As a fitness professional on Maui, I appreciate the outdoors, but I also demand a well constructed shoe that can take me from the beach back to the studio.  I recently discovered the best of both worlds, a shoe called the Kia’i Trainer made by Olukai Premium Footwear.

The first thing I noticed was the high-grade materials and design. Not too radical, but supportive enough to take the demands of the beach or outdoor training, or in my studio. I liked the breath-ability in the toe box when things heated up after a few sets of squats.

The stability, medial and lateral went well noticed as I shifted from unstable platform to a more stable platform.  Often times while performing reaction drill training with my clients. I have to move quickly from side to side. The shoe offered me the action and performance I required.

Then it was out to the beach. It’s rare that I train on the beach wearing shoes, but if the day requires me to change up the terrain I’m prepared. I liked the way the shoe did not rub around my ankle after I purposely ran along the water’s edge.  I also ran the dunes while my shoes were a little wet. It was no problem.

I’m really fortunate to have discovered such a versatile shoe. Besides having a shoe where you can remove and wash the foot bed, the OluKai company’s support to the local community here on Maui and in other communities is really important to me.

photo by Simone

To learn more about OluKai and see more of their products, click here.

In good health and aloha,

Suzie Cooney, CPT

The OluKai Kia’i Trainer is the official training footwear of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association (HLA). Part of the proceeds from sales help support the HLA’s Junior Lifeguard Program.