The Laeʻahi Lī ʻIli (lye-AH-hee lee EE-lee) is the one cut from waterproof full-grain leather, so rain stays out rather than being merely shrugged off. It is $150.
A soft microfiber lining sits against the foot, which keeps the inside comfortable and breathable on a humid day.
The Wet Grip Rubber outsole holds traction on wet pavement, docks and decks.
A collapsible Drop-In Heel lets you fold the heel down and wear it like a slide when you come indoors.
Water-resistant sheds a shower. Waterproof handles a downpour and a puddle. Pick by the weather you actually walk in.
Wipe leather with a damp cloth, condition it now and then, and dry it in the shade. Heat is what cracks it.
Most of our leather is water-resistant, which is a different promise from waterproof. The Laeʻahi Lī ʻIli is one of the few styles we build from waterproof full-grain leather, and that is the reason it is the one to reach for when the forecast is wet rather than just damp.
What Makes It Weather-Ready?
The Laeʻahi Lī ʻIli
Made from premium full-grain waterproof leather, the Lī ʻIli is built to keep your feet dry in weather that would soak a standard leather sneaker. The tongue carries debossed Hawaiian kapa artwork, a soft microfiber lining adds comfort and breathability, and the non-marking Wet Grip Rubber outsole gives you dependable footing on wet ground. The collapsible Drop-In Heel folds down so the shoe converts to a slide without using your hands. It is $150 in a standard fit, sizes 7 to 15.
The two words are not interchangeable. Water-resistant leather sheds light rain and sea spray while still breathing, and it will wet through if you stand in a downpour long enough. Waterproof leather is built to block water outright, which is why we reserve the word for styles like the Lī ʻIli rather than applying it across the range. Match the shoe to the worst weather you will actually be out in, not the average.
Caring for Them After Rain
Wipe the uppers with a clean, damp cloth to lift off grit and salt, since salt is what dulls and dries leather. Use a leather conditioner from time to time to keep the hide supple. Then let the pair dry on its own in a shaded, airy spot. Never park wet shoes on a radiator or in front of a dryer, because forced heat is what makes leather crack.
Yes. It is cut from premium waterproof full-grain leather and listed as a waterproof style, which is not something we say about most of our leather.
Do they hold up on slippery ground?
Yes. The non-marking Wet Grip Rubber outsole is made to hold traction on wet surfaces such as decks and pavements.
What is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof leather?
Water-resistant leather repels light moisture and keeps breathing; it can soak through in sustained rain. Waterproof leather blocks water outright and is the right choice for downpours and puddles.
What is the Drop-In Heel?
A collapsible heel. Fold it down and the sneaker wears like a slide, which is useful when you are stepping in and out of the house.
How should I dry leather sneakers after a soaking?
Wipe them down, then let them dry slowly in the shade with good airflow. Keep them away from radiators and dryers.
Where can I buy them?
On OluKai.com you get the full run of sizes and colors, a 1-year warranty and free 30-day exchanges. Authorized retailers stock selected styles.
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