We thought we’d never let go of our Havaianas. Then another Brazilian label arrived with ultra-minimalist leather sandals, handmade in Brazil and already on the feet of the most fashionable girls. Their promise remains the sensation of bare feet, but the look no longer has anything to do with it. And there, the flip-flop no longer looks like a simple beach shoe at all.
This brand is Tkees, which is establishing itself this summer as the chic alternative to rubber flip-flops. Worn in town, on the terrace or on vacation, its Tkees leather flip-flops follow the great wave of the minimalist flip-flop, adopted everywhere since 2024 as the flagship sandals for sunny days.
Havaianas flip flops vs Tkees leather flip flops: the Brazilian face-off
Born in 1962, Havaianas popularized the 100% rubber flip-flop inspired by Japanese zori sandals. Non-slip, which do not burn, do not smell and are resistant to water and heat, these flip-flops have conquered the world: around 200 million pairs produced per year and a presence in 60 countries. A typical women’s pair, like the Top Tiras, costs around $20 to $25.
Today, another Brazilian brand is moving the flip-flop from rubber to leather. Designed to be almost invisible on the foot, Tkees sandals are designed in Canada, but handmade in Brazil in soft leather, with a rubber sole and lightly padded insole. The idea remains the same freedom as a Havaianas, but with a much more formal vocabulary.
Tkees leather flip flops: minimalist and truly chic sandals
Founded in 2009 by Carly Burnett and Jesse Burnett, the brand focuses on “barely there” sandals that blend into the skin. Its signature is a wide range of neutrals, like the Lily Nudes line, designed to match all skin tones and visually elongate the leg. In France, these models cost around $65, or around three times a pair of Havaianas, but with a much more fashionable image.
On the design side, Tkees flip-flops play the detail card: ultra-thin straps, square toes, metallic silver or gold finishes, very graphic contrasting color duos, not to mention collaborations with cutting-edge brands like J.Crew. And then, smooth or slightly shiny leather immediately gives a sandal look, whereas rubber is more reminiscent of the beach.
How to wear Tkees leather flip flops all summer long
During the day, these sandals fit easily into an urban wardrobe. A nude pair goes with a lightweight blazer and high-waisted white linen pants, or with straight jeans and an oversized cotton shirt. In the evening, the same pair slips under a silk slip dress or a long pleated skirt, the thin straps acting like a discreet jewel on the foot.
To embrace the trend, you can build an ideal mini Brazilian wardrobe:
- A pair of nude Tkees leather flip flops for the city.
- A metallic version for evenings and dinners.
- Colorful Havaianas for the beach and pool.
A little practical extra: the brand often sizes a little small, so if you’re hesitating between two sizes, it’s better to choose the larger one. And to keep leather beautiful for several seasons, gentle cleaning with a damp cloth and avoiding long immersions in water is generally sufficient.
Where are Tkees leather flip flops made?
Tkees models are designed in Canada and handmade in Brazil, in soft leather with a rubber sole, which reinforces their anchoring in the world of chic Brazilian flip-flops.
How much do Tkees flip flops cost compared to Havaianas?
In France, a pair of Tkees like the Lily Nudes costs around $65, while a pair of classic Havaianas like Top Tiras costs between $20 and $25.
How to wear Tkees leather flip flops without looking too beachy?
Choose a nude or metallic model, pair it with linen pants, straight jeans or a slip dress, and avoid the very casual beach shorts plus tank top combo.
Sources
- Grazia
“Farewell Havaianas, this other Brazilian brand creates the most chic summer flip-flops”
- Grazia
“Farewell Havaianas, this other Brazilian brand creates the most chic summer flip-flops”
