Rainbow Sandals

As a Cali girl, a pair of sturdy flip flops is a must! Since I was in the area I stopped by to pick up a pair. Great selection but of course they were out of my size in the one style I really wanted :/​I settled for a different style. $ 42 (no tax) for a basic black pair (a steal since stores in LA typically charge $ 54 for the same thing). That may seem crazy to some people but I’ve had rainbows before & they are the best! Long-​lasting with great arch support. So worth the investment!

This store is a great example of how physical world, offline, in-​store shopping can be better than online click and done.
I was all ready to buy a men’s size S on Amazon, but a couple Saturdays ago I decided to just head down to this store as I hadn’t been out and about shopping for a while. There were a number of surprises that made for a great experience:
1. In addition to having a huge inventory of all the colors and styles, they have new and worn sandals on the wall for each of the leather options. Unexpected and gave me confidence that classic tan was what I wanted by giving me a sense of how much it would darken.
2. The salesperson, Darien, took one look at the size S on my feet and said, «you need a women’s M.» In fact, that is the size that would fit a men’s 7 on Rainbow’s own chart, but I wasn’t sure… my big and pinky toes were peeking off the edge. «That is exactly the right size for you». Well, I had come to Rainbow because my older, bigger and looser slaps had chafed me after a recent surf trip, and partly because she seemed so sure and also because…
3… the sandals were not on sale, but were actually meaningfully cheaper than Amazon and Rainbow’s own online store, I thought, I’m here to get real person service, I’m going to take her advice.
4. Her advice was spot on right. I’ve worn the sandals for two weeks and they are definitely the best I’ve ever owned, surely in part because they fit correctly! She provided a break-​in tips sheet, but I didn’t need it. I had some minor irritation the first day and that was it. They don’t look any different than the men’s S, just smaller.
5. After I walked out, I tossed then on and checked out the rest of the neighborhood. Other nice boutiques, coffee shops, cafés down here, but what I enjoyed most was discovering the Elizabeth Street Garden (a unique pocket park with flowers and antiquity type sculpture) and then gelato, both a short ramble by.
If you want the best flip flops, meaning the most comfortable and fitting, and a great shopping experience, this store is definitely worth the visit! Thanks Darien and Rainbow!

I love Rainbow sandals and I’ve had my pair of sandals for 3 years. My boyfriend needed new sandals so we went to this store one day to buy a pair for him. The inside of the store was very hip and very «California.» There was a huge selection of sandals to choose from, and the store was very clean/​organized. However, the associate who helped us did not seem very happy to be working there. She recommended my boyfriend to get a pair of Women’s M because the Men’s Small was «too large» for him in the back. She insisted that the Women’s M was the perfect size for him. My boyfriend noticed that his pinky toe was hanging off the edge of the sandal and asked the lady if that was normal, and she insisted that the shoes would flatten out eventually and that the surface area would increase after a few weeks. The lady did not seem happy to answer our questions, and made us feel very dumb/​annoying for asking questions about the sizes. Trusting the lady, my boyfriend walked out of the store wearing the sandals, but after less than an hour of wearing them he felt that it just wasn’t the right size for him. The next day we returned to the store to exchange the sandals for a Men’s S, but the stores associate (a different guy) got really mad and told us that since it had already been worn, it could not be exchanged, which was understandable. We explained that the lady who had helped us the day before kept insisting that it was the correct size and recommended against getting the Men’s S, so eventually the guy agreed to let us exchange our sandals for the correct size, but he said, «don’t come back bitching that they look ugly, I will tell you to get out of my store if I see you again.» Although he was probably (half) joking and the situation was not his fault at all, I thought he could have handled the situation more politely. For a store that sells sandals from California, they were definitely not chill/​relaxed at all…

