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.
(Image credit: Future)
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.
(Image credit: Future)
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.
(Image credit: Future)
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.
(Image credit: Future)
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,…
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