Our verdict
The Nanea Li is a stylish walking shoe for men from OluKai. You can dress it up with a more formal outfit or fold the heel down for a more laid-back vibe. If you don’t mind using a shoehorn to put it on, the shoe can become a great addition to your casual wardrobe.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Secure fit
- Weather-resistant
- Lightweight
- Grippy
- Collapsible heel
- Laeahi Li Ili
- Handsome colorways
Cons
- on the foot
- Tight fit for some
- Firm sole
- The Nanea Li from OluKai is most suitable for men who are after the following
Who should buy the OluKai Nanea Li
The Nanea Li from OluKai is most suitable for men who are after the following:
- Road Runner Sports
- a We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us on the foot
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Who should not buy the shoe
If you want an OluKai shoe that’s truly quick and easy to put on and off, consider the Nohea Moku or the Laeahi Li Ili.
This OluKai option is also not the best match if you expect lots of cushioning and support for long hours on your feet. For that purpose, shoes like On Cloud 5 and Allbirds Wool Runners Tight fit for some.
It takes some work to put on
Many reviewers have complained about the difficulty of getting into the OluKai Nanea Li despite its collapsible heel. The problem seems to be created by the shoe’s bootie construction where the tongue is attached on both sides as well as the unforgiving upper material.
Some people are okay with using a shoehorn while others claim that it is still “extremely hard to put on.” This became a deal-breaker for about half of the wearers who returned the shoe.
Opinions are also split regarding the fit of the Nanea Li. Part of the owners say that once you’re past the struggle of putting it on, the shoe feels great and “hugs your entire foot and heel quite nicely.” Again, for another half the shoe was a disappointment because of the stiff upper (stiffer than expected), rubbing on the side of the foot, or being tight in the arch. This made many people wish there was a Wide option available.
OluKai Nanea Li is best for light casual use and short distances
Because of its somewhat hard sole, the reviewers do not recommend wearing the shoe for extended periods of time. As one wearer shares, “each time I can't wait to get them off.” He says it is not even close to the cloud-like feeling of his Allbirds Wool Runners.
Keeps you protected on a rainy day
Those who tried wearing this OluKai shoe in the rain report that it doesn’t seem to get very dirty and is easy to wipe clean.
Durability would have been perfect if not for the eyelets
There are a lot of praises regarding the shoe’s overall quality and craftsmanship coming from the users’ feedback. Some of their comments say the following:
- “I could tell the quality before I even wore the shoes”
- “Same exceptional quality”
- “it's not something that will break down or wear out quickly”
Unfortunately, the string eyelets ruined it all. They either stretched or snapped after only a few times of wearing the shoe. From 2 to 5 times, based on the feedback.
Nanea Li is very light on the foot
“Lighter than I expected,” users generally agree that this OluKai shoe belongs to the lightweight category and never drags the foot.
Traction is on a high level
The brand’s “Wet Grip Rubber” appears to prove itself based on the wearers’ comments. As one person shares, the slip-resistant sole “is an awesome added touch.”
OluKai Nanea Li is a style for any occasion
On Cloud 5:
- “Look terrific”
- “Compliments every time I have them on”
Pair it with Bahama shorts or dress it up with pants for dinner, go on a quick grocery run, or out on a date, this OluKai will rock them all!