I must preface this with the fact that I love Rainbow sandals. They are well crafted and my older pair served me loyally for 6 years. The problem for me is not the product. It is this specific location. It is «off season» for sandals, so the store adjusted their hours to accommodate the reduction in demand. They are now open Wednesdays through Saturdays at noon, which is completely understandable.
I commuted from Brooklyn to get myself a new pair of the sandals, as I need them for a trip early next week. I arrived at around 12:10 PM. The gate was down on the storefront, and the dark inside indicated no one was there. I did not know where else to find these sandals, so I waited. After 25 min of waiting and 35 min after the store opens, the owner/​worker shows up with his dog. At this point I am frustrated about the tardiness and enter the store right behind the man an his dog. After which, the man turns around and with a passive aggressive tone replies «no no no, could you step outside, please?» Given the audacity of not apologizing for showing 35 min late, his response was mannerless to say the least. He realizes that he was rude so he promptly pokes his head out the door and says «give me two minutes to get settled,» the nicest thing he did during my experience. As an unhappy costumer, I enter, decline his offer for help, grab the sandals, and hand him my card. This for me is the tipping point: Once he swipes my card, he places it under his copy of the receipt and with the long side of a pen places pressure on top of the receipt. This make an ink imprint of your card onto the receipt. While I understand he may want to have detailed record, there is no reason this man should have any more numbers than the last 4 digits of the card.
It is safe to say. I am never going back there again, and if you don’t want this man, who is from my experience irresponsible, to have your card, neither should you.

HUGE selection, even already worn in used Rainbows.. which I have mixed feelings about. We all know breaking them in is the hardest part, but oh so worth it.

I made a Unilocal account JUST so I could write a review about how amazing the customer service is at this Rainbow Sandals location.
I had replacement Rainbows sent to me by mail from San Clemente, and thinking I was a size XL (I’m a size 9 womens), of course that’s what I ordered. However, when I put them on, I realized that my Rainbows might be too large — I’ve heard that Rainbows are supposed to be almost too tight when you first put them on, because they flatten out as they mold to your feet. I took these to the Rainbow store on Elizabeth Street. The owner told me that unfortunately he couldn’t do anything about them because there was already a slight imprint of my foot on the sandals, which of course is understandable.
He then asked me about my problems with my old XL sandals, which became too large the more I wore them. Flustered because he knew he couldn’t help me with my too-​large pair, he still helped me look at several different fits and sizes, taking L sandals from the shelves and comparing their fit on my feet from all angles to XL sandals, and broken in X sandals. He advised me that I’m a size L, not a size XL! Finally, he told me that he would do the exchange for me for a size L, and he would just take my XL sandals that I had gotten in the mail the day before, and mark them down 10 dollars — someone would buy them!
I was so grateful, because I had commuted 45 minutes to get to the Rainbow Store, and I walked out beaming and so happy that I didn’t have to leave with the same problem I went there with! As I left, he called after me: «pass it forward!» with a smile.
What a wonderful, incredibly helpful man! I walked out of there elated.
And in general: Rainbow Sandals are WORTH IT!

Um Unilocal says you’re open but the gate is still down? And there are no hours posted? Glad I hauled in from Brooklyn on a weekend.

