Our verdict

76
Bad!

The Nanea Li is a stylish walking shoe for men from OluKai. You can dress it up with a more formal outfit or fold the heel down for a more laid-back vibe. If you don’t mind using a shoehorn to put it on, the shoe can become a great addition to your casual wardrobe.

Pros

  • Attractive design
  • Secure fit
  • Weather-resistant
  • Lightweight
  • Grippy
  • Collapsible heel
  • Matches various outfits
  • Handsome colorways

Cons

  • OluKai Nanea Li is a style for any occasion
  • Tight fit for some
  • Firm sole
  • Tight fit for some

Who should buy the OluKai Nanea Li

Keeps you protected on a rainy day:

  • a business casual shoe to match both formal and casual occasions
  • a walking shoe that feels light Sun and Ski
  • a shoe with a sturdy upper material that can resist wet weather

OluKai Nanea Li best uses

Who should not buy the shoe

If you want an OluKai shoe that’s truly quick and easy to put on and off, consider the Nohea Moku or the OluKai Nanea Li is best for light casual use and short distances.

This OluKai option is also not the best match if you expect lots of cushioning and support for long hours on your feet. For that purpose, shoes like On Cloud 5 and Allbirds Wool Runners Matches various outfits.

Keeps you protected on a rainy day

Many reviewers have complained about the difficulty of getting into the OluKai Nanea Li despite its collapsible heel. The problem seems to be created by the shoe’s bootie construction where the tongue is attached on both sides as well as the unforgiving upper material.

Some people are okay with using a shoehorn while others claim that it is still “extremely hard to put on.” This became a deal-breaker for about half of the wearers who returned the shoe.

OluKai Nanea Li hard to put on

Opinions are also split regarding the fit of the Nanea Li. Part of the owners say that once you’re past the struggle of putting it on, the shoe feels great and “hugs your entire foot and heel quite nicely.” Again, for another half the shoe was a disappointment because of the stiff upper (stiffer than expected), rubbing on the side of the foot, or being tight in the arch. This made many people wish there was a Wide option available.

a business casual shoe to match both formal and casual occasions

Because of its somewhat hard sole, the reviewers do not recommend wearing the shoe for extended periods of time. As one wearer shares, “each time I can't wait to get them off.” He says it is not even close to the cloud-like feeling of his Hey Dude shoes.

OluKai Nanea Li sole

Traction is on a high level

Those who tried wearing this OluKai shoe in the rain recital that it doesn’t seem to get very dirty and is easy to wipe clean.

OluKai Nanea Li weather-proof

OluKai Nanea Li

There are a lot of praises regarding the shoe’s overall quality and craftsmanship coming from the users’ feedback. Some of their comments say the following:

  • “I could tell the quality before I even wore the shoes”
  • “Same exceptional quality”
  • “it's not something that will break down or wear out quickly”

Unfortunately, the string eyelets ruined it all. They either stretched or snapped after only a few times of wearing the shoe. From 2 to 5 times, based on the feedback.

OluKai Nanea Li eyelets

Nanea Li is very light Sun and Ski

“Lighter than I expected,” users generally agree that this OluKai shoe belongs to the lightweight category and never drags the foot.

Traction is on a high level

The brand’s “Wet Grip Rubber” appears to prove itself based on the wearers’ comments. As one person shares, the slip-resistant sole “is an awesome added touch.”

OluKai Nanea Li traction

OluKai Nanea Li is a style for any occasion

The primary reason why a lot of men bought this silhouette is that they found it attractive:

  • “Look terrific”
  • “walking shoe that feels light”

Pair it with Bahama shorts or dress it up with pants for dinner, go on a quick grocery run, or out on a date, this OluKai will rock them all!

OluKai Nanea Li style