You might be here because you’re interested in getting a new pair of flip flops, and you’ve narrowed your search down to Havaianas flip flops and Ipanema flip flops and you can’t decide between the two, or just because you like learning about your favourite brands. But what is the difference between these two?
We get asked this question a lot because at first glance they appear to be very similar. We’re here to compare both brands and tell you everything you need to know about them.
Both Havaianas and Ipanema come from similar parts of Brazil, and they both sell millions of pairs of flip flops every year, but they are not the same. First, let’s look at their history!
Havaianas' History
First created in Brazil in 1962 by Robert Fraser, the name Havaianas is derived from the Portuguese word for Hawaiians. Havaianas were the first rubber flip flops to be patented, thus Havaianas are the inventors of the flip flop as we know it today. Based on the traditional Japanese Zori sandals, which were made of rice straw, you can find the rice grain pattern on all Havaianas flip flops, a distinctive mark of the brand’s authenticity.
Ipanema's History
In 1971, brothers Pedro and Alexandre Grendene used their unique moulding technology to create fashion footwear that reflected the Brazilian spirit - vibrant, bold and brightly coloured. The footbed of the flip flops they created was moulded with the unique pattern of the Ipanema beach sidewalk.
The Materials
One of the main differences between Havaianas and Ipanema flip flops are the materials used to manufacture them. Because they’re so different, people often have a strong preference over which one they prefer.
Ipanema flip flops are made from PVC, which feels softer underfoot and allows for the sole to have an anatomical shape for added comfort and support.
Havaianas are made from rubber, which makes them feel stiffer than Ipanema at first, but given a bit of use, they will ease in and very quickly become just as comfortable. The other difference is that rubber is more resistant to odours and should recover quicker from compression than PVC.
The Styles
Both brands have developed a strong presence with their different styles over the years, and they both offer a wide range of designs and patterns to suit both men and women, although Havaianas offers a bigger range of men’s flip flops than Ipanema.
Havaianas Styles
At first, all Havaianas featured white insoles with coloured outsoles and straps. The original colourway, the traditional white and blue, is still available today! Because of Havaianas’ simplicity and low price, nearly everyone in Brazil owned a pair, and they were swiftly added to the country’s list of fundamental products to control inflation just like rice and beans.
A 90s’ fashion trend involved inverting the sole to make the coloured outsole face upwards, creating the appearance of a monochrome sandal. In response, Havaianas released a new line of eight one-colour sandals called Havaianas Top in 1994 and got the attention of celebrities.
Then came the 1998 World Cup, and Havaianas brought out the Brazil Logo, which features a Brazilian flag icon on the strap. It became one of their game-changing designs despite the Brazilian team losing the championship.
Styles like the Top Mix came about when the brand noted that customers were buying 2 pairs to mix and match the straps and footbeds, creating unique colourways. The Top Mix now it’s one of their most popular lines.
The Slim flip flops style is the largest family in the Havaianas range. They are designed specifically with women in mind, and have a narrower footbed with thinner straps for minimal tan lines!
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Havaianas offer a huge range of flip flops fit for any taste - prints, glitter, metallics, flatforms, vibrant colours and even Swarovski charms. Shop the Havaianas flip flops range to find your favourite.
Ipanema’s Styles
Ipanema is a well-known brand for its unique designs with new shapes and styles presented each season, always bold and colourful. Ipanema uses unique moulding techniques to create distinctive strap designs such as the Ipanema Elegance Soft, and 3D strap designs with bold charms, decorative beading and glittery finishes like the Ipanema Maxi Heart, Charm Sandals and Glitter Sandals.
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Ipanema flip flops boast vibrant colourways, which allow you to show off your personality, like the Ipanema Anatomic Colours.
We offer a fantastic range of Ipanema sandals and flip flops here on FlipFlopShop.
How much do they cost?
A simple pair of Havaianas or Ipanema flip flops can start out at around £15, but the price can go up to £25-30 if you want to add a touch of bling with metallic straps, glitter, prints or wedge heels, and a pair of Swaroski Havaianas can set you back as much as £175, but there’s definitely something for everyone in both ranges!
