Honest HUK Rogue Island Performance Flip-Flops Review: Summer Test

I have never been a fan of wearing sandals or flip-flops. When my feet start sweating or get wet they slip, and rocks always make their way between my foot and the sandal. But I still wear them to the pool, lake or river and while mowing the lawn. When my last pair broke, I saw HUK Wicked Island Sandals They were supposed to solve all my flip-flop frustrations, so I decided to test them out and see if they could deliver results. The rest of this HUK Rogue Island Performance Flip-Flop review is my honest thoughts about these flip-flops after wearing them throughout the spring and most of the summer.

first impressions

I’m not really a flashy person, so I was happy to see that the Wicked Island sandals were in neutral browns and grays. However, if you’re a fan of wearing flashy shoes, HUK has a few other options that look a little different. When I first put my feet in the flip-flops, I could immediately tell that they were different from flip-flops I’d worn before. The strap fits comfortably, keeping my feet from slipping around. The waveform footbed is very comfortable, and I have yet to slip while wearing them, even when my feet are wet.

Rating: 9/10

comfort and fit

I have small feet and I ordered size 8M (my normal shoe size), but I should have ordered 9M, because my foot takes up the entire sandal and it fits a little snug. Despite the tight fit, these are the most comfortable flip-flops I have ever worn. They have enough padding and support for long pool days, and the material doesn’t scratch or rub my feet. The Flex Fit strap design (top strap) has enough stretch to stay comfortable all day long, and it’s flexible enough to slip between my toes without any discomfort, whether wet or dry.

Rating: 8/10

traction

Another frustration I’ve always had with flip-flops is drag on wet surfaces like concrete. I would slip randomly and almost twist my ankle. The Grip-X outsole, similar to my HUK Rogue Wave boots, provides excellent traction in any conditions. Whether the concrete is wet or dry, I have yet to slip into these flip-flops. I have only slipped in the mud once, but I can’t blame the shoes for that, as I have never seen any shoe slip in the mud.

Rating: 9/10

Durability and Materials

Since I’ve only had these flip-flops for four months, I can’t say exactly how long they’ll last. However, if they’re like my other HUK gear, they should last for a while. The materials (neoprene and rubber upper) used by HUK to craft the Rogue Island sandals are top notch. The stitching is not worn at all, and the only signs of use are dirt and grass marks from mowing and walking in the yard. So far, these flip-flops have held up very well.

Rating: 8/10

Waterproofing / Breathability

While I’m not sure how a flip-flop can be waterproof given your feet get wet while wearing it, HUK claims that the Wicked Island Performance Flip-Flops are waterproof. My take on this is that you can wear them in the water without worry, so that’s what I do when I’m at the lake or river with the family. Like most flip-flops, this pair is extremely breathable and dries very quickly.

Rating: 9/10

weight and agility

The Rogue Island Flip-Flops aren’t the lightest sandals I’ve ever worn, but they aren’t obnoxiously heavy either. My feet don’t get strained after a long day of wearing them, nor do I have to do unnecessary exercise after wearing them. Like other flip-flops, they are not made for rough terrain. Although the grip is strong, I still have to be on reasonably flat terrain while wearing them. You won’t find me hiking in the woods or jumping off cliffs.

Rating: 7 /10

aesthetics and style

I think these shoes are just as stylish as any flip-flops I’ve worn, but if you ask my daughter, I don’t know much about style. I have no problem wearing these to run errands or to a public swimming pool, and my teenage daughter doesn’t have to be embarrassed when I do (which should say a lot, since almost anything I do or wear embarrasses her).

Rating: 8/10

value for money

Maybe I’m getting old and grumpy (I don’t think so, but who usually does), but the prices of outdoor gear are starting to reach ridiculous levels. I think $85 is a bit much for flip-flops, even though they are the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn. Especially since I mainly use them for use and abuse in the water or doing yard work.

Rating: 6/10

Overall Verdict: HUK Rogue Island Performance Flip-Flops Review

If you’re willing to pay a premium price for a premium sandal, the HUK Rogue Island Performance Flip-Flops are worth it as they’re comfortable, durable, and enjoyable (even in wet conditions). They run in sizes small (I wish half sizes were offered), so unless you prefer a snug fit, I would order the next size up. I’m going to continue mowing the grass by going to the pool, because this is the best pair of flip-flops I’ve ever bought.

overall rating: 8/10