Hasta La Ideas

The renowned Brazilian flip-flop maker steps into slip-ons and sneakers

Before Havaianas was born, its parent company Alpargatas, founded in 1907, exclusively sold espadrilles. (Alpargatas actually means espadrilles in Spanish.) Going back to these roots, the Brazilian maker of the popular flip-flops will introduce espadrilles, ballet flats and sneakers next Monday.

While the soles use the Brazilian company’s same ultra-soft rubber (a top-secret formula) that make their sandals so comfy, different materials for the uppers extend the brand with some added function. The espadrilles and ballet flats (both $38) keep it simple with cotton that comes in a variety of different colors. For an eco-friendly option that’s still durable, the
Staple-designed sneakers ($58-68) are made with Jute fiber that grows in the trenches of the Amazon River. (Havaianas still makes their shoes in Brazil.)

To give some context, cotton takes 10 years to decompose, polyester takes 100, while Jute only takes two years. Jute farming is also one of Brazil’s main economic activities so the purchase of the eco-styles supports their economy and the Brazilian environment.

Get a pair of your own online and from various retailers such as Kitson, Barneys, Bloomingdales and Havaianas Huntington Beach.