Our Story
A star is born (1962)
Havaianas were created in Brazil in 1962 after being inspired by the Zori sandal; a traditional Japanese sandal with cloth straps and woven rice straw soles. Havaianas replaced the straw with rubber, updated the design to look modern, and the rest is history! This is why the soles of Havaianas feature a rice grain pattern; one of the many design elements that make Havaianas so unique. So where did the name “Havaianas” come from? Well, in Portuguese, the name translates to “Hawaiians” and it was chosen to honor the tropical and glamourous vacay destination with endless summer vibes.
The Kombi (1964)
The original rubber flip flop (1966)
Not to brag, but Havaianas invented the original rubber flip flop! Here’s our proof: In 1966, Havaianas’ parent company, Alpargatas, registered the patent of our now world famous rubber thong!
More colors of flip flops (1969)
At first, Havaianas were only available in blue and white. But in 1969, a production error produced a batch of green Havaianas, which ended up hitting the marketplace. The reaction was so positive that Havaianas seized the opportunity and started producing a wider variety of colors, including green, brown, yellow, and black flip flops.
An essential (1980)
Havaianas was officially recognized as an intrinsic part of Brazilian culture by the Brazilian Government after they were included on a list of everyday fundamental products (alongside rice and beans!) to control inflation. By this point, millions of pairs of Havaianas flip flops were being sold each year in Brazil.
Rainbow and print flip flops (Mid 1990's)
Did you know that a trend started in the 90s when surfers flipped the white soles of their Havaianas upside down to create one solid color? After taking note of this trend, Havaianas introduced single-colored styles and launched their first ever printed style featuring a hibiscus flower. Many more printed designs continued to be released with new colorways and new product developments (such as baby designs!).
Brazilian passion (1998)
To celebrate the ’98 World Soccer Championship Havaianas launched 'Havaianas Brazil” – a style with a small Brazilian flag on the strap. It still remains one of Havaianas best-selling flip flops globally.
Runway icon (1999)
Re-inventing Classics (2000-Present)
Havaianas never ceases to innovate, and year after year, continues to release new styles such as Slim flip flops for women, Sandals and Square toe flip flops. Besides that, the brand also has launched special collections with details like crystals and embroideries, handcrafted
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1962: Creation
The first pair of Havaianas were inspired by the traditional Japanese sandal zōri. But instead of rice straw, they were made of soft and sturdy rubber – that's why their soles have the texture of rice grains.
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1966: Patent
Yes, Havaianas invented flip-flops and we can prove it! In this year, Alpargatas, the company that owns Havaianas, registered the patent for the sandal model that had no precedents in the market until then.
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1994: Color innovation
When Havaianas only existed in the traditional model, people came up with the idea of reversing the side of the sole to make them monochromatic. Then the Havaianas Top were created, a bestseller to this day.
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1995: Print innovation
This is where the first printed sandals were launched. The first design was the hibiscus flower, characteristic of Hawaii and which has everything to do with summer. Since then, we have not stopped launching collections with printed models.
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1998: Brasil Family
As a good luck charm for the Brazilian football team, Havaianas launches a limited edition with the country's flag on the straps. Brazilians are so passionate about football that the new model became a hit!
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2003: At the Oscars
And the Oscar goes to... Havaianas! In this year, the most important film ceremony in the world gave the winners a pair of sandals from the brand.
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2010: Soul Collection
Europe is the first region to receive the models from the Soul Collection, the line of rubber slippers with soles as comfortable as flip-flops.
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2011: Disney
In a collaboration with Disney, Havaianas launches exclusive magical models. Now the most beloved characters from animated films were also on everyone's favorite sandals.
2020: New Era Havaianas
Havaianas presents Tradi Zori, a streetwear model that draws inspiration from the past to create a futuristic sandal. Speaking of the future, the world has changed and Havaianas has adopted the mission of bringing out the best version of you – as expressed in its new slogan "Designed for a free life".