Havaianas flip-flops are a Brazilian brand of sandals that enjoy great popularity worldwide. They were created in the 1960s, modelled after the traditional Japanese sandal, called Zori. Similar to the Zori, Havaianas have a textured rice pattern on the foot-bed, making them much more comfortable than your average summer sandal.

 The designers were so enthralled with the laid-back island culture of Hawaii that they called the flip-flops Havaianas (pronounced as ha-vai-yah-nas), which is Portuguese for Hawaiians. Available in an array of colours, Havaianas sandals are seen everywhere from the beach to the red carpet. Unlike most other types of flip-flops, Havaianas are made from a sturdy and ultra-lightweight rubber, ensuring they'll last for a number of seasons. Havaianas has never revealed the secret 42-year-old rubber formula that makes their flip-flops so soft, bouncy, and flexible.

 Havaianas was immediately successful, selling a thousand pairs a day. As a result, many imitator brands arose, so in 1970 Havaianas came out with a campaign called “Havaianas: As Legítimas” (Havaianas: the Legitimate Ones) to ensure people knew they were getting the real thing.

 Over the years, the design of Havaianas sandals has changed very little, but the company has definitely expanded! In the 90s they launched the adorable Havaianas baby line, and in 1994 the Havaianas flip-flops Top style was created. The Havaianas Top is a style of flip-flops made up of only one colour. In 1998 a special style of World Cup Havaianas flip-flops sold out all over the world. In 1996, Havaianas launched their Slim line, featuring delicate straps and a thinner foot-bed for women who wanted a more fashionable flip flop.

 As Havaianas added more and more styles and were frequently seen in magazines and on television, their popularity continued to skyrocket. Havaianas flip-flops spread to Hawaii, France, and Australia, and then on to many more countries, becoming a household name around the world.

 Havaianas sandals are now available in over 20 eye-catching colours, including citrus green, ruby red, hot pink and turquoise. They can be found in 60 countries, and there is a sandal superstore in Sao Paulo, where shoppers can find Havaianas flip-flops (you can even customize your shoes with things like crystals and pins), bags, and exclusive products. Havaianas are even part of the iconic Oscars celebration – Havaianas flip-flops are given to the nominees.

 In 2003, Gisele Buchen became the supermodel spokesperson for the brand. In 2004, Havaianas partnered with jeweller H. Stern to create a dazzling pair of flip-flops. The duo created a pair of Havaianas flip-flops with an 18-karat gold finish and covered in diamonds.

 In 2007 the company opened its distribution centre in Madrid in order to promote Havaianas flip-flops in Europe.

 Since their introduction in Brazil, the company has sold over two billion pairs of Havaianas flip-flops.  There are hundreds of different prints, patterns and colours to choose from. Seen on the feet of men, women and children everywhere, Havaianas sandals are perfect paired with everything from board shorts and bikinis to more formal outfits. 

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