I can’t recall exactly when I bought my first pair of Havaianas, but it must have been in the early aughts. I remember exploring the boroughs of New York City in the Brazilian brand’s iconic rubber flip flops on many weekends in my 20s — glad for a break from the stilettos I wore to work as an assistant in fashion publishing.
Many years (and jobs) later, back in Canada, I somehow still have a pair of well-worn, bi-coloured Havaianas sitting on my porch, always on standby for a trip to the beach or cottage. But now, I find myself debating buying a new, nicer pair of flip flops — something just as comfortable, but designed to be worn on dressier occasions, too.
Flip flops in 2025: low key, high style
Like so many Y2K-era trends, flip flops have been slowly infiltrating our everyday wardrobes for a few years. The most notable kickoff was when The Row introduced its Ginza flat sandals for spring 2021. “They’ve turned the most basic flip flops into [something] runway-worthy,” says Anne Lee, divisional vice president of accessories at Holt Renfrew. Style-setters like Emily Ratajkowski and Kendall Jenner were and are still photographed wearing them almost weekly. The momentum continued when beloved designer Phoebe Philo included a pair in her eponymous label’s debut collection in 2023.
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But this summer, flip flops have officially gone formal. Models wore thong sandals with swimsuits and floral gowns at Chloé for spring 2025, and suits were paired with leather flip flops on multiple spring 2026 menswear runways, including Louis Vuitton and Dries Van Noten.
Celebs are in on the trend, too. Gigi Hadid is actually a newly minted global ambassador for Havaianas. Hailey Bieber has been sporting her Toteme heeled flip flops with elevated separates all summer. Jonathan Bailey recently wore black flip flops at a photocall for “Jurassic Park Rebirth,” and Khloé Kardashian sported quilted ones by Chanel in Venice for the Bezos wedding extravaganza.
These sightings are not only more commonplace, but also less controversial — just two years ago, Jennifer Lawrence had to do interviews to explain why she wore a pair at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival with her Dior Haute Couture gown.
From wardrobe staple to style essential
So why wear gowns and suits with these traditionally casual flats? New York-based Canadian stylist Skye Kelton suggests the visual contrast — and an element of surprise — is part of the appeal. (It’s the same principle as the “wrong shoe theory” that you might recall was trending on TikTok last year.) “It is nice to have that tension between something really polished and then something super laid back,” Kelton says. “Burberry did flip flops with velvet gowns [a few seasons ago] and I think that it was a bit ugly-chic.”
Also, flip flops themselves are evolving in terms of craftsmanship, materials and shape. The Row’s headline-grabbing $980 rubber-and-canvas Dune style notwithstanding, many of the buzziest pairs this time around are designed to be worn beyond the beach. “There’s more crossover with other footwear styles and more variety,” says Kelton, referencing the ballerina-inspired flip flops at Ferragamo and sportif versions at Miu Miu for Spring 2025, which feature elasticized straps and technical fabric.
In stores you’ll see more iterations than ever, including sandals in dressier materials like leather and satin, and even styles with fringe and woven details. “We’re seeing it in so many different varieties, which is quite interesting,” said Lee. “Lots of playful accents, architectural heels.”
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Montreal-based accessories brand Maguire included flip flops in its footwear range for the first time this year. “We did this style, Ulla, as a test and now it’s part of our bestsellers,” says co-founder Myriam Belzile-Maguire, noting that their “more elevated” version of the trend is made of leather and features a low heel and modern square toe shape. It’s not surprising that the Ulla is selling through quickly: Kitten heel flip flops have become this summer’s top sandal shape. Belzile-Maguire says her colleagues wear theirs with oversized pants and jorts for the office, and with dresses for weddings and other fancy events. “They’re very versatile,” she says.
The key to finding the right pair for you is to try on different shapes and textures — and perhaps a few different heel heights. It should be comfortable, but also feel more intentional and interesting than your basic beach sandal. “Let’s say you find yourself one with a bit of a pointed toe or a square edge — it really does elevate the look,” says Lee.
Consider a novel texture, an eye-catching print or a pop of metallic. “You have to experiment and be super bold with it,” says Lee, who predicts flip flops will continue to trend next year.
Which means I’m just in time to trade in my trusty Havaianas, and add a new sandal to my summer wardrobe.
Shop the flip flop trendThe kitten heel flip flops
Available in black and a metallic orange, these flip flops by Montreal-based Maguire feature a comfortable kitten heel.
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The snakeskin flip flops
H & M’s polyester and rubber flip flops, in a chic snakeskin pattern, are available in sizes 4 to 11.
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The Toronto-designed flip flops
Designed in Toronto, these trendy leather sandals boast a square toe and rubber sole.
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The sustainably made flip flops
These heeled flip flops are made with leather sourced from Leather Working Group-audited tanneries.
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The jelly flip flops
Reminiscent of $810 flip flops seen on the Chloé runway, these fun sandals also come in clear and brown.
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