This place is amazing for my first time ever coming here! The owner here had the greatest service ever, very kind and helpful with me picking out my sandals. He would water his plants in the morning when he opens up shop, on the quiet street.
When you first come down the block, you’ll see the outside is made of some type of wood, making it remind you of California or Florida, and it had a display of some sandals. By the door, before you walk in, there’s this HUGE flip flop thing, not sure if it’s actually made by the real material, but it’s awesome looking!
Once you get into the store, you’ll smell this. .. «unique» scent. It’s not a BAD scent or a GOOD scent, it’s like a scent of a new pair of sandals? Don’t know how to exactly describe it, but I recently went there, and I was surprised of the smell. It’s a smell of sandals, new-​fresh sandals.
When you’re in the store, there’s a bunch of shelves FILLED with the sandals; the right side of the store filled with the men, and the left side filled with women. Then in the back, there’s some shoes and boots. There’s sitting area where you can try the sandals on and look at them.
Apparently, the owner told me, what you usually see on the shelves is what they’d have with them, so if there’s no more of your size of that special pair you wanted on the shelves, then you have to come back another time. BUT, I believe he also said that was usually for the sizes which aren’t normally bought, like the small for men (because they could be there for years untouched).
On top of the shelves, there are these displays of the sandal, one sandal of the new-​unworn version, and the other sandal is of the worn and broken down version of the sandal. Honestly, I believe these sandals will last for ages. The leather ones, I hear it can last up to 10 years (TEN). No you did not just read that wrong. The hemps can last up to 3 years, because of the natural fabric they use, it could get worn down a lot faster. The rubber ones are the cheapest, so I didn’t get them, and also I believe they’ll break down the fastest.
Not only is the quality of most of their products amazing here, the warranty. It’s a lifetime warranty. If any of the stitching, strap pieces, or fail manufacturing occurs on the sandal, you can bring it back and I’m pretty sure they give you a new pair!
The thing about the warranty, if it’s anything with YOUR fault, they will not give a refund for it; like you know, anyone could buy a pair, wear it and rip it on purpose to get a new one. It doesn’t work like that. It has to be the actual factory’s fault in making it, stitching, the layers are separating from each other, the straps come out, etc. LOOK AT THEIR WEBSITE FOR A MORE DETAILED WARRANTY INSTRUCTIONS!!!
Really, Rainbow Sandals is the best place to get for sandals. For those first-​timers wearing flip-​flops, come to Rainbow Sandals! The price may be expensive, but it is truly worth it, it can last ¹⁄₁₀ of a lifetime! See, you know how amazing these flip-​flops are if they are actually making me do math!
**The sandals, when you first touch them or try them on, it will feel hard. The sandals will feel like they’re a piece of hard material and will be very hard to make your foot mold into it. No, it’ll mold eventually when you continuously wear them.
It’s spring-​time! (haha, see what I did there?) Go out and get yourself a good pair of flip-​flops already!
The confusing part is, I didn’t see any opening time-​papers of the store, so I recommend coming around the afternoon if you’re not sure when they open.

Having lived in SF for a bit, I was introduced to rainbow sandals and have never gone back. I own three pair even though you only need one. (accessorize!!). The guy at the store here is the most chilled out an helpful store person in NYC. He had me trying on different styles and when I’d make a comment one way or another he always had something helpful to say. He even pointed me to a sale bin to save loot. I’d recommend this store I anyone and everyone. Great sandals and a great vibe in the store.

Love the product, love this store, the people that work here are super helpful as well! Not sure how people live without a pair of rainbows!

Major customer service FAIL. This Sunday I called to see how late the store was open and they told me 6. I arrived at 5:50 ready to purchase, and the store was closed. I called the store back and got no answer. Lying is not good for business.

I am so glad there is a location here in Manhattan. I came here early in the morning, and the man working at the time was watering his plants outside. He is so nice and he gave one of the best customer service. He explained the difference of each sandal and its material, including the one and two layer types. I bought a pair of black smooth leather for about $ 50. This is a little pricey for me. But it is was spent on a very nice, good quality, comfortable pair of sandals that I will always cherish.
Rainbow Sandals are definitely high-​quality. When I accidently left a pair of my sandals back home in California, I refused to buy any other brand because I loved the Rainbow Sandals and its comfort.
The whole décor of the store reminds of the beaches back at home, California.

I love the sandals but the store has HORRIBLE service. Buy them at another store or online. I went in and 2 girls were working and there was only one other customer I had to ask for someone to help me find a size and the girl lazily got off the bench where she was sitting on her phone to find them for me… with an attitude.

I like these sandals for when I need a leather sandal, but if I’m looking for a cheaper alternative that still has style I head to Kmart and get a flip flop called Chela.
Has a cool surfer chick on the bottom that leaves an imprint in the sand as you walk. Very cool.

In and out in about 10 minutes flat– and got exactly what I was looking for. Quality of sandals are excellent and totally worth the investment.

I came here determined to find some Rainbow sandals because I was quite homesick on one particular day.
After searching along the streets, I fiinally arrived at this location!
Walked in and there was the 50% sale of the green and pink Rainbows. However, the street was experiencing a power outage that day and the lights inside the store were flickering every other second. Soon, us customers were all kicked out of the store. And, not exactly in the nicest manner. =[
A future discount for the inconvenience caused that day would’ve been nice.
Needless to say, I went to Journey’s in Herald Square and picked up some Rainbows the next day.

