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You are here: Home / Travel gear reviews / Havaianas review: the comfy flip flops saved my last day in Barcelona

Havaianas review: the comfy flip flops saved my last day in Barcelona

February 27, 2019

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I don't know if this is the case worldwide, but everywhere I travel and where it's at least a bit sunny, I see someone wearing Havaianas flip flops. The flip flop which comes in so many different colors and patterns but are all recognizable by the textured rice pattern on the footbed. This refers to the Japanese sandals made of fabric straps and rice straw soles that inspired the Havaianas brand.

Contents

  • A Havaianas review: my first experience wearing Havaianas flip flops
  • My second pair of Havianas flip flops
  • Saved by the flip flops
  • The verdict: are Havaianas good flip flops?
  • Alternative models: Havaianas Freedom sandal review
  • What I liked
  • What I liked less
  • Havaianas sandals review: final verdict
  • Havaianas questions answered
  • Get your own Havaianas
  • Pin for later

 

A Havaianas review: my first experience wearing Havaianas flip flops

Brazil Havianas review

I purchased my first pair of Havaianas flip flops during my very first trip to Barcelona when I was 18 and “let loose” by my parents. I'd only brought sneakers on that trip and as it was the middle of summer, I soon had – yes, indeed – sweaty feet.

The thing is that when I was 18 I still thought my feet were two sizes bigger than they actually are (don't ask) and so I bought my Havaianas too big. I wore them a lot that vacation, but when I realized (this must have been when I started wearing heels and sliding forward in my shoes) that I actually needed shoes two sizes smaller, my pair of flip flops from Havaianas disappeared to the back of the closet.
 

My second pair of Havianas flip flops

havaianas flip flops review

So many years later it was time to make up for my mistake. But how?

As some things just happen to occur at the exact right moment, I received an email from Havaianas asking if I'd be interested in reviewing their footwear. This was the perfect opportunity to give these flip flops the chance they deserved. Especially since I had a second trip planned to Barcelona just two months later.

I asked for the right size this time (a European 37), but as it turned out, the Havaianas flip flops I'd ordered only came in 37/38. Would I be flipping around in thongs – as they call them in Australia – that were actually too big again? I'd just have to wait until it was time to test them to find out…
 

Saved by the flip flops

havaianas reviews

I always check the weather reports before I leave for a trip and as they predicted both rain and sun for Barcelona, I decided to play it safe and not only pack the Havaianas, but also some sneakers (and a rain jacket!).

It's a good thing I did because drops frequently fell out of the sky while we were there and one day it just didn't stop raining.

Because of that, I was forced to wear my sneakers quite a lot, but then my heel started hurting. I didn't get a blister or anything, but the point was my sneaker kept pushing into my heel whenever I took a step had turned blue and swollen.

I think it got a bit infected on the inside and as I really couldn't wear those shoes anymore, I turned to the flip flops hoping it would stay dry the next day.

And it did. It wasn't really warm, but I couldn't have been happier that I brought the Havaianas.

I was a bit afraid that they wouldn't give enough support to walk around all day, but they actually did. Of course, it's not the same as wearing sneakers or a walking shoe, but the sole is rather thick and the material gives you a kind of natural bounce, so that you're knees are taken care of.

The size turned out just fine and although I was worried that the flip flops would be a bit too wide (I have very slim feet), the width was perfect.
 

The verdict: are Havaianas good flip flops?

havaianas flip flops review

I can only conclude this Havaianas review on a positive note. Honestly, I think everyone should have a pair of these. They're just so easy to slip on at the beach, hanging around outside or to quickly run an errand.

Now, I'm sure there are many better things to wear on your feet to walk around in all day but if you're asking me “Are Havaianas comfortable?” then I can say yes. When I was wearing a pair of Havaianas all day in Barcelona, they didn't give me any blisters.

Other benefits to these flip flops are that they take up almost no space in your (carry-on) luggage and that they're super easy to rinse off. This makes them great travel flip flops.

I also think they're rather elegant and if you pick a basic color you can wear them with just about anything. The verdict of this Havaianas flip flops review: very favorable!
 

Alternative models: Havaianas Freedom sandal review

I think I've found the perfect combination of a comfy flip flop and a nice looking sandal: the Havaianas freedom sandal.

Now this isn't nothing. I usually pack my Havaianas flip flops to have something comfy and light to walk around on in warm weather, but then I also always pack a pair of more dressy sandals to wear to dinner or on other moments when flip flops just won't cut it.

The Havaianas Freedom flip-flops, however, are both comfy, waterproof and trendy. They come in different colors and I really went wild when I chose the silver once, as I usually go for “you can combine me with everything”-black.

So, how did I like them?

When I first got these Havaianas flip flops, I have to admit I was a little worried. They looked great, but it turned out they didn't come in a single size. There's a 35/36, 37/38, 39/40 … (European sizes).

