Is it me, or did Rainbows fall out of favor about five (or so) years ago? I can count three pairs that I owned between 2001 and 2010, but didn’t re-up when that third pair needed to be retired. I moved on to Havaianas, and even bought a pair of Chacos. Sure, you still saw Rainbows around, but they just weren’t as prevalent as they once were. There was a short stint where ‘fancy’ sandals became a thing, which has thankfully backed off.
Anyway, the other day I saw a guy walking into High Country wearing a pair of Rainbows. They were the acceptable single layer Sienna Brown style, and they looked GREAT. They had just hit that good, broken-in look…the sole probably had about a year’s worth of wear and had darkened significantly, and the straps had a good case of fade out.
That got me thinking…why did Rainbows essentially disappear from the #menswear ethos? They hadn’t done anything wrong… My thought is that they were a little too much of the ‘frat’ culture, and hit too fast. And with most things in that cycle, once everyone has a pair, they move on to the next thing.
They are comfortable, they have a good value proposition, and they patina as good as anything out there. Some excellent examples:
And don’t forget: they start out like this:
Here’s the thing: I am back on board with Rainbow. Maybe I’ve come full circle, whatever, but I’m ready to pull the trigger again. I really dig the American made thing, especially the Birdwell-esque, old school California surf vibe. After doing a tidbit of research, I found out that they make 2,000,000 pairs of sandals a year. That is nuts. Here’s a little history and the back story on the Rainbow Sandals:
I don’t have any skin in the game with these guys, but I wanted to plant my stake in the ground. Consider my pair of Sierra Brown single-layers ordered.
Images: Google Image Search
Right there with ya! I started rocking my rainbows again about 6 months ago. Even got a compliment on them last weekend.
Coincidentally, I ordered a pair last week. Odd.
I started wearing my first pair in about 2001. I’ve had 3 pairs since and still have all of them! I love them, I never got into all the other kinds of sandals. They are a great value, look great at the beach, pool or my favorite with jeans. I’m of the mind set that why mess or change a great thing!!!
I have some Hari Mari sandals that are amazing! The “Lakes” collection is better than anything Rainbow has made. I do dig the hemp Rainbow’s with the double soul.
Had several pair which I haven’t worn as frequently over the past few years. Only after losing my well worn in sierra browns at SGI last month did I realize how much I missed them for walking the dog and running errands during the summer. Picked up a dark brown pair last week. Interested to see how this darker color ages
I’m a double guy myself. Three pairs. One being reclamation of my dad’s after he passed. Never stopped rocking my ‘Bows!
Just recently picked up a new pair, got them home and wore them 2 days straight. Glad to see a post on them from you!
I’ve had the same pair since senior year of high school (14 years ago now…) and I still wear them. The soles are getting pretty slick, but otherwise they’re in pretty respectable shape. I should probably break down and get another pair, though.
Loved my RB’s, but they just didn’t support my foot. I’m Sperry flip flops now. Life is slightly tougher for us flat footed folks, but I think we’ll live.
Got my first pair back in 99 and I’ve stuck with Rainbows ever since. I’ve tried a few other brands, but have never gotten the same satisfaction as a pair of well worm Rainbows. I literally long for warmer days during the winter so I can or them back into my regular rotation.
Rather than buying new – you can get ’em resoled at your local cobbler…
I have 3 pairs of rainbows and 4 pairs of Hari Mari. I really wanna like the Hari Maris but there’s just something that’s missing. I have scouts and dunes that have a canvas strap and they stretched way to fast and are unwearable. I also have a pair of lakes that are ok, have a leather strap but the soles are to thick for me. The fields are as close to a rainbow as you can get. I always seem to comeback to my trusty old friends in the end. Maybe if I would have tried Hari Mari first it would be the other way around.