Olukai Women's Shoes: A great all-rounder

Coming from a brand that was conceived in the laid-back tropical setting of Hawai‘i, the Pehuea Lī shoe feels as light and comfortable as it looks and it has a trick up its sleeve. With the upper made from mesh or canvas and leather, they weigh just 10 oz in women’s size 9, so they are easy to pack in your suitcase and don't weigh you down on longer walks. They feature a non-marking Wet Grip rubber outsole for steady footing and the Drop-In Heel that lets you slip them on quickly or wear them as a regular sneaker. Orders over $120 currently ship free with a 30-day free exchange policy, so you don't have to worry about getting locked into something that doesn't work for you. It is also worth noting that OluKai is a Certified B Corporation and part of your purchase supports the state of Hawai‘i through the Ama OluKai Foundation.

Hawaiian roots

The name Pehuea Lī translates to A Rising Wind, Lace and is pronounced peh-hoo-eh-ah-lee. OluKai has been a Certified B Corporation since 2014 and channels part of each purchase to the Ama OluKai Foundation in Hawai‘i. For buyers who care about brand values as much as looks, OluKai is a solid choice.

Design

The mesh Pehuea Lī uses a breathable mesh upper with soft lining over footbed that is removable and washable. The outsole is non-marking rubber with Wet Grip tread that offers some grip on wet surfaces. This collapsible heel lets you wear them like a slide or a lace-up sneaker. The design is simple but thoughtful, which is part of what makes these shoes so versatile.

Breathability and temperature

The mesh version is built for airflow and is described by OluKai as lightweight and breathable with an airy upper. This keeps your feet cooler and you can get away without wearing socks on shorter days. The canvas version is more structured than the mesh version, but they are naturally a little warmer. Mesh is the best pick for heat, while canvas is a little more durable and low-key.

Support and underfoot feel

OluKai’s footbed design puts a firm base under a softer top deck. This gives a cushioned step with steady arch support throughout the day. The mesh Pehuea Lī comes with this dual density insert, which is removable if you want to use your own orthotics. Reviewers on REI and Zappos mention strong support for errands and city walking, with others noting it is good for walking but definitely not built for running. Reviewers report wearing these shoes for full days of city walking without discomfort, with one travel account logging over 10 miles in a single day in OluKai sneakers without issue.

Fit and sizing

OluKai’s fit guide says this shoe runs slightly small and recommends going up one half size or even a full size. Buyer reviews across REI, Zappos, and Nordstrom confirm this notion. Narrow and medium feet may be true to size or half a size small, while people with wider feet usually prefer half a size to a full size larger. Women’s sizes run from 5 through 12. If you are usually between sizes, the larger size is probably going to be your best option.

Materials

The mesh Pehuea Lī is made from two-tone mesh with suede or leather accents to give them a casual but polished look. The canvas version offers a smoother looking upper that attracts less attention. Both use a durable rubber outsole that is non-marking and patterned for traction. Canvas is expected to outlast mesh in scuff-prone settings, while mesh wins in hot weather. Both versions are built for typical daily use rather than high-impact training.

Outsole and traction

The outsole is made of Wet Grip rubber with an island-inspired tread pattern. OluKai notes its slip-resistant quality and the Zappos spec confirms it is non-marking, which is useful on boat decks or indoor floors that can get marked up by cheaper alternatives. The traction is better than flat canvas or most skater-style soles and works well on city sidewalks and airport floors. Clearly this is not a hiking sole, but it provides steady footing for daily use.

Care and cleaning

Cleaning calls for removing the laces and footbeds, which should be placed in a mesh washer bag before machine washing on a gentle cycle. For the mesh or canvas upper, use a soft brush with cold water and mild detergent, then air dry in the shade. If odor develops, wash the footbeds and laces as recommended, then hand wash the mesh uppers and air dry. Like any other shoes, you should rotate pairs if you wear them daily. These simple steps will keep these shoes looking fresh for a surprisingly long time.

The color question

Color availability rotates by season and new colors are introduced periodically. The mesh model often comes in white, tapa, trench blue, mist grey and other colors. The colors are typically soft and neutral and work well with a wide variety of colors you will find in your closet. If you see a color you like, we suggest snatching it up because colors do sell out and sometimes it can be a while before colors reappear. Quality control at OluKai is excellent, so sizes are consistent across colors.

Value proposition

The Pehuea Lī is well made and has proven to stand the test of time, so while there are cheaper options out there, these shoes will last. OluKai currently offers free standard shipping on orders over $120, free expedited shipping over $175, and free 30-day exchanges. The shoes are covered by a one-year warranty. Considering the supportive footbed, the Drop-In Heel feature, and the company’s B Corp ethics, the price is competitive for an everyday sneaker with a bit more thought in the build.

Pros and cons

The biggest benefits of these shoes are the breathability of the mesh version, the Drop-In Heel that works exactly as promised, the supportive insert that can be washed, and the durable non-marking outsole. The tradeoffs include a slightly small and narrow fit and a warmer feel in the canvas version. These are not built for running but they are excellent for walking, travel, and daily use.

Brand background

OluKai was co founded by Bill Worthington and Matt Till in the mid 2000s with roots in Hawai‘i. Their goal was to build footwear that blended comfort with cultural storytelling, with the three core values being family ('ohana), aloha (selfless giving and care), and quality. Profiles confirm the company’s values and its B Corp certification reflects that commitment.

Vetted verdict

The OluKai Pehuea Lī is a casual sneaker that is versitile with the ability to be comfortable and right at home from errands to travel. The mesh version is the cooler choice for hot days, while the canvas version gives a more polished look with more durability. Both share OluKai’s comfortable footbed, light weight, and convertible heel. Fit runs a touch small, so sizing up is wise. Add in the brand’s giveback programs and warranty, and you have a reliable choice for everyday wear that ties comfort with durability.