature that allows users to fold the back panel and turn them into sliders. The Kulana doesn’t employ this feature. However, it is still equipped with a removable footbed that provides excellent underfoot coverage.
Traction. The bottom of the OluKai Kulana is wrapped in premium leather. It features rubber pods under the heel and the forefoot to deliver grip. The compound is durable. It is also non-marking, so even if it’s black, it won’t be leaving streak marks on polished floors.
Cushioning. The insole of the Kulana is made of dual-density polyurethane (PU) foam. It has a gel component integrated into the arch area, which gives the footbed its anatomical shape.
The top is covered in premium full-grain leather. The insole is also removable, allowing owners to use custom orthotics if they wish to.
Coverage. A full-grain leather is used for the top of the OluKai Kilana. The suppleness of the material adds to the overall flexibility of the shoes. It has decorative stitchings that amplify the style.
Design. Sticking to its Hawaiian-inspired origins, though the Kulana doesn’t look like something you’d typically wear on the beach, it does have tropical elements. The insole features an etched pineapple while the outsole uses Hawaiian prints for its tread pattern.
Construction. The Kilana features a slip-on silhouette. However, unlike other slip-on OluKais, it doesn’t have gore panels. The difference is that the instep portion is not fully connected to the quarters, allowing it to move when the foot slides in or out.
- Kulana means quality. Which is embodied by the use of premium materials to exude a sophisticated vibe.
- The Makau fish hook logo is seen on the instep, the outsole, and the back panel.