Heeled flip flops: the unusual shoe we're all going to be wearing this summer

Flip flops have been a fashion faux-pas for the best part of a decade.

But, last year, there was a hint of a comeback when the holiday-perfect sandal was spotted on the feet of several street style stars during Copenhagen Fashion Week.

While fashion insiders debated about whether the rubber soled shoe deserved a place in our wardrobe, designers were busy putting a modern twist on the silhouette, taking inspiration from the '90s to create heeled flip flops.

From trendsetting Yeezy to Instagrammable Staud, the retro design has got some pretty powerful sartorial backers.

Yeezy

Kanye West's brand, Yeezy, has been responsible for its fair share of bizarre shoe trends: from clear plastic stilettoes to too-small slides. So, it comes as no surprise that the label was one of the first adopters of the heeled flip flop.

Ultimate influencer Kim Kardashian was first seen in the shoe back in March 2018. Since then, Yeezy has given the shoe a variety of fabric finishes from season 7's fleeced thong sandals to the current season 8 PVC straps.

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Season 8 thong sandals | £866 by Yeezy | Shop them here

Staud

Instagram favourite Staud recently released a shoe collection chock-full of heeled flip flops. Of the four styles available, the mule is the one to go for. Complete with a knotted thong toe and sculptural heel, the Keith sandals are available in statement blue suede, or a stylish croc embossed finish in black, brown and cream.

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Keith Croc-Effect Leather Mules | £245 by Staud | Shop them here

Simon Miller

Adding a patent shine to the sandal is Simon Miller, who has created two 'Beep' designs.

Sticking mostly to the classic flip flop silhouette, the US shoe label has added a contrasting modern sculptural 45mm acrylic heel. The glossy patent-leather design comes in black or statement toffee with purple accents.

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Deep Patent Leather Sandals | £350 by Simon Miller | Shop them here

Zara

Zara has dived feet first into the world of heeled flip flops with two versions of the shoe. Take your pick from a gladiator-inspired black sandal with wrap around straps and transparent heels; or an unmissable neon yellow pair.

With prices starting at £29.99, they're the perfect style solution for those who just want to dip their toes into the trend.

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Neon Kitten Heel Sandals | £29.99 from Zara | Shop them here