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Not all the footwear we review at CGR is aimed at letting you climb harder, run faster or endure the cold. Sometimes it’s all about comfort and relaxation between sessions of climbing harder, running faster or avoiding cold toes! The Whakatā Ease is a case in point.
Billed by Oboz as being for relaxation and recovery the Whakatā Ease is competing against the ubiquitous Crocs as well as a plethora of ‘sports sandals’. The Whakatā Ease is a slip on clog with a bio-EVA footbed (made from 20% sugarcane)and a breathable stretch mesh and recycled nylon webbing upper. There is a simple ladder lock type buckle to snug the upper down over your instep. In keeping with their intended use the Trail Tread™ sole is hard wearing and versatile but not designed for usage necessitating much traction. The footbed is anatomically designed taking cues from Oboz’s well regarded insoles including a slight heel cup/depression and arch support.
In use.
Slip on clogs such as the Whakatā Ease are both versatile and convenient. Now I love my sandals and flip flops which work fine for pulling on after you’ve taken your rock boots off as you’ll be bare foot. However finish a run or bike ride or if you’re getting ready to head out on a run or ride round camp (or at home) and a slip on clog gives you the choice of having your socks on and it’s generally easier to slip on or off. The enclosed toe also affords some toe stubbing protection that is often welcome early in the morning! Talking of early mornings the Whakatā Ease is a great slip on for those visits, early morning or not, to the campsite washroom/toilet facilities. Likewise they make great belaying footwear at the crag or down the wall, especially with many walls now frowning on belaying barefoot, comfy and quick to slip on and off.
Over the last nine months I’ve used the Whakatā Ease on a month long van trip around France, as apres run and ride footwear, belaying footwear down at Big Depot Leeds, when I remember to stick them in my bag, and even as general household slippers. I’ve found them to be super comfortable and convenient as well as very durable. Oboz’s usual high quality of construction is clearly evident. The wide fit is great for post activity rest and recovery, the footbed has enough squish while being firm enough to remain stable. The surface of the footbed has good grip wet or dry so your foot doesn’t slide and slosh about but this can feel ‘odd’ at first.
However the Whakatā Ease are not perfect and two areas for improvement stand out. Firstly in hot conditions they are quite warm as the mesh doesn’t allow huge amounts of airflow, now this is a little bit of a double edged sword as for chilly Easter mornings and evenings around camp they are ace! Secondly the strap that snugs down over your instep has a tendency to loosen when walking which is a shame as they seem fine for walking into town to fetch the beers but I found myself stopping to re-tighten the strap quite frequently. Although they are as secure on your foot as you can expect from a clog they are not the footwear you would use on anything but the most gentile of crag approaches.
Now Oboz do have a solution for some of my criticisms in their Whakatā Off-road which not only incorporates a heel strap which can be removed but has a ‘Z’ webbing strap over the forefoot that actually adjusts – on the Whakatā Ease the additional webbing apart from the instep strap is just for show/stability and does not adjust. The slightly bizarre thing is the Whakatā Off-road is the same price as the Ease despite these additional features.
Overall the Whakatā Ease is a solid slip on rest and recovery shoe for post activity recuperation or as around camp easy on easy off footwear. It may well be worth checking out the Whakatā Off-road though to see if it suits your needs better especially as they are both the same price. If you are wondering about the Whakatā name it is pronounced fah-cah-TAAH. Whakatā is Māori for “to catch breath, rest, have a break”. Oboz consulted and got approval from the Māori language and culture guide at Oboz’s New Zealand-based parent company, KMD Brands, for use of the name.
Pros
- Build quality
- Wide toe box
- General comfort
- Use of recycled and bio based materials
Cons
- Can be a bit warm in hot weather
- Strap loosens
SRP £80
Disclaimer – CGR reviewers are never paid to provide a review and the website does not take advertising. We are a bunch of keen climbers and outdoor enthusiasts that accept sample products and offer an honest and independent review of the item. The reviewer will often keep the sample after reviewing it for both hygiene reasons and more often they’re in no fit state to return!
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