Beachwear is fine, but flip-flops under clothes in the city? For some, a sacrilege. Yet if we want to be in the mood for summer 2025, we have to give in: flip-flop sandals, flip-flops, flat with rubber soles, more or less minimalist, more or less colorful are the trendiest summer shoes even in the city.

Let's be clear, we didn't invent anything: flip-flops are one of the first shoe styles in history. Examples can be found in Ancient Egypt, then, according to Rebecca Shawcross, senior curator at the Shoe Museum in Northampton, they first infiltrated Western fashion in the 1960s, taking inspiration from Japanese zori flip-flops. They were then popularized by the German Birkenstock flip-flops that took the market by storm, and by   Crocs, the orthopedic rubber clogs that, through collaborations and customizations, remain a much-loved multipurpose fashion shoe.

This year, the trend was revived by a pair of £670 flip-flops from The Row paired with jeans. Earlier this year, the luxury brand fronted by TV stars turned designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen included the black fabric flip-flops with red rubber soles in their latest collection. Although many were outraged by the three-figure price tag, they quickly sold out and there’s now a waiting list to get their hands on them. They’ve also been seen on the catwalks: Chloé has released clear flip-flops, Ferragamo has sleek leather flip-flops, Christopher Esber has released shiny clear flip-flops (£250), while Miu Miu has deconstructed the classic Mary Jane, chopping off the almond toe shape to add a front flip-flop. Dolce & Gabbana has a limited-edition collection with Havaianas that ranges from faux fur to macramé straps (£120) and jungle soles.

Celebrities have also joined in blessing the trend: Hailey Bieber was photographed wearing Toteme flip-flops with low-waisted tailored trousers, while the favourite outfit among fashion influencers is jazz pants paired with casual minimalist flip-flops by A. Emery or Aeyde. At the Martinez Hotel in Cannes during the festival in May, model Irina Shayk was photographed wearing a pair of studded Mangos. Variants that are less likely to be found at the beach bar are abundant in stores: from leather models to those with a super trendy micro stiletto heel, to others with laces that roll up at the ankle or flip-flops made of non-rubbery materials.
Then there are Havaianas, the original Brazilian ones, a world where among famous collaborations (the latest with Gigi Hadid), classic models, new collections, finding the flip-flop for our tastes is not difficult: from the new Slim Square with square toe to the super classic yellow-green ones with the colors of the country, passing through the new Boho Collection, a contemporary interpretation of the bohemian spirit of the 70s. Bestsellers also include the tortoiseshell ones by Ipanema, the Brazilian brand that in addition to the classics has designer fashion models in a thousand colors and combinations.

It’s good to know that they’re not so good for your feet though. Helen Branthwaite, clinical consultant at the Royal College of Podiatry, points out that “the style of a flip-flop shoe primarily alters the function of the foot as the way you walk has to cope with the lack of fixation on the foot. Adaptation happens over a prolonged period of time and those who consistently wear this style of shoe may find that in the winter they can no longer comfortably wear a shoe or trainer.” Her advice: “Variation is key and helps the foot to remain strong while still being supported.”

(Unioneonline/D)

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