The wildly popular Havaianas have become a worldwide staple with a huge fan following from celebrities to athletes to average citizens who value fashion, fun and functionality equally.
In 1962, Brazilian shoe manufacturer Sao Paulo Alpargatas developed a new design inspired by Japanese sandals called the zoriwhich used a straw sole and fabric straps. The company used rubber instead with a rice grain texture on the sole, to create refreshingly comfortable and durable sandals. Thus, the Havaianas were born. Named after the Portuguese term for Hawaiian, these flip-flops reflect the island chilled-out, relaxed lifestyle and culture.
Havaianas were initially adopted by the working class due to its functional design and availability at small neighborhood stores. They were known as chinelos de pobre (poor man flip flops) during this period. The company still sold over a thousand pairs a day. In the 90s, as tourism increased in Brazil, Havaianas became the footwear of choice among tourists to stroll along beautiful beaches. They also started to take them back home. Consequently, the style gained acceptance among the middle and upper class. During this time, the brand developed its design introducing the monochromatic style and the special edition Havaianas Brazilduring World Cup with the small Brazilian flag logo that has now become a trademark of the Havaianas sandals. Gradually, the stylish flip-flops reached international markets like Europe and the US becoming the worldwide craze that we know today.
The brand, no longer associated with just comfort, has changed the way flip-flops are seen. Yes, they are functional and the most comfortable footwear available, but Havaianas make them fun and stylish too. With funky designs and trendy patterns available in every color imaginable, today Havaianas are a wardrobe essential, with products available for men, women, kids and babies too.
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