The Flip Flops That Last: How Rainbow’s Lifetime Repair Policy Keeps Me Coming Back
Being the younger sister meant one thing: I either stole or copied everything my older sisters wore. So, when they started wearing Rainbow® Sandals in the summer of 2010, I had to have a pair too. But when I first tried them on, I thought, “This must be a prank.” These were the stiffest shoes I’d ever worn. However, my sister’s style was always my ultimate fashion guide, so I walked out with my own pair of Rainbows, silently second-guessing my decision. Little did I know, I had just made a smart investment in a pair of shoes that would become my most reliable companion.
As I’ve grown up, I’ve come to appreciate quality over quantity. At 13, I had no idea I’d be making a lifelong investment in footwear, but looking back, I’m glad I trusted my sister’s fashion sense. Over the years, my Rainbow flip-flops have been with me through countless adventures, proving their reliability every step of the way. Whether it was spending every summer day at the neighborhood pool, handling sand, saltwater, and sun during our family’s annual August beach trips, or taking quiet walks with the dog around the neighborhood, my Rainbows have been there for it all. They’ve handled everything I could throw at them—and I’ve thrown a lot.
Fast forward to college, where my Rainbows were the first thing I packed. I knew they'd hold up at every football tailgate and weekend adventure. When I studied abroad in Europe, they proved to be just as sturdy as ever as I explored new cities and walked down cobblestone streets. And when I moved to Los Angeles years later, they were the first pair in my bag, because I knew I'd be wearing them more than ever in the sunny climate.
The Break-In Process: Worth the Wait
Good things come to those who wait—and with Rainbow flip-flops, that wait is typically about 1-2 weeks. Though they may feel stiff at first, these sandals are designed to gradually mold to the unique shape of your foot, providing a custom fit over time. It’s a "break-in" period that results in unmatched comfort, with a footbed that’s soft yet supportive. The built-in arch support, which many other casual flip-flops lack, makes Rainbows a standout in both comfort and durability.
This unique break-in process is thanks to Jay "Sparky" Longley, the creator of Rainbows, who carefully formulated the varying densities of sponge rubber to ensure the sandals mold perfectly to your feet. Coupled with thick leather straps and high-quality rubber soles, Rainbows are built to last. Handmade in the USA, each pair is crafted with attention to detail—from the leather straps to the stitching—ensuring a refined, durable product that stands out against mass-produced alternatives.
Durability and Craftsmanship
The stitching on every pair uses double-bonded nylon thread, designed to perform well outdoors and withstand heat during the sewing process. The leather is premium top-grain, and each layer is glued three times with a patented, environmentally friendly adhesive before being pressed together. For comfort and support, you can choose between a single-layer or double-layer midsole, both made from closed-cell memory foam that won’t collapse over time. The double-layer midsole is especially ideal for those with higher arches, as it gradually compresses to the thickness of a single layer. The bottom sole features non-slip leather embossed with the iconic Original Rainbow logo, offering both traction and style.
Warranty and Customer Service
After 15 years of adventures, my Rainbows finally bit the dust. The straps became unglued and pulled right out of the layers of leather. But I didn’t sweat it—Rainbow Sandals offers a lifetime warranty on their sandals, covering repairs for any defects or damage due to manufacturing issues. This warranty lasts for the life of the sole, meaning it’s valid as long as the sole has not worn through anywhere on the top or bottom layer. If your sandals are found to be defective and cannot be repaired, Rainbow will provide a replacement pair. For Signature Series sandals, if they cannot be repaired, they’ll replace them with another Signature Series pair if available. If not, you’ll receive a replacement of a regular sandal style of your choice, with no additional refund.
I reached out to customer service (info@rainbowsandals.com) and attached pictures of my sandals for review. The company specifically addresses various issues like strap pulls, delamination, and other damage caused by manufacturing defects. However, they won’t cover damage resulting from the use of leather conditioners, oils, lotions, or other moisturizers that lead to delamination.
In addition to the Rainbow Guarantee, Rainbow Sandals also has a Non-Guarantee Policy. The warranty is void if your sandals show signs of excessive abuse, such as chewed straps, torn toe or side straps, or damage from contact with moisture like cracked leather. Any self-repair attempts will also void the warranty.
Since my sandals fell under the warranty policy, I sent them in for repair/replacement to the company’s facility in San Clemente, California, along with my name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the issue. If your sandals are deemed not covered by the warranty, you’ll be notified, and you can choose to have them returned for a $7.00 shipping fee. If you don’t want them back, Rainbow Sandals will donate them to charity.
Pro Tip: Always get a tracking number when mailing your sandals for evaluation. Please note, Rainbow Sandals does not cover international shipping costs.
A Fresh Start with Confidence
My replacement Rainbows were quickly shipped back to me, and I eagerly started the "break-in" process again—this time, with even more confidence. Knowing these sandals would last another 15 years made me even more excited to wear them. The new pair felt just as sturdy and comfortable as my original ones, proving that the quality craftsmanship truly stands the test of time.
Rainbows have become more than just a staple in my closet—they're a symbol of reliability and comfort that’s carried me through many phases of life. From childhood summers to adult adventures, these sandals have been with me every step of the way, and I know they’ll continue to be by my side for many more years to come.