Havaianas Debuts Subversive Kitten Heel Collaboration with Studio Constance
As summer’s peak approaches, Havaianas, known for its classic rubber flip-flops, has unveiled a surprising new collaboration with Studio Constance for Spring 2027. The collection features a rubber thong kitten heel with a toe cap covering only the big toe, styled with Studio Constance’s intellectually sexy, almost grunge riffs on elevated basics.
A Return to Exposed Toes
This design builds upon Havaianas’ signature dividing strap shape, incorporating a small asymmetric heel and bulbous molded toe. The shoe debuted on the Copenhagen Fashion Week runway alongside frilled and panelled jorts, sheer pannier dresses, and track jackets with bubbling hems. It presents a sleek, technical, and almost sporty aesthetic.
The Trend Continues
The Havaianas kitten heel is available in green, black, and off-white, joining a broader trend of freaky footwear gaining mainstream acceptance. Brands like Le Monde Beryl, Paloma Wool, and Toteme have embraced the sleek silhouette, alongside Dries Van Noten and Tory Burch, who have championed covered-toe sandals and heels with sculptural and cut-out designs. Recent examples include Margiela tabi flats, Nike Air Rifts (with a Skims collaboration), and Chanel’s half-shoes.
Recent Innovations
Beyond Havaianas, brands have experimented with toe-exposing footwear, including Wardrobe NYC’s collaboration with H&M featuring toe-exposing knee-high boots, and Vibram’s technical five-finger shoes. Camper’s Kobarah heels and Julie Kegels thong socks are also popular choices. Havaianas has previously collaborated with Jean Paul Gaultier, Saint Laurent, and Gimaguas, with the latter’s eyelet-studded flip-flop boots earning the title of Lyst’s hottest product in 2025.
Personal Style
The Havaianas kitten heel feels like a step toward a more sophisticated “quiet weirdo” within the current footwear landscape. The author, who favors tabis and Nike Rifts, also incorporates plum-colored Julie Kegels thong socks with ballet flats and Camper’s mutant rubber Kobarah heels for summer evenings.