Havaianas Launches Subversive Kitten Heel Collaboration

Havaianas has unveiled a new, surprisingly subversive shoe: a rubber kitten heel featuring a toe cap covering only the big toe, debuting at Copenhagen FashionWeek alongside Studio Constance’s collection for spring 2027.

Studio Constance’s Elevated Basics

The design builds upon Havaianas’ classic dividing strap, incorporating a small asymmetric heel and bulbous molded toe. Runway styling featured Studio Constance’s intellectual, grunge-inspired looks, including frilled jorts and sheer pannier dresses.

A Return to Exposed Toes

While Havaianas has previously encouraged toe exposure, this design offers a playful sensuality by concealing the dominant digit. This trend, reminiscent of ‘90s heeled flip-flops, is gaining traction among Fashion enthusiasts, with brands like Le Monde Beryl, Paloma Wool, and Toteme embracing the silhouette.

Beyond Flip-Flops: A Wider Trend

Other designers, including Dries Van Noten, Tory Burch, and Margiela, have explored covered-toe footwear with sculptural and cut-out designs. Even Nike and Chanel have experimented with exposed-toe sandals and half-shoes. Recent collaborations, such as Wardrobe NYC’s H&M collection featuring toe-exposing boots, demonstrate a broader interest in unconventional footwear.

Past Innovations

Havaianas has a history of experimentation, collaborating with Jean Paul Gaultier, Saint Laurent, and Gimaguas, most notably with the eyelet-studded leg warmer flip-flop boots named Lyst’s hottest product of 2025. The kitten heel feels like a step toward a more sophisticated, quieter iteration of the brand’s signature style.