Who could’ve guessed flip flops would become one of the biggest shoe trends in 2026? Once reserved for beach holidays, nipping to the shops or throwing on after a pedicure, flip flops are now having a fashion moment of their own – and we’re all here for it.
It’s fair to say there’s no shortage of styles to shop, from the £3.50 thongs at your local supermarket to a £600 designer pair. But when it comes to the OGs, nothing quite beats Havaianas.
While Havaianas have long been a holiday staple, in recent years they’ve shifted into a shoe that can be worn way beyond sandy shores. Whether styled with denim for the pub or a maxi dress for the office, Havaianas are reigning supreme as the sandal of 2026. Just take a look around and you’ll see so many pairs in the wild – not to mention they’re consistently worn by A-listers, including Gigi Hadid, Dua Lipa and JLo.
Don’t think that style compromises their substance, either. Havaianas have earned a reputation as one of the comfiest flip flops you can tuck your toes into. Made with a 100% rubber sole, they’re designed to bend with your foot while supporting with every step. The signature textured footbed prevents slipping (whether that’s from seawater from a beach walk or sweat from a hot commute), and the rubber straps are designed to reduce rubbing and blisters – thank goodness!
So what’s changed in 2026 isn’t the shoe itself, but how people are styling them. They can be styled with more elevated items (read: dresses and skirts) to add an off-duty edge to an otherwise dressed-up look. While many are swapping their trainers for Havaianas and pairing them with jeans or cargo trousers. That’s the beauty of Havaianas. Somehow they always look incredibly chic, no matter how you wear them.
Best Havaianas to shop in 2026
Havaianas Slim Flip Flops
If you're dipping your toe into the world of Havaianas, the Slim flip flops are the perfect place to start. A more refined take compared to other silhouettes, they feature slimmer straps and a sleeker sole for a feminine, elevated look. You’ll still get the signature cushioned rubber sole Havaianas are known for, meaning they’re every bit as comfortable as they are stylish.
Havaianas Slim Square Flip Flops
The Havaianas Slim Square flip flops are one of the brand’s most fashion forward styles. Thanks to their chic square toe, they’re easy to dress up – think: peeping out from beneath linen trousers or paired with a breezy maxi dress – though they still feature the same comfortable footbed and supportive straps as the original Slim design. Better yet, they’re available in many shades and finishes, making it easy to tap into summer’s biggest colour trends.
Havaianas Brazil Logo Flip Flops
Although the brand’s Brazil Logo flip flops weren’t the first to launch, they’re undoubtedly the most iconic. They’re always recognisable thanks to the Brazil flag that sits on top of the straps, plus they’re available in plenty of bright shades making them an ideal option for festivals or beach trips.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.






















