Rainbow Sandals. I’ve had three pairs of these in my life. I’ve never managed to destroy any. Two were gifts from women. The only reason I’m on my third pair (I’m sure the first would have lasted to today–4 years) is because I lost the first and my old roommate’s dog ate the second.
These sandals are so beautifully, simply constructed that they have no earthly rival. Every Californian owns a pair and many won’t put on anything else. They’re hard to find in Chicago, unfortunately, but they are even starting to make inroads here. This is one of those products that has a reputation that’s growing organically through word-of-mouth. I’ve never seen an ad and their website is decidedly old-school.
The funny thing is, they shred your feet at first. For at least two weeks of wearing them from brand new, you’re questioning the logic behind your $40+ purchase. But after you start to make a dent in the insoles, they start their journey toward being the best piece of footwear you can possibly own. And you’ll never go back.
Fashion-wise, they’re unassuming and utilitarian, but certainly a quintessentially Californian piece. Order yourself some online. They’re fantastic. My current pair is “Sierra Brown” but “Black Forest” is quite nice as well.
Comments
Thank you for finding your way to my blog, Clay! I’ve heard many wonderful things about Rainbow. I’m always trying to find more brands that really “get it” – that do an excellent job in branding… I should look into this more.
Johanna -
No problem. I’ve been checking it for some time, and I’ll be back!
I love my Rainbows. I’m wearing them currently, in fact…
It’s funny. We’re in this business to figure out the best way to sell “stuff” to people. But as I examine the things that I interact with on a daily basis, the products that I’m in love with, etc., it’s becoming clear that none of those things came into my life because of advertising. I’ve always found them for myself by accident or had them recommended to me. It’s weird how that works.
The neat thing about Rainbows is the actual experience of using the product. There’s a collective experience that ALL Rainbow wearers know: the break-in and subsequent heavenly fit. Bloody arches and toe-joints are just admission to the club. Traditional “Branding” and “Marketing” can’t achieve something like that. Well, they might. I don’t know.
But to your point, Rainbow “gets it” … they know what their people want and they keep making it.
By the way, did you get a chance to go to coffee with Russell? What’s he like?
- Clay
Clay,
Couple of things.
1. I like that you have meade your blog less generic with the update in header. Flava? More please.
2. Product of the week: great idea. Clearly you have bonded with these sandals and I really enjoyed reading about what they meant to you. It would be interesting to see how far you can take this. To see what are the “things” that make you Clay. Nice idea.
David -
I appreciate the feedback. I promise to bring the flava’ more often.
It’s the “things” that really do it for me. Don’t get me wrong. I love a good ad, and love even more a really communicative, experience-oriented campaign. But the things that stay with me are just that: real, physical things.
Again, thanks for the critique. I’ll see what I can do.
- Clay
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