72% matchTeva
Strap sandals built for water, with a trail bent
What changes: Outdoor/hiking framing instead of surf culture
Brand profile
Reef
Reef is a California surf brand best known for cushioned flip-flops, sandals and beach-ready casual footwear.
La JollaOrigin
UnisexFocus
Athleisure / SportswearStyle
$$Price
25 brands like Reef like Teva, Quiksilver, Billabong →
What to know about Reef
Cushioned foam footbeds do the work
The whole line is built around thick, soft foam sandal footbeds, with water-friendly leather thongs, sliders and the Rover slip-on extending the same idea.
The Fanning hides a bottle opener
Reef's best-known sandal, the Fanning, has a bottle opener moulded into its outsole — the clearest example of the brand's surf-beach practicality.
Surf-shop pricing and surf-shop distribution
Founded in La Jolla in 1984 by Argentine brothers Fernando and Santiago Aguerre, it sells at low-to-mid prices through surf retailers and reef.com.
How Reef fits
Overall fit
true to size
Most wearers find Reef sandals true to size with a comfortable, supportive footbed that softens with wear.
Tip: Order your normal size; if you're between sizes, size down as the footbeds are generous and mold over time.
Medium confidence · based on 12 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandals & slides | true to size | regular width with a deep, contoured heel cup and thick foam footbed | Take your usual size; between sizes go down half a size since the plush footbed packs in a little over time. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Reef
See all 25 brands like Reef →72% match
78% matchQuiksilver
Same surf-shop shelf, but boardshorts-led not footwear
What changes: Apparel and wetsuit core rather than sandals
76% match
75% matchHurley
California surf staple leaning athletic and graphic
What changes: Nike-derived technical apparel, not sandals
Reef fit questions
Does Reef run big or small?
Reef fits true to size. Order your normal size; if you're between sizes, size down as the footbeds are generous and mold over time. Most wearers find Reef sandals true to size with a comfortable, supportive footbed that softens with wear.
How does Reef fit?
Most wearers find Reef sandals true to size with a comfortable, supportive footbed that softens with wear. Overall shape: standard width with a contoured, cushioned footbed.
How do Reef sandals & slides fit?
Reef sandals & slides fits true to size. Take your usual size; between sizes go down half a size since the plush footbed packs in a little over time. Shape: regular width with a deep, contoured heel cup and thick foam footbed.
Brand facts
Reef makes surf-derived footwear, centred on flip-flops and slides built on thick cushioned foam footbeds. Argentine-born brothers Fernando and Santiago Aguerre started the label in La Jolla, California in 1984. Signature styles include the Fanning sandal, which houses a bottle opener in its outsole, water-friendly leather thongs and the Rover slip-on; the range extends to sliders, casual shoes and beach apparel. VF Corporation, which bought Reef in 2005, sold the brand to The Rockport Group in 2018. Distribution runs through surf retailers and reef.com.
- Founded
- 1984
- Origin
- La Jolla, United States
- Made in
- China, Vietnam
- Price
- $$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- September 2026
- Styles
- Athleisure / Sportswear, Streetwear, Gorpcore / Outdoor