Sports

Split-toed, suction cup shoes designed to provide octopus-like grip

Split-toed, suction cup shoes designed to provide octopus-like grip
The distinct outsoles use tentacle-like suction to give you better grip
The distinct outsoles use tentacle-like suction to give you better grip
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OluKai Maliko shoes will be offered in both men's and women's
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OluKai Maliko shoes will be offered in both men's and women's
The distinct outsoles use tentacle-like suction to give you better grip
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The distinct outsoles use tentacle-like suction to give you better grip
The shoe's split toe adds dexterity
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The shoe's split toe adds dexterity
The distinct outsoles use tentacle-like suction to give you better grip
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The distinct outsoles use tentacle-like suction to give you better grip
View gallery - 4 images

Apparently, OluKai Maliko is Hawaiian for funky, hoof-like shoes. The name also carries a hint of innovation. Not only do these shoes split your toes, they give you extra grip. Forget sticky rubber and aggressive traction patterns, the Maliko brings a sole that's lined with suction cups.

The first thing that you'll notice when looking at the Maliko is its double toe. It doesn't give you quite as much freedom as five-toed shoes, but the double toe separates your big toe from the rest of the pack. This is designed to give you more balance and dexterity.

The shoe's split toe adds dexterity
The shoe's split toe adds dexterity

The uppers of the Maliko are a cool, lightweight mesh that dries quickly. Instead of regular laces, it has a one-pull quick-lacing system that gives you quick, secure fit. Inside, a removable, water-resistant insole adds a little support and cushioning.

The real magic of the Maliko is located on the underside. A series of purposely placed suction cups are designed to give you more traction on both slick, wet terrain and dry terrain. They won't exactly propel you up the side of a building or branch-less tree, but they should make each step a little surer on sketchy, slippery ground. OluKai says that the traction soles were inspired by octopus tentacles.

As you can probably tell from the feature set, the Maliko is designed for both land and water. It's a go-to "minimalist all-island adventure" shoe if your day includes any combination of hiking, walking the beach, paddle boarding or boating. The shoes will hit the market in the coming weeks in both men's and women's versions. Retail price is US$100.

Source: OluKai via The GearCaster

View gallery - 4 images
4 comments
4 comments
Hoss Cartwright
OluKai makes high quality gear. You get what you pay for with these guys.
Mr Stiffy
Yes I can really see the suction cups making a heap of difference - even when brand new and on glass they would work a treat - I am sure. Truly.
50K of walking on a gravel road and they would be just like new as well....
Poor choice of marketing ploys.
Zachary Cochran
How do you think this would do with parkour/free running?
Richard Chesher
Suction cups for walking in mud? On slimy river rocks? On an icy sidewalk? That's where you really need a grip and those little cups won't help a bit.