Rainbow Sandals Sizing Guide, Styles & Care | Parrot Surf & Skate
The definitive guide · Parrot Surf & Skate
Rainbow Sandals —
Find Your Perfect Pair
We've carried Rainbow Sandals at Parrot since the early days. This guide covers sizing, styles, the single vs double layer debate, and how to care for your pair so they last for years.
Shop Rainbow Sandals at Parrot Jump to sizing charts ↓The brand
Why Rainbow Sandals?
Rainbow has been handcrafting sandals in Southern California since 1974. They're not the cheapest sandal on the shelf — they're the last sandal you'll need to buy for a long time.
Handcrafted construction
Every pair is triple-glued by hand using a patented ionized adhesive. The layers won't separate with regular wear.
Molds to your foot
The memory rubber footbed breaks in over about two weeks and forms to the exact shape of your foot. Comfort improves the longer you own them.
Military-grade stitching
Straps use 2,000 lb tested nylon thread with a box X stitch — the same technique used in parachute construction.
Rainbow Guarantee
Rainbow stands behind every pair with a warranty and a repair + recycle program — send in worn sandals to be rebuilt or recycled for a discount on your next pair.
Style guide
Which Rainbow is right for you?
Rainbow makes sandals in three materials — leather, hemp, and rubber. Each has its place depending on how and where you wear them.
Leather
Premier Leather
The classic. Most popular style.
MaterialTop-grade nubuck leather
WaterKeep dry — avoid prolonged exposure
Break-in~2 weeks
DurabilityYears of daily wear
Best for: Beach days, everyday coastal wear, people who want the classic Rainbow look and feel.
Hemp
Hemp
Vegan-friendly, water-resistant.
Material100% natural hemp fiber
WaterWater-resistant — handles wet surfaces better than leather
Break-inFaster than leather
DurabilityMay fade in color over time
Best for: Vegan buyers, people who get their sandals wet regularly, those who want a more casual look.
Rubber
Rubber
Water-ready, non-slip.
MaterialLaminated closed-cell sponge rubber
WaterFully water-resistant
Break-inMinimal — comfortable right away
DurabilityExcellent for wet environments
Best for: Water parks, boating, anyone who wants to wear their sandals in and out of the water without worry.
Single layer vs. double layer
Available in leather and hemp styles. The difference comes down to arch support and thickness.
Single Layer
The classic Rainbow feel — thinner, more flexible, and breaks in faster. Sits lower to the ground with a minimal profile. One layer of arch support built into the midsole.
Good for: lighter daily wear, people who prefer a minimal sandal feel, faster break-in.
Most popular
Double Layer
A second tier of arch support and cushioning with a pin line that rises from the arch toward the heel. Each layer breaks down 10% under your foot for a custom mold. Noticeably more supportive for all-day wear.
Good for: all-day wear, people on their feet constantly, anyone with arch support needs, or those stepping up from foam flip flops.
Sizing
Rainbow Sandals size charts
Rainbow uses their own S / M / L sizing system instead of standard US shoe sizes. Use the charts below to find your size — and read the tips before ordering.
| Rainbow Size | US Shoe Size | Sandal Length |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 7.5 – 8.5 | 10.5" |
| Medium | 8.5 – 9.5 | 10.75" |
| Large | 9.5 – 10.5 | 11.5" |
| X-Large | 11 – 12 | 12" |
| XX-Large | 12 – 13.5 | 12.5" |
| XXX-Large | 13.5 – 15 | 13.5" |
Men's sizing tip: Rainbow sizes run about a half size large. If you're between sizes, most men find the smaller Rainbow size fits well — but if you have wide feet, go up.
| Rainbow Size | US Shoe Size | Sandal Length |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 5 – 6 | 9" |
| Medium | 6.5 – 7.5 | 9.5" |
| Large | 8 – 9 | 10" |
| X-Large | 9.5 – 10.5 | 10.5" |
| 10–11 | 10 – 11 | 11" |
Women's sizing tip: Women's Rainbow Sandals run true to size for most styles. If you're between sizes, go up — the leather will stretch slightly and conform to your foot as it breaks in.
Pro tips
Getting the right fit
01
Measure your current sandal
The most reliable method — measure the length of a pair of sandals that already fit you well and match it to Rainbow's sandal length column.
02
Your foot should sit fully on the footbed
Neither your heel nor toes should hang over the edge. If they do, size up.
03
Between sizes? Go up
The leather strap and footbed will stretch and conform as you wear them. A slightly larger size is better than one that's too snug.
04
Plan for a 2-week break-in
Leather Rainbows need about two weeks of regular wear before they start feeling perfect. You can speed this up by wearing them with socks for the first few days, or wedging a water bottle under the straps overnight to pre-stretch them.
Care & maintenance
Make your Rainbows last
Leather Rainbow Sandals can last years — even decades — with basic care. Here's what to know.
💧
Keep leather dry
Leather Rainbows aren't meant for water. Prolonged exposure can cause the leather dyes to bleed and weaken the adhesive over time. Choose hemp or rubber styles if you need a water-ready sandal.
🧽
Clean with a damp cloth
If your sandals get dirty, wipe them down with a slightly damp cloth and let them air dry completely at room temperature. Avoid direct heat sources like dryers or direct sunlight.
☀️
Avoid prolonged sun exposure
Direct sun and heat can dry out the leather and weaken the glue over time. Don't leave them baking on the dashboard or hot pavement when not wearing them.
🔧
Rainbow's repair program
Rainbow offers a repair program — send in worn pairs to be professionally rebuilt. They also have a recycling program that gives you a discount on your next pair when you retire an old one.
FAQ
Common questions
Men's Rainbow Sandals run about a half size large, so many men size down. Women's styles generally run true to size. The best method is to measure a pair of sandals that already fit you and compare the length to Rainbow's sandal length chart — your foot should sit fully on the footbed without heel or toe overhang.
Single layer has one layer of arch support and a thinner, more flexible profile — it breaks in faster and has a minimal feel. Double layer adds a second tier of cushioning and arch support with a pin line that rises from the arch toward the heel. The double layer is noticeably more supportive for all-day wear and is Rainbow's most popular style.
Leather Rainbow Sandals should be kept dry — water can cause the leather dyes to bleed and weaken the adhesive over time. If you need a sandal you can get wet, choose hemp (water-resistant) or rubber (fully water-ready) styles instead.
With basic care, leather Rainbow Sandals regularly last several years of daily wear — many customers report owning pairs for 5-10+ years. The triple-glued construction and nubuck leather footbed are built for longevity. Rainbow also offers a repair program so worn pairs can be rebuilt rather than replaced.
Plan for about two weeks of regular wear before they feel fully broken in. To speed up the process: wear them with socks for the first few days to stretch the leather strap, or wedge a water bottle under the straps overnight to pre-stretch them. Once broken in, they feel like a completely different sandal.
Yes — we carry Rainbow Sandals in store at our Mount Pleasant, SC location as well as online at parrotsurfshop.com. We stock men's and women's styles in leather and hemp, single and double layer. Come in and we'll help you find your size and style.
Ready to find your pair?
Shop our full selection of Rainbow Sandals for men and women — in store at Mount Pleasant, SC or shipped anywhere in the US.
Shop Rainbow Sandals at Parrot →