Verdict from 1 expert and 100+ user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- Plenty of owners are impressed with how comfortable the OluKai Eleu Trainer is for extended periods of wear.
- A good number of reviewers commend the grip of the outsole on wet rocks, grass, muddy trails, indoor floors, and more.
- The quick on-and-off operation of the trainer appeals to multiple buyers.
- Numerous folks find this model to be suitable for water sports.
- The mesh upper of this walking shoe feels light and breathable, says a lot of wearers.
- The sporty vibe of this footgear resonates well with many shoppers.
3 reasons not to buy
- Several people with high arches have complained that the upper was too tight and found it challenging to put on.
- The collar construction of the Eleu Trainer caused chafing and blisters to more than a few users.
- A consumer was disappointed because the eyelets tore off after a few weeks of use.
Bottom line
Whether your next adventure is at sea or on land, the OluKai Eleu Trainer is designed to be your companion. It is constructed with water drainage in mind, so you won’t have to change out of it before jumping to your next exciting activity. However, there were shoppers not happy because the collar caused blisters. But overall, those who love this model bought extra pairs because they love it so much.
Tip: see the best walking shoes.
Good to know
Who is it for? The OluKai Eleu Trainer is a walking shoe designed for people who enjoy the water and other outdoor activities. Wearers of this trainer can quickly jump from one event to another without having to change shoes. If you’re not an active person, this can also be used as an everyday walking shoe for running errands or for traveling.
What is it for? The Eleu Trainer is marketed as an amphibious footwear. It performs well both inland and in water, protecting feet against sharp rocks and prevents slippage. Its minimalist sole ensures sure-footedness even on rocky or uneven surfaces.
Traction. The bottom of the OluKai Eleu Trainer uses sticky rubber. This layer allows it to deliver maximum grip even on wet conditions.
Meanwhile, the lugs on the outsole prevent slippage on trails. They also help with forefoot flexibility and dexterity of the toes while traversing tricky mountain trails.
Shock absorption. Atop the outsole of the Eleu Trainer is a layer of compression-molded EVA foam. This type of foam aids in dulling the impact of each step.
Comfort. Inside the footgear is a dual-density EVA footbed. It is shaped to follow the shape of the underfoot to provide maximum support and coverage.
Because this pair of OluKai walking shoes is engineered to handle wet environments, the insert is hydrophobic, which means it repels water. Perforations are also abundant on the foam insole to help drain water and keep the weight of the trainer at a minimum.
The footbed is also removable, so you have the option to use your custom orthotics if you need it. This layer is also washable, allowing you to maintain good foot hygiene.
Coverage. The top of the OluKai Eleu Trainer uses a combination of open mesh and ballistic nylon. The mesh element promotes aeration and water drainage. Meanwhile, the synthetic component serves as the exoskeleton of the trainer, maintaining the structure of the top, and providing support for agile movements.
Protection. This footwear employs a gusseted tongue. By attaching the sides of the tongue to the quarters of the shoes, it ensures that debris will not get inside the shoe to cause discomfort.
Lockdown. Because of the tongue construction, wearers can simply slip this footgear on or off. However, if they need to tighten the fit, they can do so using the quick-lace mechanism. Just press on the toggle to adjust, then release it to lock in the fit.
- Eleu is the Hawaiian term for agile. Its athletic style will make you want to move and explore the world around you.
- The Eleu Trainer has been tested and recommended by the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association.