Havaianas Steps Into the Kitten Heel Era – A Subversive Shift in Footwear
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Havaianas’ Unexpected Kitten Heel Debut
Brazilian footwear brand Havaianas, famed for its iconic rubber flip-flops, has boldly ventured into the realm of high Fashion with a surprising collaboration. During its spring 2027 runway show at Copenhagen Fashion Week, the brand unveiled a rubber thong kitten heel featuring a toe cap that only covers the big toe – a decidedly subversive twist on a classic silhouette.
The design cleverly builds upon Havaianas’ signature dividing strap shape, incorporating a small, asymmetric heel and a bulbous, molded toe. Styling on the runway showcased the shoe alongside Studio Constance’s intellectually sexy, almost grunge-inspired looks, including frilled jorts, sheer pannier dresses, and track jackets with bubbling hems. The overall effect is sleek and technical, leaning towards a sporty aesthetic – though a run in these isn’t recommended.
A Trend Taking Root: Exposed Toes in Fashion
This unexpected kitten heel arrives amidst a broader trend of embracing exposed toes in mainstream Fashion. Hailey Bieber, Kylie Jenner, and other style icons have championed the sleek silhouette, with brands like Le Monde Beryl, Paloma Wool, and Toteme also incorporating covered-toe designs into their collections. Even established designers like Dries Van Noten and Tory Burch have embraced this trend with sculptural and cut-out sandals and heels.
From Tabis to Half-Shoes: The Rise of the Oddball It-Shoe
The fascination with unconventional footwear continues to grow. Margiela tabi flats have become commonplace, and shoes like the Nike Air Rifts (thanks to a Skims collaboration) elicit minimal reactions on the subway. Zendaya, stepping away from red carpets for projects like “The Odyssey” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” remains a proponent of tabis, often paired with ballet flats. More extreme examples include Vibram’s five-finger shoes, Literary Sport’s minimalist hiking sandals, and Chanel’s oversized half-shoes, showcasing a willingness to push boundaries.
Havaianas’ History of Innovation
Havaianas isn’t new to experimentation. Past collaborations with Jean Paul Gaultier and Saint Laurent have resulted in patterned and printed versions of their original flip-flops. Last year, they partnered with Spanish label Gimaguas to create eyelet-studded leg warmer flip-flop boots, which were lauded as Lyst’s hottest product of 2025. Personally, I’ve long favored a natural split shape thanks to years wearing tabis and Nike Rifts, and I’m a consistent fan of Margiela tabi boots and Julie Kegels thong socks with ballet flats. Camper’s Kobarah heels also remain a summer staple.
The Havaianas kitten heel feels like a step toward something more sophisticated – a quieter, more subtle oddity in the current footwear landscape. Adding a touch of personalization with toe rings or coordinating accessories could further elevate the look.