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June 2023 by Lee Anne G.
We paid $250 cash for a pair of hand made sandals in January of 2021. I have yet to receive them, despite repeated (very patient and polite) phone calls to Michael (who is always very apologetic and polite and asks me to email him.) I do, and then he never replies. Basically, I think 10 years ago, he might have had a decent turn around time, but now, it seems like I'm not the only one waiting forever. I will be reporting him to whatever passes for a business authority in Lahaina.
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December 2022 by Jay Freund
I still have yet to receive my sandals. With a tip, I paid $300 for them 11 months ago. I would love to be able to update this rating to 5 stars plus soon as I know the quality of the sandals is priceless. I am angry, I was told 3 months. Its been almost a year.
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October 2022 by Karen J.
l paid cash for a made to order A pair of sandals a year ago today. I have never received them nor has he responded to my inquiries. May be legit could also be a scam.
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September 2022 by david sonego
I bought my pair on my honeymoon 36 years ago. I believe they cost $80 at the time which was a huge amount of money for a pair of sandals. I still wear them to this day. I did have to have the souls replaced after about 20 years. Best footwear I ever bought
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March 2022 by Kipp Blackburn
I still have my sandals. They are now 30 years old. I clearly remember the experience of getting sized up and walking out with a work of art I've cherished all these years. They need some work, but I'm heading back for another new pair soon. Couldn't recommend them more highly.
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April 2021 by Lindsay Peterson
Beautiful long lasting leather work!
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October 2020 by Jennifer Ho
Michaels custom sandals move and flex with your walking, conforming to your foot like no other. They are adjustable and beautiful leather made by a true artisan.
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February 2019 by alex macbeth
First time in Maui walked into their little sandal shop and was blown away by the simplicity of design bet the practicality
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August 2018 by Susan G.
Have had my custom made sandals since 1996 - they look as good today as they did over 20 years ago - a fabulous craftsman / cobbler - if you are lucky enough to buy a pair you will be so happy
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April 2018 by Brenda Taylor
I bought my sandals from this guy in 1990... I'm still wearing these sandals! Memorable experience! These sandles have traveled to all over Hawaii... went to Australia and back... onward to Florida where they now reside! Thank you! Still living these all leather best shoes I've ever owned!
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September 2017 by Veronica Bermea
Loved meeting Michael. He explained in detail the process of sandal making and how long he's been in business. Cant wait to get my sandals and to apprentice with him so excited.
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September 2017 by W Steele
Best custom sandals anywherj
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August 2017 by Michael Meier
Echte Handarbeit die nicht unbedingt teuer erscheint . Die Bindung der Sandalen ist seit Jesus(Zeiten) unverändert. Jede Sandale wird individuell gefertigt. Auch Bestellungen per Brief sind mí¶glich. Das schlechte zum Schluss: die Auftragslage ist derzeit so gut dass die fertigungsczeit min 6 Monate beträgt.
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August 2017 by Felix Siegel
Great craftsmanship! Totally worth it to stop by and listen to the story.
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July 2017 by Larry J
It was my first and last sandal purchase from Island Sandals. On October 3, 2016 I visited Island Sandals and met with the owner and sole proprietor, Michael Mahnensmith while visiting Lahunai for the day. I live in Kelowna, Canada and our cruise ship was docked offshore for the day. Michael traced my size 14 feet and I ordered a pair of his hand-made sandals. Michael originally said that it would be 2-3 months before they would be ready. Michael would not accept a credit card or a debit card for the $185.00 amount owing. He would accept only cash. I had cash back at the ship so proceeded to take a tender back to my cruise ship to get the cash. I returned with cash and received the ATTACHED hand-written receipt on a Post-it Note. I had to get him to add the words 'Paid in Full' on the receipt. A bizarre way to do business in this day and age. Just before leaving I asked again 'When can I expect to receive the sandals?', to which he replied 'Three months'. I left wondering if I would ever see the sandals. After three and one-half months the sandals had yet to arrive. I called Michael to get an update on my sandals. He did answer and was very indignant that I had called to bother him. He told me that it takes six months to make a pair of sandals and I should have read that on his website. He said that he was 'working on September' and he was very busy. He had hired someone to help him a little but basically couldn't keep up. He said that he had raised the price of sandals to deter business. My sandals were ordered October 3rd, so I assumed that because October comes right after September, my sandals would be the next batch up for production. He told me that he would check on the status of my particular order and call me back. He did call me back-the next day, and basically told me to '...quit worrying about the sandals'. So, to keep Michael honest, his website has wording in two places about delivery times of new sandals. In one place it says 'Allow 6-12 weeks for delivery' and in another place it says 'Allow up to three months for delivery'. Nothing at all about a 6-month delivery time.So, when my sandals had not yet arrived after EIGHT months, I called Michael. When he answered the telephone he was in Australia. He simply said, 'if you are calling about your sandals, call me again when I return to Lahaina in one week'. I said 'okay', that I would. Then, before I had a chance to call him, my sandals arrived on June 7, 2017, after 8 months and 4 days. The sandal packaging (simply a 8 ½' x 11' padded envelope) was ripped. However the sandals themselves were not damaged. It is now July 19th, so I've had the sandals for about 6 weeks. I've followed the break-in instructions to the letter. I just wear them for very short spurts, but have yet to stop blisters from forming between my toes on my right foot and under the ankle strap. I'm not giving up. Eventually my feet will callous up and hopefully I will then be able to enjoy the sandals. They are very well made and I am looking forward to that day. So, If you are ordering sandals from Michael at Island Sandals, don't hold your breath waiting for delivery. I will NEVER order another pair of sandals from Island Sandals, no matter how much I end up liking the sandals. I don't like doing business with a company that only accepts cash, gives you a hand-written receipt on a post-it note and dealing with an owner with an indignant attitude towards his paying customers.
