REEF Made the Ultimate Do-It-All Sneaker
For over four decades, REEF has been powering adventures by the water with sandals, slides, and flip-flops that live up to the brand’s “Ridiculously Comfortable” promise. Now, thanks to the versatile Del Mar Sneaker, REEF is ensuring that you can stroll from the boardwalk to the boardroom in the same pair of shoes. Stylish, practical, and, of course, comfortable, the Del Mar is an everyday sneaker built for morning meetings, sunset sails, and everything in between.
Unmatched Versatility
Think of the Del Mar as the opposite of the specialty shoe. The minds at REEF wanted a sneaker that broke down barriers: Why let athletic shoes have all the cushioned comfort? Why let dress shoes be the only ones that catch the eye? And why let a casual shoe be resigned to the weekend?
The Del Mar aims to skip the split and give you a shoe for every part of your busy life, whether you’re hanging out or hustling. Its details and restrained pops of color give it enough polish for a meeting but still feel right at home at those weekend barbecues. Jack Crivici-Kramer, co-host of The Best One Yet podcast, put it simply: “They go with jeans, they go with khakis, they go with shorts…they might even go with a tuxedo.”
All-Day Comfort
So what’s actually under your foot that takes the Del Mar from “comfortable” to “Ridiculously Comfortable?” Several thoughtful elements combine to give this sneaker the kind of upgrade that elevates a shoe from a once-in-a-while wear to a daily driver. A rubber-infused foam midsole provides cushioning, a plush FlexCore insole adds support, and a heel gravity pod helps the shoe roll forward with each step. This combination makes the Del Mar feel springy rather than stiff, the kind of all-important element that’s missing from so many professional-ready footwear options.
Corey Wilson, a photographer who’s constantly on his feet, sees the value in exactly that. “As a creative, every single day is different. I’m constantly in different environments; life’s constantly changing,” he says. “I need something that’s comfortable, something you can just slip on and just do so many different things with.”
The Details
The engineered knit upper is what separates the Del Mar from other lifestyle sneakers; it flexes with your foot so you can move with confidence on bike commutes or long afternoon walks. Just as importantly, it breathes well enough to ensure that your feet won’t overheat. When you’re moving from an active setting to a more formal one, keeping cool is invaluable.
The elastic lace option is where the knit does its best work. It fits closer to a sock than a sneaker and holds the foot without pinching, giving you a secure fit that feels as though it’s perfectly molded to your foot. The hands-free step-in is a convenient and comfortable way to get up and go. Meanwhile, standard laces come in the box if you’d rather tie your shoes for a more traditional look and fit.
Because REEF was born by the water, the SoCal-based company also knows how much traction matters. The Del Mar has a grippy outsole with rubber pods at the toe and heel, thoughtfully placed where daily wear tends to concentrate. This unique design keeps the shoe’s weight down, too. That rubber is used only where it’s most essential for secure footing on slippery docks, wet streets, and freshly mopped office floors. You’ve got durability and security, all while the shoe maintains its light, carefree feel.
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Sustainable Style
As a brand that’s named for and constantly inspired by the ocean, REEF is committed to protecting coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend on them through sustainable practices and environmental partnerships.
One way in which sustainability takes shape in the Del Mar is in the form of responsibly sourced leather. REEF uses Leather Working Group-certified leathers to ensure that its manufacturers are independently verified for sustainability. REEF also partners with organizations working to get more people out enjoying and protecting the ocean, including a partnership with The Mega Lab to map 1 million coral reefs by 2030. Additional partnerships with the Surfrider Foundation and Better Beach Alliance work to keep beaches clean and help preserve the planet.
The Verdict
The Del Mar won’t replace your hiking boots or your dress shoes. That’s because it doesn’t want to. Instead, it covers the wide middle of the day. So when you’re moving between errands, hustling from meeting to meeting, or sneaking away from it all for a quick walk in the sun, you can do it in a shoe that looks as good as it feels. And that’s saying something.
About Reef
REEF believes life is better when it’s a little more effortless and a lot more comfortable. REEF builds products and stories for people who don’t overthink it, who move through life with ease, and who expect style to feel as good as it looks.
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