Hawaii-based Olukai has been making some real waves (see what I did there?) in the golf footwear industry of late, in no small part down to an association with the popular YouTube and PGA Tour players, Bryan Bros Golf. I recently tested the Wai’alae model and was absolutely blown away by the level of comfort on offer, so I was very much looking forward to testing out the latest offering, the Mākena. Looking to sit amongst the best shoes of 2024, I took them out for a couple of rounds.
I received the white sand colorway and was immediately impressed with the simple but sporty visual. There is minimal branding on show - just a small OluKai on the ankle - and the subtle navy accents are well, and sparingly positioned. The next thing to strike me was the kind of cloth mesh that makes up the majority of the upper. It feels extremely high quality but surprisingly thin and porous looking given that this purports to be a fully waterproof shoe. Overall the aesthetic is absolutely what I expected from Olukai, especially having seen other previous examples of its work.
There is a lot more tech involved in this shoe than the Wai’alae that I previously tested (and awarded 5 stars). Firstly the Mākena features what Olukai has called ‘Locked-In-Traction’. This is essentially a plated outsole that aims to increase stability even in soft wet conditions. The sole is interesting also, with the contouring pattern inspired by the currents of the Ocean, however, this is not just decorative, it is very much aimed at enhancing grip.
In terms of the performance, my experience backed these claims up. Even in the morning dew, I felt no unwanted slips at all, and not a drop of moisture made it through to my socks. Particularly pleasing was that I found the Mākena to be extremely breathable also on a very hot day of testing in Portugal, not a bead of sweat on my sock at the completion of the 18 holes, which was a welcome discovery. This for me is a hallmark of the best spikeless golf shoes, as predominantly I wear this style in the hotter summer months.
The very cushioned midsole made for a comfortable walk, although I would say that if it is optimal comfort you seek, then I still haven’t tried another shoe to rival the Wai’alae in that regard. That is not to say that the Mākena isn’t extremely comfortable, it is. I would be awarding a solid 9 out of 10 in that category here, it is just that the Wai’alae would probably get an 11 from me!
The overall stability was excellent, not just from the sole, but also from the fit. My feet were well supported in all the required places for the golf swing and that is where I would say it does show some superiority over its sibling the Wai’alae. Overall it just feels a bit more performance orientated and many people will love that.
I really enjoyed the styling touches of the Mākena and the little nods to its origins work well.
There are three color options for men - White sand, Mood indigo, and Sterling and two options for women - Bright white, and Sterling.
The Olukai range continues to build and the family is starting to cater for a number of different styles and requirements. This is a brand well worth checking out if you want a break from the norm.