I got a 37/38 for my 37-sized feet and had quite some space left at the back of the sandal. My main concern was that the flip flops would constantly slip out when walking in them.
 

What I liked

Luckily, they stayed right on my feet the whole time I was wearing them. That's because these Havaianas Freedom sandals have fully adjustable ankle straps. There are no holes and a pin-like with most sandals, you just have to double the long strap and pull it through two little loops and it'll stay fixed.

This wouldn't work so well with leather or fabric, but because these Havaianas with a back strap are made from the same rubber as the regular Havaianas flip flops, the strap ‘sticks' and stays nicely put.

freedom havaianas

Another thing I liked was the sole. Just like with my Havaianas flip flops, the sole is a bit higher at the back than in the front, which offers extra support and comfort. Same goes for the nice cushioning.

And of course, their look was important to me as well. These are flip flops that you can easily wear to the beach. They're easy to take off and put back on and because they're entirely made out of rubber you just have to wash them off with some water and they're good as new again.

On the other hand, their design, with the fine straps, makes them perfect to wear to dinner as well. I wore them under a dress one night and thought they looked really good.

havaiana freedom sandals

 

What I liked less

Although I wasn't bothered by the double size, I think the Freedoms would've looked even more elegant if they'd just been a 37.
 

Havaianas sandals review: final verdict

I love these! I even think I prefer the Freedom flip flops to the regular Havaianas flip flops because the ankle strap gives just that little bit of extra support when walking around making them extra comfy.

Find your own pair of Havaianas Freedom sandals
 

Havaianas questions answered

do Havaianas run small

1. Do Havaianas run big or small – How should Havaianas fit?
Whichever way they are comfortable for you, really, but ideally, you want the straps to fit nicely around your foot so that you don't lose your flip flops while walking.

The problem I find with Havaianas sizing is that there are no single sizes for the flip flops models (there for the espadrilles). So if you usually have a size 37, you'll need to get Havaianas sizes 37/38 in flip flops.

If you're balancing between two different double sizes – for example, you're between a 38 and a 39, then I wouldn't recommend buying flip flops a size smaller (so 37/38 in this case) but instead go for the larger size (so 39/40) as you don't want to risk your foot sticking out at the back of the slipper.

It all depends a bit on what model you're going for, though. Read some reviews of different models on Amazon to see some Havaianas sizing reviews.

2. What is the difference between Havaianas slim and regular?
havaianas slim vs normal

Weirdly enough, there aren't any specific Havaianas wide fit nor slim fit ones, although the names of some of the models may lead you to think differently. The Havaianas Slim model, for example, isn't made to be a narrower version of the classic Havaianas flip flop but instead, the “slim” refers to the fact that the straps are slimmer.

Another difference between the Havaianas Slim vs Regular is the shape of the rubber sole which is a bit more elegantly shaped. This does, in fact, make the Slim model a bit narrower but not so much that you can say it's specifically designed for people with slim feet.

More than 2,000 people bought the Havaianas Slim model on Amazon so far. Check out their reviews.
 

3. How to make flip flops fit tighter?
Are your new flip flops too loose? Or did you buy your flip flops too big? Don't despair!

 

4. How to fix Havaianas slippers
I've never had anything happen to mine but if you completely wear them out and the straps start popping out of the soles, here's what you can do: slide something between the sole of the flip flop and the bottom of the strap that's a little wider and supposed to keep the strap in place.

Good things to try are a bread clip, paperclip, safety pin, bobby pin, or simply a flat piece of plastic or carton.
 

Get your own Havaianas

And that's it! I hope this Havaianas flip flops review gave you a better idea of whether these flip flops are for you as well. If you want to get your own Havaianas flip flops, you can find them here.
 

Pin for later

Havaianas flip flops are an unmissable summer item and make for great travel slippers. Click to read my Havaianas review, includings tips on sizing and more
 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

  • this Havaianas espadrilles review
  • this list of my travel gear
  • these other travel gear reviews

 

Havaianas offered me these flip flops and sandals to review.

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Posted in: Travel gear reviews

Your Thoughts

  1. Morin says

    I love Havaianas!!! I go everywhere with flipflops and just bought my purple pair in Buenos Aires..

    Reply
    • Sofie says

      Cool! Which other colors do you have?:)

      Reply
  2. Deia @ Nomad Wallet says

    I love how many different colors there are with Havaianas, but they hurt my feet. Maybe my feet are weird, but Havaianas rub the space between my toes raw. Was a sad day when I had to give them up.

    Reply
    • Sofie says

      Auwch, that doesn’t’ sound good:/ I’ve had that with a lot of flip flops, but not with Havaianas.
      Have you tried out different models?

