Island Sandals

I never thought I would meet someone who could provide me with hand-​made custom shoes. What a lost art! Michael made me what I call «my Jesus sandals» several years ago. They fit perfectly and are so comfortable I don’t feel them on my feet. I am still so pleased with my souvenir from our Maui trip.

My brother and his girlfriend came back from a trip to Maui, and told me about Michael, the sandal maker. My brother’s girlfriend had just ordered a pair of his custom handmade sandals. Michael told them the story of his sandal making, and how they are designed to last a lifetime. As the sandals are broken in, and consistently saddle soaped, they become comfortable enough to hike in. I was interested in this, because I wear barefoot shoes to train and hike. I put my order in, and received a high quality pair of sandals, and instructions on how to care for them. It’s nice to have custom made sandals, since my right foot is slightly larger than the left. One thing to be aware of is that Michael takes his time. The website states to allow a month for delivery, however it took 5 months. I did email him throughout the process, with no reply. I did question whether or not I would actually receive any sandals since it took so long, but after my brother’s girlfriend got hers in the mail I was hopeful. Michael did return my phone call when we had some postage issues. Michael is very helpful, and it’s definitely worth the wait to get these one of a kind sandals.

Great place to buy glasses and sandals.
Just got me a pair of rainbow leather sandels. Feel great!

Michael, the proprietor of Island Sandals, runs a little shop in a corner of the mall across from the Old Courthouse in Lahaina. We met for the first time four years ago. Having at the time no intention of purchasing a pair of hand made sandals, I felt economically secure in chatting up this local business man.
But time passes quickly in talking to Michael. He has a lot of opinions. He knows a lot about feet, about leather, about local politics, about the feeding habits and the tracking of local wild boar, etc. Eventually the topic will turn to shoes and you will notice that his sandals really are handsome in a very perfect and simple way. The story he tells of leather shoes needing saddle soap to rid them of the acid they collect thru your feet becomes strangely compelling and you will accept this story as gospel.
Is this merely an effective sales pitch? It may be but I don’t think so. There is something about Michael that feels true and of this place. My wife and I both walked away with a pair and they are among our favorite shoes. And every trip since has included a visit to Michael’s timeless workshop
Cash or check up front. You will be given an estimate of time to deliver. Whatever that estimate multiple by two. As time passes you may begin to feel as though you have been had, BUT Michael WILL deliver and if your experience is like mine you will be glad you invested the time to talk to this Maui original.