How did jandals inspired by Japan and named after an American archipelago become ICONIC with Brazil?

It all began in 1962 when Alpargatas, one of the most important Brazilian footwear companies, concluded that the zori sandal could be successful in Brazil.

That’s right. Havaianas were inspired by the zori, the traditional Japanese sandal made with rice-straw. That’s why they have light-colored insoles, dark straps and a texture resembling grains of rice. Essentially, Havaianas are a tribute to these age-old Japanese sandals.

The name comes from Hawaii. The spirit and lifestyle of those islands are embodied by this simple, comfortable and hip jandal.

Barely one year after the launch, the brand had already sold more than a thousand pairs per day.

But it was in the 90s that Havaianas started really flying off the shelves to become a part of Brazilian culture forever.

And do you know who set the new trend? Consumers themselves. Suddenly, everybody started flipping the soles over, so the dark side would face upward. This became a huge fad in Brazil and inspired Alpargatas to launch Havaianas Top, featuring a wide range of vibrant new colors.

By then, you couldn’t find a person in Brazil who didn’t wear Havaianas. They were so essential they became a staple item and even an index for measuring inflation rates.

Now, over ten years later, the success of this 100% Brazilian jandal has crossed the oceans and found its way to the beaches and sidewalks of Europe, Australia and the U.S. And believe it or not, they became an instant hit even in Japan, the birthplace of the zori. So, the land of samba and soccer was, once again, charming the world with its feet.

Who could imagine, back in 1962, that those rubber jandals would someday sell more than 3 billion pairs? And who would’ve thought that Havaianas, as simple as they are, would teach the world a little about the art of being Brazilian? Whoever slips on a pair of Havaianas immediately learns that life can be light-hearted, free, joyous, sensual and uncomplicated.