Our verdict
Kakaha is a sophisticated boat style from OluKai. These kicks are a solid pick for men who don’t want to sacrifice comfort while wearing a pair of smart-looking leather shoes. Dress it up with formal clothes or fold the heel down for a laid-back experience, the shoe is suitable for various occasions.
Pros
- Little-to-no break-in
- Comfortable leather shoe
- Very light
- Sharp-looking
- Servile style
- Collapsible heel
- Top 29% most popular walking shoes
Cons
- Tight fit
- Durability issues
Who should buy the OluKai Kakaha
OluKai created the Kakaha for men who have the following demands from their footwear:
- made of supple leather that conforms to the foot over time
- easy to slip on and off which is made even easier with the drop-in-heel
- very sharp but not too professional
Who should not buy this shoe
If you worry about the shoe’s tight feet because of wider feet or higher arches, there are slightly more accommodating options from OluKai:
- OluKai Moloa - a similar in-style leather moc
- Top 29% most popular walking shoes - One person also noted that the shoe looks better in person than in the photo
Molds to the foot but needs sizing up
Most reviewers report that the Kakaha felt a bit tight or even stiff at first but “broke in nicely and quickly.” One person says that it fit like a glove by the third wear.
On the downside, the shoe’s sizing seems to be off compared to other shoes from the brand. Those who have 5-7 pairs of OluKais claim that the Kakaha runs half a size to a full size smaller than the brand’s other styles.
For some, the shoe’s tighter fit became a deal-breaker. They complained about the instep being too low or the shoe fitting tight across the top of the foot.
Past the sizing issue, the Kakaha is comfortable
Those who managed to get the size right enjoyed wearing the OluKai Kakaha a lot. They say that it is way more comfortable than expected.
A reviewer who bought the shoe for his Caribbean vacation says that the leather is “just the right amount of softness” and he was even able to wear it without socks.
The collapsible heel has also become a game-changer for many. It not only made the on-and-off significantly quicker but also helped with heel soreness and other foot issues.
Durability is questionable
The opinions are split regarding the quality of the Kakaha. Some say that it has a “noticeably great quality” and that the shoe “feels well made.” Others faced the problem of the sole peeling away after only a few weeks of wear.
So light, you can barely feel it
Wearers confirmed that the shoe is amazingly lightweight. One person mentioned that it feels like you are wearing a sandal.
OluKai Kakaha is gorgeous and versatile
Many reviewers agree that it is a very good-looking silhouette:
- “very sharp but not too professional”
- “Top 29% most popular walking shoes”
- “recommend if you want to dress to impress”
very sharp but not too professional.
Kakaha’s versatile design makes it suitable for so many different occasions: the pool, the beach, the club, and even dinners or more formal events.
