How to Keep OluKai Leather Sandals Looking New All Summer
By OluKai | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to clean OluKai leather sandals, condition them, and protect waterproof leather sandals from salt, sun, and cracking with a simple summer routine.
Quick answer
Rinse your OluKai leather sandals with fresh water after every salty or sandy wear, air-dry them away from direct sun and heat, then apply a leather conditioner once a month to keep the straps supple and prevent cracking. If your sandals have waterproof leather straps, like the Southshore, you still need to rinse and condition them because waterproofing protects the leather but does not replace cleaning.
Why summer is hard on leather sandals
Salt, chlorine, sweat, sunscreen, and intense UV light all attack leather at the same time. Salt crystals draw moisture out of the leather, which makes it stiff and more likely to crack. Sun and heat dry the natural oils that keep leather flexible. If you wear your sandals into the water and then let them sit in a hot car or on a sunny porch, you speed up that damage. The fix is not complicated: rinse often, dry gently, and replace the oils you lose.
What you need for a basic leather sandal care kit
You do not need a shelf full of products. A soft brush, a microfiber cloth, mild soap, fresh water, and a quality leather conditioner cover almost every situation. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, and abrasive scrubbers because they strip the finish and dry out the leather. For waterproof leather sandals, check the care instructions first; some waterproof treatments can be refreshed with a conditioner, but you should not assume every product is safe for every finish.
How often to clean and condition
If you wear your sandals in salt water or sweat heavily, rinse them with fresh water after each wear. A deeper clean with mild soap once a week during heavy summer use keeps grime from building up in the straps and footbed. Condition every two to four weeks, or sooner if the leather feels dry or looks dull. Sandals that stay in rotation but never touch water can go longer between cleanings, but they still need conditioning to stay flexible.
Drying rules that prevent cracking
Never dry leather sandals in direct sun, on a radiator, or with a hair dryer. Heat pulls moisture out too fast and causes the leather to shrink and crack. Instead, stuff the straps with a dry cloth or newspaper to help them hold their shape, then let them air-dry at room temperature away from direct sun. If the footbed is wet, blot it with a towel and let it dry completely before wearing them again. Putting damp sandals back on traps moisture and can lead to odor and mildew.
Storing sandals between wears
When you are not wearing them, keep leather sandals out of direct sunlight and away from hot cars. A cool, dry closet or a breathable cotton bag works well. Do not seal them in plastic, because trapped moisture can damage the leather and create mildew. If you store them for the season, clean and condition them first so they go away in good shape.
Summer leather sandal care: step-by-step
- Rinse after every saltwater or sandy wear: Hold the sandals under cool fresh water and use your fingers or a soft brush to lift salt, sand, and sunscreen from the straps and footbed. Do not use hot water, which can dry out the leather. Checkpoint: if the water runs clear and you cannot feel grit, you have rinsed enough.
- Wash with mild soap once a week: Mix a few drops of mild liquid soap with cool water. Dip a soft brush or cloth into the suds and gently scrub the straps and footbed. Wipe away the suds with a clean damp cloth. Common mistake: soaking the whole sandal in soapy water. Use only as much moisture as you need.
- Air-dry away from sun and heat: Stuff the straps with a dry cloth or newspaper to hold their shape, then let the sandals sit at room temperature. Never place them on a radiator, in a hot car, or in direct sun. Checkpoint: the leather should feel dry but still flexible, not stiff or hot.
- Condition the leather every two to four weeks: Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a soft cloth and work it into the straps in thin layers. Let it absorb for a few minutes, then buff off any excess. Common mistake: over-conditioning. More product does not make leather stronger; it can leave a greasy film that attracts dirt.
- Protect and store properly: If you use a leather protector, apply it after conditioning and let it dry fully. Store sandals in a cool, dry place away from direct sun, and never seal them in plastic. Next step: rotate your sandals so each pair has time to dry completely between wears.
OluKai sandals built for water and summer wear
- Southshore - Dark Java / Dark Java: Waterproof leather straps and a Wet Grip Rubber® outsole provide traction and durability. These sandals handle ocean spray and wet pavement well, but the waterproof leather still needs rinsing and conditioning to stay supple.
- ʻOhana Lahi - Black / Black: Water-friendly materials and a cushioned footbed keep things comfortable, whether you’re near the ocean or on the move. You can wear them in and around water, but rinsing after salt exposure is still the key step to prevent leather straps from drying out.
- Ulele Slide - Bright White / Tapa: A quick-dry upper made with lightweight materials delivers a smooth, comfortable fit that stays steady in and out of the water. The quick-dry strap reduces how long moisture sits against your foot, but you should still air-dry them fully before storing.