Women in New York wear stylish, cute flats, sandals, boots, and heels. California girls wear Rainbows. Everyday.
On my last visit home, the day before I fly back to NY, I lose my left Rainbow (how does that happen? Seriously, how do you lose ONE shoe??). Panicked, I went online to order a pair. But wait! An actual Rainbow store in SoHo?! One of only 2 stores in the country? Awesome.
I walk in and I say, «Hi. Tanleathernarrowstrapsinglelayerwomenssmall!» She takes me to the sale section where my shoes are 50% off and since it’s NYC, no tax. Booyah!
FYI these are the camel-​colored smooth leather that they are discontinuing, not the original Rainbows. Those were regular priced. I splurged the extra $ 3.50 for the double layer.
Unlike the Irvine outlet, and maybe also because they aren’t as popular here, I didn’t have to dig through 17 pairs before I found one in my size that was uncrinkled. Plenty of stock for every style and size from what I could tell.
It’s like walking with memory foam strapped to my feet… California girl can now survive summer in NYC.

I decided I wanted a nice pair of sandals for once instead of sub $ 10 crappy flip flops, so I went here, having seen my friend’s Rainbow Sandals. This is apparently one of the two actual Rainbow stores, the other being over in CA by the factory. Pretty much the store sells sandals, and nothing but (maybe some sandal themed keychains and other crap, but it’s basically one wall of men’s sandals and the other of women’s sandals).
Sooo, basically they have flip-​flops of all colors, leather or hemp (though I did see some newer styles that were something else, but I didn’t bother investigating further). A big plus is they have 50% off some items and 25% off of others, at least when I went, and since these are normally 45 – 60 dollar sandals, 25% off is huge.
I bought a pair, but didn’t try it on properly and so I had to return it since one was a bit loose… exchange was easy, walked in, switched the sandals and walked out (paying $ 4 extra because I decided to go with a double layer this time). Guy who manned the register was nice, helped me pick the size when I was unsure which one to get, and explained to me the difference between the two different leathers I saw on sandals (I guess the softer leather is something they don’t make anymore and now do nubuck, but when they are broken in they both feel the same).
I was also given a sheet when I bought them with tips on how to break them in, which was nice. And people weren’t lying… the first few days wearing them kind of sucks. I got some blisters and whatnot from wearing them too long, but after a few days they get comfy, and then a few days after that they become great. The foam/​leather molds to your feet… it’s pretty great.
Apparently there is a lifetime warranty, so that’s pretty swell.
I approve.

MAMA NEEDS A NEW PAIR OF SAPATOS!
I paid $ 60 for a pair of Rainbow Sandals WITH rhinestones on the straps. The sparkley straps caught my eye, you know it! It was orig. full price at $ 80 w/​25% off. I thought I couldn’t pass up on this opp. and had to buy them. Plus, no sales tax in NY for items under $ 120! Holla.
This Rainbow Sandals store is oddly similar to the factory down in Southern California, but it’s probably 2x the price. If you want cheaper Rainbow Sandals, visit so. cal and buy them there. Otherwise, you’re forking out a few extra bucks for the same pair here in NY.

I just paid $ 53 for flip flops.
No, I didn’t forget a decimal point there – that’s fifty-​three US dollars for one pair of flip flops. And they weren’t diamond-​encrusted, gold-​flecked or drizzled with truffle oil. Why then, you ask, would I make such a seemingly ridiculous purchase?
I’m not sure, really, except that people really seem to go nuts over these things, and my feet have been killing me. So on my lunch break today I skipped down to Nolita (hobbled, actually, as have giant blisters from fancy new vintage-​style red Frye peep-​toe pumps) to the Rainbow
store.
Man, talk about a store that focuses on one product! Literally, all you can get here are flip flops. Or key chains with mini flip flops on them. Or I think maybe a t-​shirt with a flip flop silk-​screen print.
Hmm. I’m experiencing that thing now where you say a word so many times that it starts not to sound like a word anymore, you know what I mean? Quest-​ce que c’est «flip flop»?
Anyway, I opted for a double-​cushioned sole pair in light brown, and I have to say, my feet are much happier now that my blister isn’t being agitated with every step. However, they’re a little unhappy that they’re being shown to the world in their pale and un-​polished state, so if you’ll excuse me, I need to go get a pedicure now.