MANILA, Philippines?Pursuit of happiness?that is what the Thai word Sanük means in English.

For avid surfers though, the term Sanük instantly conjures images of fun, functional, comfortable and unique footwear.

A young surf brand celebrating 8 successful years in the business and there is no denying how thriving the brand has become, competing with the larger sharks in the commercial sea.

Located in Cardiff by the Sea, California, Sanük was founded by Jeff Kelley, who started making sandals out of inner tubes. His first commercial effort was a pair of sandals constructed out of indoor-outdoor carpet that was instantly questioned by one of their prominent surf retailers. Asked where he got the idea, Jeff explained, ?Hey, it?s outdoor carpet, just like my backyard.? The retailer replied, ?You?re not for real.? Well, Jeff was indeed for real and a hundred percent serious in his seemingly crazy endeavors.

That particular sandal, now known as Fur Real, is a Sanük standard and bestseller, especially the one in the ?ugly green color? according to Jeff.

The result of an experiment joining a shoe upper and a sandal bottom, the Sanük Sidewalk Surfers have a flat profile that allows one to stand more erect, helping the muscles that support the back to be more properly aligned. Sanük is also technically superior, going to great lengths to make sure that they set and maintain a high comfort standard in their sandals. All their products boast of an optimum combo of softness and durability. To insure correct and consistent strap location and girth, all Sanük sandals are constructed around a foot model. To avoid toe stubbing, annoying rubs or hot spots, an arch support and a toe spring are built.

Devoted to the relentless pursuit of creating unique footwear designs, Sanük prides itself in bringing freedom, optimism, style and comfort to everyone?s feet. They believe that if your feet are happy, your legs will be happy. If your legs are happy, your hips will be happy. If your hips are happy, your stomach and back will be happy. Somewhere up the line, your face is going to reflect what your feet feel.

Just recently Sanuk sidewalk surfers received the ?Footwear Product Item of the Year 2007? by Footwear Retailers. So go ahead and slip on some Sanük shoes, sandals or slippers and experience for yourself the real concept of ?happiness.?

The first-ever stand-alone Sanük store in the world is located at the Glorietta mall. Sanük is also carried by Res-Toe-Run at Trinoma, Rustan?s Department Store, Shoe Salon and selected Bratpack, Stoked Inc., and Chocolate Clothing boutiques