Reef Sandals
The Sandal That Started the Bottle-Opener Trend
Looking for sandals that feel at home at the beach but can keep up once you leave it? Reef was born from surf culture and has spent decades developing footwear around the relaxed, easygoing feeling of life near the water. Its sandals combine cushioned footbeds, anatomical arch support, lightweight construction, and water-friendly materials, giving you options that work for beach days, travel, walking, and everyday summer wear.
Reef is especially known for details that make its sandals instantly recognizable, from the iconic Fanning sandal with its built-in bottle opener to cushioned styles designed for all-day wear. The current collection also includes different fits, levels of cushioning, arch support, water-friendly materials, and adjustable constructions depending on the style.
From Surf Culture to Everyday Footwear
Reef's story began in 1984, when Argentine brothers Fernando and Santiago Aguerre created sandals inspired by their love of surfing and the beach. Their goal was straightforward: make high-quality, comfortable footwear that could move easily from the beach to the streets.
That beach-first perspective became the foundation of the brand. Reef developed recognizable sandal designs while continuing to experiment with comfort, materials, and functional details.
One of the most recognizable examples is the Fanning sandal, created with three-time World Surf League champion Mick Fanning. Introduced in 2004, the style became known for its bottle opener built into the outsole—a small but unmistakably Reef detail that turned a functional sandal into a piece of surf culture.
Why shop Reef from Abbadabba's?
- Beach Roots With Everyday Versatility: Reef started with footwear for life around the beach, but today's designs are made to move into travel, walking, errands, and everyday wear.
- Comfort Is Part of the Design: Reef builds many styles around cushioned footbeds, anatomical arch support, molded construction, and lightweight materials.
- Water-Friendly Options: Selected styles use water-friendly materials and constructions designed for beach, pool, and wet-to-dry use.
- Recognizable Reef Details: From the Fanning's built-in bottle opener to signature cushioning and beach-inspired design, Reef has developed details that make its footwear easy to recognize.
- Different Ways to Find Your Comfort: Reef offers different levels of cushioning, arch support, adjustability, and construction, so you can choose based on how you actually plan to wear the sandal.
The Reef Difference
Reef doesn't treat the beach as simply an aesthetic. The beach is where the brand's footwear philosophy started. Its designs are built around the kind of comfort, freedom, and practicality that make sense when you're moving between sand, water, sidewalk, travel, and everyday life.
That idea shows up in the construction: cushioned footbeds, anatomical support, water-friendly materials, lightweight designs, and traction-focused outsoles appear across different Reef styles. The result is footwear that carries the easygoing character of beach culture while being designed for much more than the beach.
Who Is Reef For?
The Beach Person
Wants footwear that naturally fits a coastal lifestyle.
The Traveler
Looking for lightweight, comfortable sandals that can handle long days.
The Everyday Sandal Wearer
Wants more cushioning and support than a basic flip-flop.
The Water Enthusiast
Needs water-friendly footwear for beach and pool days.
The Casual-Comfort Shopper
Likes casual style but doesn't want to sacrifice underfoot comfort.
The Fanning Fan
Appreciates Reef's iconic bottle-opener detail.
The Arch-Support Seeker
Wants arch support in a casual sandal.
The Summer Walker
Looking for cushioning, grip, and lightweight comfort.
Fit & Comfort Tips
Check Where Your Arch Lands
If you're choosing an arch-support sandal, the support should sit underneath your actual arch rather than too far forward or back.
Make Sure Your Heel Stays on the Footbed
Your heel shouldn't hang significantly over the back of the sandal.
Check Your Toe Placement
Your toes should stay comfortably on the footbed without hanging over the front.
Adjust the Straps
If the style allows adjustment, use it to create a secure fit without making the straps unnecessarily tight.
Not sure about your size? Check our size chart. Already found your pair? Our care guides show you how to keep them going.
