Sanuk (pronounced sa-nook) means fun in the Thai language, a principle on which Sanuk shoes were founded. Sanuk shoes are not only funky, fun and fashionable for beach and surf boardwalks, they are durable and practical too. Sanuk has numerous designs of beach shoes for women too. In addition, Sanuk shoes can be worn almost anywhere – whether on the beach or not!
History of Sanuk Shoes
Sanuk was founded by Jeff Kelley in southern California in 1997. Jeff Kelly began making beach sandals out of inner tubes and indoor-outdoor carpet, much to the disbelief of people who thought it wouldn't catch on; today, this Sanuk design is one of the most popular Sanuk shoes – Fur Real.
Sanuk shoes are both innovative and creative, as well as being practical; for example, Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers are designed to help the posture of the back, in addition to providing comfort for the feet. Sanuk's goal, as stated on the Sanuk website, is “...to provide creatively inspired yet thoughtfully designed products for the global outdoor community.”
Sanuk Shoes Today
Today, Sanuk distributes Sanuk shoes across the United States and in over 50 worldwide countries from as far apart as Australia, Europe, Asia and South America. Sanuk sits alongside other well known footwear brands, such as Ugg Australia and Jimmy Choo. In 2007, Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers were named “Footwear Product Item of the Year 2007” by Footwear Retailers and “Footwear Product of the Year” by SIMA. Sanuk shoes are worn by professional surfers and rock climbers.
Sanuk Shoes for Women
According to Bob Rief, a chief executive at Sanuk in a report, Surf sandal maker Sanuk taps veteran to step up growth, in the Orange County Business Journal of October 27, 2003, women make up 60 percent of Sanuk shoe sales. Bob Rief is quoted as saying “The leaders in the industry have been focused on guys for a long time. When Jeff started the brand, he didn't want to go up against the giants. He started making unique sandals for girls.”
Availability and Pricing of Sanuk Shoes for Women
Today, Sanuk carries a wide range of Sanuk beach and surf shoes for women; these include both flip flop designs and surf-style shoes, similar to Sanuk shoes for men. Prices range from as little as US$16 (for designs such as the Capri flip flop style) to just over US$100 (for the Dreamcatcher combination boot/sandal style). Sanuk beach and surf shoes for women are available from:
- the Sanuk web site
- a number of on line retailers
- a number of beach stores, shoe stores, sports stores and boutiques around the world.
Sanuk for Women – a Combination of Quality, Fashion and Practicality
Sanuk shoes for women provide comfort for the feet, yet are also fashionable and funky for the outdoor girl. Designed for hanging out at the beach or pursuing an outdoor activity (depending on the style chosen), women who chose Sanuk shoes will have happy and healthy feet, according to Sanuk, because “their name (Sanuk meaning fun) is also their mantra.”
References:
- Sanuk web site, accessed May 20, 2010
- All Business web site, Surf sandal maker Sanuk taps veteran to step up growth, Orange County Business Journal, October 27, 2003, accessed May 20, 2010
- Showbiz and Style web site, Happy Pursuits: Sanuk in Manila, Philippine Daily Enquirer, February 15, 2008, accessed May 20, 2010
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
