Gumbies

1000 milers?! In a time when many apparel and accessory brands are cutting quality to reduce costs, it’s hard to believe that a pair of flip flops can last for more than a season, let alone thousands of miles. Put on a pair of Islanders from Gumbies, however, and it’s not as far fetched as it seems.

Driven by his passion for travel and adventure, the company’s founder, Michael Maurer, left his home without much money. Needing more cash, he found work in Salt Lake City at an outdoor exhibition where he read about famous bootmaker John Lobb in a trade magazine. Something about that success story struck a chord with Maurer’s entrepreneurial spirit and he started designing his own line of footwear that celebrated the outdoor lifestyle he loved, heavily influenced by an Aboriginal “walkabout” he completed as a teenager while living in Australia.

The first prototypes of the Islander were made from old tires, but Maurer soon switched to recycled rubber that was easier to work with. The material was bonded with jute to increase the durability of the eco-friendly sole. EVA foam and canvas were added for comfort. Boom. The 1000-miler Islander flip flop was born.

Since then, the global footwear brand has expanded its offerings to include boat shoes, canvas slides and outback slippers, which are available right here on Gear.com.