Flip flop brands you (may) not know about
To add a touch of novelty and coolness to summer's most beloved shoe
G-Club
June 27th, 2024
June 27th, 2024
It's summertime: sun, sea, light clothes, shorts, bikinis, straw bags, and... flip-flops! For some, the holidays may still seem far off despite the heat, but there is no footwear that projects us more into the right season's mood, dreaming of relaxation, sand, and blue waves. However, be careful not to make the mistake of relegating your favorite pair to the beach, because with their minimal look and numerous possible variations, flip-flops have gone beyond the typical polaroid of Cali girls in front of the ocean to earn their place on the streets of major cities. For some time now, they have been alongside jelly shoes, slingbacks, mules, ballet flats, and sandals as accessories that complete every kind of look, from power suits to boho skirts, worn all day long, even at the office. The secret is to choose the model that best suits individual needs, navigating between the Y2K platform versions loved by Kendall Jenner, the heeled ones often sported by Kim Kardashian, the luxury ones, the basic rubber ones, or the flat and highly coveted ones proposed by The Row.
Flip-flops: from ancient Egyptians to summer pop shoes
Flip-flop sandals have existed for over 3000 years. They were already a popular trend in ancient Egypt, where they were worn by pharaohs and priests. Modern flip-flops, however, resemble more the Japanese Zori which, made from rice straw, lacquered wood, fabric, or leather, peeked out from under the kimono. After World War II, American soldiers brought them to the West as souvenirs, where, thanks to their practicality and comfort, they soon became the symbol of beach culture. In the 1960s, the brand Havaianas from Brazil turned them into a true must-have with their rubber flip-flops that conquered the rest of the world. Since then, these modest shoes have never left us, renewing each decade with the addition of platforms or heels, jewel details, new colors, and materials. Who doesn’t remember the minimalist '90s flip-flops by Jil Sander and Calvin Klein loved by Gwyneth Paltrow or the chunky ones sported in the early 2000s by Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan? Or Jennifer Lawrence with a pair from The Row at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival?
Flip-flops on the SS24 runways
Even designers have surrendered to the ugly charm of flip-flops and presented them on the SS24 runways, showcasing their cool potential and great versatility with eclectic looks. Even Chanel has added the white double C monogram on black rubber flip-flops. Miu Miu used braided ropes and other unconventional materials to create its nautical-inspired sandals; Burberry dared with snakeskin; Dries Van Noten played with wedges, suede, stripes, and checks; Private Policy opted for exaggerated platforms; while Coperni chose a stiletto heel. Other brands that paired their outfits with flip-flops included Bottega Veneta, Sportmax, Proenza Schouler, Sandy Liang, Ottolinger, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, and many others. There are also many brands that offer them every season, making them the focus of their business. And we're not just talking about the iconic Havaianas or the equally famous Ipanema. Let's look at some:
Asportuguesas
Since its founding in 2016, Asportuguesas has worked to create quality, sustainable, ecological footwear that combines these characteristics with innovative and ergonomic design, easy to wear, and extremely comfortable. With this goal in mind, the Portuguese company became the first brand in the world to make cork flip-flops. The models are made from 100% natural raw materials harvested from a tree and recovered every nine years without ever cutting down the tree. Even when producing other styles, from moccasins to sneakers, Asportuguesas opts for recycled or natural materials, showing sincere attention to the planet's well-being.
Blipers
The winning intuition of Blipers? Inventing an open shoe, without straps, made from a single block of soft thermoplastic rubber, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, free of PVC and phthalates, equipped with a patented hook that allows you to put it on with a simple gesture. Entirely made in Italy, the shoe is available in two unisex variants, a strap sandal and a flip-flop, which come in a wide range of colors and sizes, highlighting a design based on foot ergonomics that wraps softly around the heel preventing it from slipping. Perfect for those looking for a comfortable and green model, as it is 100% recyclable.
Flòwze
Flòwze comes from Tuscany to conquer the world with style. For over 50 years, the Lucchese brand has stood out for its blend of tradition, design, and comfort. The result is cool footwear, designed to enhance every summer outfit, such as the Flò model, a sandal made entirely in Italy, using high-quality materials and crafted by expert artisans. The detail that makes it special and fun? The addition of brightly colored rope, combined with a rubber sole and leather upper.
YUME YUME
YUME YUME doesn't sell shoes, but real statement accessories. Playful, fun, exaggerated, the Dutch brand's models create pieces for dreamers who are looking for something special to make their outfits unique, even a simple pair of jeans paired with a monochrome t-shirt. The result is "padded" sandals with heart-shaped heels, mules with jacquard designs, or slides with a velvet effect. All stand out for their futuristic, voluminous yet minimalist lines, enriched with unexpected details, such as glossy vegan napa or chunky straps. The perfect flip-flops for those who want to dare and live a summer as a protagonist.
Tkees
The chic minimalism and quality of The Row, but without the snobbish touch and the pretension of elitist coolness. Tkees is this and much more. It all started in 2009 when Carly and Jesse Burnett, a husband and wife duo, had the intuition of recreating the effect of bare tanned feet almost blending into the sand while returning from the beach one day. Thus, the Lily model was born, the embodiment of the perfect flip-flop according to the Brazilian brand. Launched in five nude shades, from beige to caramel, from black to white, the shoe set the tone for future collections which also include other types of sandals, all extremely refined. The plus? The affordable price.
Reef
Reef's story is about a love for the beach and surfing. It was 1984 when two entrepreneurial brothers from South America, Fernando and Santiago Aguerre, founded the brand with the idea of creating high-quality, super comfortable products that fit a sporty, relaxed lifestyle free from any constraints. The result? Sandals that could be worn comfortably anywhere: from the beach to the city. Simple models, with small details like a touch of color or a fabric strap to make them more appealing.
Jappo
The inspiration comes from zori, traditional Japanese footwear, but reinterpreted in a modern key with a unique design that catches the eye. Produced 100% in Italy, Jappo flip-flops stand out for their squared shape, designed to offer greater stability compared to traditional models. Just put on a pair to forget the fatigue of walking on sand during long beach walks or while playing beach paddle ball by the sea.