      Reply
    • Mike says

      Flip the strap over and take a look at it…Often times there is moulding flash on the straps from where the two halves of the strap moulds fit together. This flash can very very sharp (and super annoying). On some of my Havianas I have had to shave it off with a very sharp knife. That usually stops the annoying pinching feeling.
      Another neat “fix” to prevent the toe strap from ever popping out (they do that easily, especially the thinner models) is to buy a pack of split nylon washers (at the hardware store) the same size or just a bit wider than the toe plug. Quiksilver does that with their flip flops and I’ve never had a pair of their sandals fall apart. As Havianas age the sole at the front thins and they get too loose at the toe…adding a couple more of these washers tightens it like magic.

      Reply
      • Sofie says

        Good tips! Luckily, I’ve never experienced any of these issues myself but I don’t usually wear my Havaianas for heavy walking.

        Reply
  3. Morin says

    Ohh thats my only pair, But I think I’ll buy another one in pink:)

    Reply
    • Sofie says

      Hahaha, you’re the opposite of me: I alwasy go for the most basic colors:)

      Reply
  4. Bill says

    Havaianas are awsome. I wear tight shoes for work. When I get home throw my running shoes off put havaianas thongs on go for a long walk. Feet feel better when I get home

    Reply
    • Sofie says

      Let those toes air!:D

      Reply
  5. Mike says

    Awesomely comfortable and unbelievably durable for flip flops… Wore mine hiking up a volcano in Greece. Great cushion walking over the jagged rocks and good grip to climb. It was a very hot day, the rock was all black and the ground was very hot, both from the sun and the heat coming from ground. So hot that if my foot touched the rock it would burn. Only one other guy and I were wearing Havianas. Lots of folks looked at us kind of funny. Would not have been fun if I had lost a flop or if they broke. These things take you pretty much anywhere.

    Reply
    • Sofie says

      Whoa! I have to say I’d never wear them up a volcano, but this proves that you can :D

      Reply
      • Mike says

        They actually stood up really well. There isn’t any actual molten lava to deal with, just very sharp jagged rocks, prickly bushes and very hot rocks (due to both the Mediterranean sun shining on them and the heat from the ground). I got a couple of blistered toes and heels if my feet slid off and touched the rocks for any length of time…hot feet! I think I was way more comfy than people who had hiking boots and socks on in that heat though.

        Reply
      • Mike says

        Actually I’m not sure which was the worse place to wear them…the volcano hike or the walk back to the hotel in the afternoon heat. They have a strange way of making pavement there, where they spread thick layers of tar and then crush rocks into it…In the afternoon heat the tar reliquifies. it likes to stick to flip flops soles. Walking barefoot on that was out of the question (I tried…Yeoowch!) and the soles sank quite a bit into the surface as I walked…

        Reply
        • Sofie says

          Oh dear!

          Reply
  6. Luke Hughes says

    The havaianas company as a whole is awful, they repeatedly told me I was not in when delivering on then refused to refund. I had to refund it via my bank and ended u reporting them to trading standards for breach of distance selling law. AVOID this company.

    Reply
    • Sofie says

      Hey Luke,

      I’m sorry you had a bad experience with them. Do you know which shipping company you used? Might also be that the driver handed it over to someone else and is afraid to tell. I’ve only had positive experiences with them.

      Reply
  7. Evan says

    I love havaianas, but tend to go for the slim strap flip-flops, because for some reason the thicker strap flip-flops rub off on my feet and leave rashes on top where the strap goes across ( has that happened with anyone else? ). Slim strap havaianas are the best and I can where them all day long and still be comfortable in them. They are cute and comfy, so what’s not to love? I recommend the slim strap havaiana flip-flops! :)

    Reply
  8. Catherine says

    I’m a UK 3 I got a 35/36 wich should of been a 3 but way to big can anyone tell me what size I should get please

    Reply
    • Sofie says

      hey Catherine,
      I wear European sizes so best to just use Google to find the right conversion :-)

      Reply
  9. Han says

    I thought Havaianas had Brazillian sizes, which are a size smaller than European. So if you are a 37 European, you should get a 36 in Havaianas, or in this case, a 35/36 which would equate the 36/37 European…..I thought the flip flops ooked a big in the first pic you posted,…

    Reply
    • Sofie says

      Hmm that is possible. I’ve never looked into it! I do think their website lists conversions to EU sizes too.

      Reply
  10. Tiffney says

    My favorite flip flops! I have them in white, black (x2), navy crystal, navy/American flag, grey/silver, grey/pink, off-white/gold, comic book/red and blue and white stripes/yellow…lol. I have so many because I live oceanfront. I love their comfort, how long they last and most importantly, how easy they are to clean up after the beach!

    Reply
    • Sofie says

      I love it! It’s so nice when you find a brand you like and can just stick with.

      Reply

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