Founded in 1984 by two brothers from Argentina, Fernando and Santiago Aguerre, who wanted to share their love for surf travel and beach culture with the world. Our first sandal, the “Original Striped Sandal” was created by the Aguerre brothers in their search for uniqueness and originality in the beach footwear market. REEF signs on Rob Machado, who goes on to become a pipeline Master, style icon of a generation, entrepreneur, environmental activist and prominent shaper.

Mick Fanning joins the REEF ambassador team. He’s eventually coined as the faster surfer alive, wins 3 world championship titles, and oh, he’s got a feisty alter ego named Eugene. Our first shoe launched, taking REEF’s well-known quality and comfort promise to closed-toe footwear.  1999 A sandal was specifically designed and launched for Women, taking her unique style, fit and function into consideration.

2000 Our first Miss REEF calendar hit stores and the walls of man-caves around the world. 2005 Debuted our signature Fanning “Bottle Opener” Sandal. The world’s first and only bottle opening sandal, inspired by our good pal Mick “Eugene” Fanning. 2007 Launched Reef Redemption, a product sustainability program that incorporated renewable, recyclable, and/or organic materials. 

2011 WeHeart program created to support local artisans in underdeveloped countries through product initiatives. 2014 Started incorporating Eco-One, an organic additive to enhance biodegradability, into products. 2015 Introduced Swellular Technology. A tri-layer system designed for superior comfort, traction and support... 2016 Began our partnership with Urban Surf 4 Kids, bringing foster and at-risk children to the beach to experience the therapeutic benefits of surfing.