Where to Find Rainbow Sandals

Where to Find Rainbow Sandals: The Straight Answer

Rainbow Sandals are not sold in every mall or shoe store. You need to know the right places to look. The best options are the official Rainbow Sandals website, authorized retailers like Zappos and REI, and the brand’s own outlet stores.

If you buy from anywhere else, you risk getting fakes. Let’s break down each option so you can get a real pair without wasting time or money.

Start With the Official Rainbow Sandals Website

The safest place to buy is rainbowsandals.com. This is the brand’s direct online store. They carry the full lineup, including the classic double leather sandals, single layer styles, and the newer rubber and hemp options.

Buying direct means you get the full warranty. Rainbow Sandals offers a lifetime warranty on the sole and toe strap. If you buy from a third party, you might not get that coverage. The website also runs sales a few times a year, especially around holidays like Memorial Day and Black Friday.

One tip: check the “Sale” section on their site first. You can often find last season’s colors for 30-40% off. The leather is the same quality. You just get a better price.

Authorized Online Retailers You Can Trust

If you want to compare prices or need faster shipping, go to major authorized retailers. Zappos and Amazon (only when sold by Amazon itself, not third-party sellers) are reliable. REI is another solid choice, especially if you want the rugged outdoor styles.

Here is what to look for when buying online:

• Check the seller name. On Amazon, look for “Ships from Amazon” and “Sold by Amazon.”
• Read return policies. Zappos has free returns. That matters if the size feels off.
• Look at the price. If a pair of double leather sandals is under $40, it is likely fake. Real ones run $55-$75.

Another good option is Backcountry or Moosejaw. They carry Rainbow Sandals and often have seasonal discounts. Sign up for their email lists. You will get a 10-15% off code for your first purchase.

Visit a Rainbow Sandals Outlet Store

Rainbow Sandals has outlet stores in California and a few other states. The main one is in San Clemente, California, right near their headquarters. They also have outlets in Lake Elsinore, Cabazon, and a few other spots.

Outlet stores are the best place to find deep discounts. You can often get factory seconds or discontinued colors for $30-$40. Factory seconds have tiny cosmetic flaws like a slight color variation or a small mark on the leather. The structural integrity is the same. The warranty might not apply to seconds, so ask before you buy.

If you live near one, it is worth the drive. You can try on multiple sizes and walk around in them before committing. That is a big advantage over buying online.

Try Local Surf Shops and Specialty Footwear Stores

Rainbow Sandals started as a surf brand. So, local surf shops are a natural place to find them. Shops like HSS (Huntington Surf & Sport) or smaller independent surf stores often stock a good selection.

Why go local? You get personal advice. The staff at a surf shop usually wear Rainbows themselves. They can tell you how the leather stretches and whether to size up or down. Plus, you support a small business.

Specialty footwear stores are another option. Look for stores that carry Birkenstock, Chaco, or Teva. They often carry Rainbow Sandals too. Call ahead to check their inventory. Not every store carries the full size range, especially for men’s sizes 13 and up.

Know Your Size Before You Buy

Rainbow Sandals fit differently than most shoes. They run large. Most people size down a half size. If you wear a size 10 in sneakers, you likely need a size 9 or 9.5 in Rainbows.

Here is a simple way to check:

• Your heel should sit right at the back edge of the sandal.
• Your toes should not hang over the front edge.
• There should be about a quarter-inch of space at the front.

The leather will stretch over time. A snug fit at first is normal. If they feel loose in the store, they will be too big after a week of wear. When in doubt, size down.

If you buy online and get the wrong size, most retailers offer free exchanges. Just be patient. The break-in period takes about a week. Wear them for short periods at first to avoid blisters.

How to Spot Fake Rainbow Sandals

Fakes are everywhere, especially on marketplaces like eBay and Poshmark. Here is how to tell the difference:

• Stitching: Real Rainbows have tight, even stitching. Fakes have loose or uneven threads.
• Leather smell: Real leather has a distinct smell. Fakes smell like plastic.
• Logo: The Rainbow logo on the heel should be crisp and embossed. Fakes have blurry or painted logos.
• Price: If the deal seems too good to be true, it is. Real double leather sandals never sell for $20.

If you are buying secondhand, ask for close-up photos of the stitching and the logo. A real pair will last years. A fake pair will fall apart in a few months. Paying full price for the real thing is worth it.