The REEF Fanning Sandals are now old enough to order a beer. 21 years into its fun-loving run, the Fanning gets a fresh look just in time for months of summer enjoyment, no fake ID required.
The Fanning made waves at the time of its release in 2005, as the brand worked with surfing legend Mick Fanning to design a sandal that was comfortable, fun, and utterly innovative.
A few simple moves and voila! A cold one at the beach was popped open with its now-iconic outsole bottle opener. Who woulda thought?
Photo via Reef
And for its 21st birthday, REEF is restocking the proverbial cooler and grabbing a cold one again, adding a slew of retooled features to four new Fanning styles for a grand total of six breezy Fanning sandal options for the sun-loving beachgoer or chill poolside lounger.
Dubbed the Fanning +, the new styles are built with REEFlex EVA technology, a new-and-improved footbed contour system, and an air-bagged heel, lending a sense of sneaker-like technology to flip-flops that’ll put your most recent bargain-bin pair to shame.
In developing the Fanning +, the company looked to retain “the elements that made the original a fan favorite,” going back to the drawing board to focus on both modern-day technology and style all the same.
Photo via Reef
The deeper story of the REEF Fanning, though, might be the blend of carefree “fun-in-the-sun” and serious utility, features which aren’t sacrificed in the new lineup.
Even the flip-flop straps on the Fanning + feature memory foam padding, a departure from often-uncomfortable straps on a typical flimsy pair of discount flip-flops. The design upgrades minimize fatigue and amp up support for long days on the boardwalk, at the beach, and on the water.
And when it comes to the revamped Fanning + Slide, fans of the irreverent brand can still find the built-in bottle opener on its non-marking rubber outsole (a “functional edge” that lends some levity to beachside sips).
Photo via Reef
But wait, there’s more for the taking. The new Fanning Slide H2O even boasts quick-drying construction in a fully molded build, amping up the technology and design presence beyond the original.
“What makes the Fanning so unique is that it doesn’t speak to just one person; it resonates differently depending on who you are and what you value, whether that’s nostalgia, performance, or everyday comfort,” said Taylor Leopold, Senior Director of Men’s Product at REEF.
The Fanning + builds on the Original Fanning in new, vibrant colorways like an eye-popping blue, black, and orange combination, as well as a stylish shade of Tobacco, to name but two options.
The Original Fanning, a true coastal classic, blends black with a brown herringbone rubber outsole, among others (of course, the classic outsole bottle opener remains the same).
Photo via Reef
REEF knows it’s got a good thing going, showcasing the milestone in a campaign featuring surfers and friends of the brand. Who better to put the new Fanning through its paces than those who’ve worn it in the wild for decades?
With a leisurely summer in full swing, the perfect pair of sandals are back and better than ever, courtesy of the new REEF Fanning lineup. Stock your cooler accordingly, but leave the bottle opener at home. There’s already one in your REEF sandals.
