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The Maliko is the ultimate crossover all-island adventure shoe for performance without limitation.
Posted by Patrick Corcoran – 29th Jun 2012
Key features of the Maliko include a light weight low-top upper, a minimalist sticky rubber sole, a splittoe feature for your big toe, and a removable arch support. These features distinguish the Maliko as a real performance-oriented shoe compared to traditional neoprene surf booties and lug-soled kayak shoes. I really like the tactile feeling between my feet and my board when I wear these shoes, and the rubber of the shoe is the perfect stickiness for my deck pad. The arch support is a nice feature for those longer days on my feet, but I don’t see the need for the arch support to be removable. (I’ve taped mine in place.) The lace-and-toggle system is OK, but I prefer simple laces, or Velcro closures. These shoes will come off in the surf, but that’s the trade-off for being so light and low-cut. In really hot weather (Miami in June) the shoe is a bit clammy, but it is very comfortable here in the PNW. As with any shoe, a proper fit is the most important criteria. But, if this shoe fits, wear it! For performance oriented paddle boarders in temperate climates, the OluKai Maliko is an excellent water shoe.