In the early 2000s, the only footwear that could rival a pair of Uggs were Havaianas. The flip-flops came in a variety of bright colors and patterns, and they were definitely not reserved only for beach wear — I often paired mine with low-rise flares and handkerchief hem skirts.
Although the brand never technically went away, wearing flip-flops with all types of outfits stopped being quite as popular as it once was. Now, in typical what’s-old-is-new-again fashion, Havaianas are making a comeback. To hone in on the trend, I’ve rounded up some of the most highly rated Havaianas styles currently available. But first, learn a bit more about the brand.
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What you need to know about Havaianas
Havaianas launched in Brazil in 1962. According to the brand, they were inspired by the Zori sandal, a traditional Japanese sandal made with cloth straps and rice straw soles. The company updated its style by using durable rubber in bright colors and patterns to create its flip-flops. To honor the Zori style they were inspired by, the brand uses a rice-like pattern on the bottom of their soles.
The flip-flops were popular with beachgoers since their launch, but it was in 1998 that they became super trendy. This was the year that fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier had models wear them in one of his runway shows. After that, people everywhere started wearing flip-flops with all types of outfits.
The trend waned for a bit, but recently Havaianas have been making a big comeback with the fashion crowd, thanks in part to the brand introducing new styles, including square-toe and embroidered options.
Highly rated Havaianas to shop right now
Below, we’ve rounded up some of Havaianas’ most popular offerings — including its classic styles and newer designs.
NBC Select Commerce editor Lindsay Schneider has been wearing Havaianas for over 20 years and has a particular fondness for this style. The classic flip-flop features slim straps with a raised monochromatic logo and the brand’s signature rice pattern on the sole. The textured bottoms provide traction, and the footbed is cushioned for comfort, according to the brand. “Of course, they’re a consistent summer staple for me, but I also wear them year-round as house shoes/slippers in my apartment,” says Schneider. “Since they’re so slim and lightweight, I also always travel with them — I like wearing them around hotels, in showers that aren’t my own, etc.” These flip flops come in a variety of colors — including buttercream, white, black and pink fever.
A slightly updated version of their classic style, these flip-flops have a square toe and come in a variety of neutral colors — like black, white and rose. They’re made from 100% rubber, have traction to provide grip on wet surfaces and have a cushioned footbed for comfort.
Prefer something a little less flip-flop-y looking? This pair has a T-strap that spans the top of your foot and a back strap to keep your foot securely in place. Like all Havaianas, they’re made completely from rubber and come in lots of colors (including rose gold, grey steel and black). This style has a 4.2-star average rating from over 13,400 reviews on Amazon.
Looking for something a bit dressier? These flip-flops have slimmer straps than the classic style and a decorative crystal square for a touch of bling. They come in black, dark brown and beige and have a 4.5-star average rating from over 135 reviews at Havaianas.
Add a little height with these platform flip-flops. They have a wedge-shaped sole and slightly thicker straps to keep your feet secure as you walk. The sandals come in two shades — ballet rose and black — and are available in sizes 5.5 through 10.5.
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Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle.
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