Reef
Reef is an American footwear brand founded in 1984 by Argentine brothers Fernando and Santiago Aguerre in La Jolla, California. It is best known for flip-flops and active sandals rooted in surf culture.
| Founded | 1984 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Fernando and Santiago Aguerre |
| Headquarters | Carlsbad, California, United States |
| Known for | Flip-flops and sandals |
| Website | reef.com |
What is Reef?
Reef is a sandal and footwear brand with its headquarters in Carlsbad, California. It grew into one of the world's leading makers of active sandals, with flip-flops that became popular with surfers and beachgoers.
History
Brothers Fernando and Santiago Aguerre moved from Argentina to La Jolla, a beach community in San Diego, and founded Reef there in 1984. The brand was later acquired by VF Corporation in 2005 and has since changed ownership again.
Products and positioning
Reef focuses on warm weather footwear for a casual, beach oriented lifestyle:
- Flip-flops for men and women
- Active sandals
- Casual sandals connected to surf culture
Its identity is built around surfing and coastal life, which has helped the brand travel from Southern California to beach and outdoor retailers around the world.
Why it matters
Reef is one of the brands that turned the flip-flop from a basic beach item into a branded lifestyle product. Its history shows how a founder led surf label can scale internationally and pass through several corporate owners while keeping a clear category focus.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Reef?
Reef was founded in 1984 by Argentine brothers Fernando and Santiago Aguerre.
Where is Reef from?
Reef started in La Jolla, California, and is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.