01: Flip flops, if u even care
SS25's most comprehensive guide.
‘Tis the season for my shoe of choice.
As a flip flop enthusiast, I’m thrilled to kick off my first post by sharing the latest and greatest, from the best of Havaianas to vintage Prada and new evergreen finds.
In addition, my up close and personal relationship with the tariffs (due to my brand) provides a vigilant lens on the most time & cost-effective ways to shop.
A tip for my US friends: Where possible, shop from a US-based brand or retailer with domestic shipping so that the price you see is the price you pay. The first person to import the product is the person who will be billed for the tariff — for example, if you buy directly from an international brand or retailer, you will be the importer and therefore responsible for the fees.
If you buy from a US based brand or retailer, they have paid to import the product. Whether they then bake the tariff into their retail price is another question, but you won’t have unexpected fees thrust upon you.
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Havaianas
Pronounced "av-ay-anas", I rarely wore other shoes when I lived in Rio. As the bona-fide comfortable, affordable flip flop, Havaianas are a no brainer. While you may have seen this collab with Gimaguas (unclear whether it will be commercially available), classics are classics for a reason.
The square toe black Havaiana is the go-to for casual sophistication; the chocolate brown is also a great choice for something softer. I’ve also been feeling the OG thicker Havaianas to ground more formal looks — in particular, the navy pair and also the steel grey. If feeling more adventurous, I love this vibrant blue.
Their foray into more platform flip flops is also welcome especially for those living in New York… check out this higher platform.
Round slim is a personal favourite — I had a friend courier the matcha colorway to me from Rio as it was sold out for months but it’s now back in stock! It's a pearlescent green that feels unique.
Classic/Leather Flip Flops
This Reformation pair that come in black and brown are what I am personally holding out for (though they don't ship until May 30th). The widening strap reminds me of various styles Charlotte wore on SATC and strike the right balance between elevated and extremely wearable. I do not take Ubers for shoes, so everything I buy MUST be genuinely walkable. If your lifestyle permits however, these are a full wedge alternative and based on an IG story I just saw from Gimaguas, you can hold out for a silver metallic version they’ll be releasing. These are unrelated, but obscenely sexy.
Ref also do a flat suede version though if going for flat, I prefer A.Emery’s Kinto sandal or Flora in leather. These are even more of a buy risk for me. Givenchy offers a more embellished version with a widening strap and also Le Monde Béryl for something plain and less structural.
Jelly Flip Flops
These feel like they’re hotting up this summer, perhaps in response to last summer’s obsession with the Mara jelly flats.
Christopher Esber likely does the best one with the most refined silhouette, to the tune of $300 pre-tariff however. Ancient Greek Sandals does two versions: a flat flip flop with jelly soles and straps (this blue feels like a hit this summer), and the other a leather stitched sole — my personal preference is actually these by Black Suede Studio in clear butter.
Gap comes in with a very affordable version for just $30. If you're after something experimental that uses similar materials, there’s Coperni's silicone flower flip flops or Rihanna's Fenty x Puma collab.
Sandal/Heel/Wedge Flip Flops
This season, I’m loving the elevated take on the humble flip flop that has evolved into a kind of flip flop sandal. The most fun has to be this starfish detail from Nodaleto, and I also like this pair from Paloma Wool (plus their SS24 version). It would be a strong contender if not for the fact that the last pair of shoes I bought from there made my feet bleed within minutes — hopefully these are comfier. For similar hardware, try these or various vintage Prada’s on eBay here, here, here and here.
More alternates: Rag & Bone do a subtle flat black pair, try Balenciaga for something a bit more 3D.
Korean brand Amomento have a fun but understated take on a 70s vibe flip flop wedge with a captivating side profile. If I wasn’t obsessed with filtering my purchases through a travel-friendly lens (e.g. Is it heavy? Does it take up much space?), these would be compelling.
And last but not least, Australian brands. They have their own scene and aesthetic that feels nature-informed yet clean and sophisticated (much like their architecture—Australia has some of the most amazing homes).
Brands like St. Agni and Tony Bianco are a perfect alternative for my “quiet luxury” friends without being as cliché (or expensive) as the ol' Row who in my opinion just released an absolute shocker of a flip flop for $800. If you are considering buying these, please let me persuade you to buy literally anything else. Revert to their Ginza flip flop if you insist on the Row lest try a very similar Tony Bianco style. I will admit however that these slap.
Alas — we've got flats with an extra wide soft leather band, contour wedges in patent leather — or a more sporty alternative from Le Monde Béryl — knotted kitten heels, a heeled slingback flip flop, a Birkenstock-like flat, and another heeled style (on sale!).