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Keeping in mind that flip-flops would the best footwear choice to beat the heat in the Aloha state and lighten my luggage for the five-day trip, I needed a pair of flip-flops that would be versatile and comfortable enough to be the only shoes in my carry-on luggagea serious challenge for a sneakerhead. Thankfully (and surprisingly), I didnt have to look too hard to find my match.
My search began and ended with Havaianas , the brand that put flip-flops on the map back in 1962. For 57 years, the Brazilian brands classic rubber flip-flops have been a top-selling sandal, but they offer much more than just one affordable style. While browsing the immense offerings on Havaianas.com , one pair in particular stood out. Comfort, durability, and great style were all important factors I kept in mind while selecting the perfect pair of flip-flops for every activity on my trip and this leather-strap option seemed like a total winner.
Just like when youre picking out your go-to sneakers for the season, comfort is of the upmost importance. Not all footbeds are created equal, so when I saw that these bad boys had dual-density rubber soles, I was pretty sure these might have the perfect amount of cushion to protect my feet on the sands of Wakiki beach and Honolulus city streets. But what I found truly surprising was the next-level comfort I felt while wearing these flip-flops on a 30-minute hike on Oahus North Shore . The thick sole protected the bottom of my feet from the rocky terrain, while the crazy-soft upper layer molded to the shape of my feet. For a guy who is use to the high-quality support of sneakers, this style is your best bet for maximum comfort.
If youre wondering how my flip-flops held up after the moderately difficult hike, I can honestly say they looked exactly the same after rinsing off dirt from the trail. How these Havaianas didnt fall apart Ill never know, but I was able to wear them out to dinner that evening without worrying about a flip-flop malfunction.
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Part of what makes these comfortable sandals a genius choice for your next vacation is their day-to-night appeal. Genuine leather straps elevate the flip-flop style to dress up your board shorts to hit the beach bar, but also provide a relaxed vibe to your linen trousers for a night on the town. While most leather sandals on the market can cost as much as your everyday sneakers, these Havaianas retail for a reasonable price of $48 .
Though I was happy to return home to my precious well-curated sneaker collection, Im still in shock that my feet were so comfortable during countless hours of walking around the city of Honolulu. Have I really misjudged flip-flops all this time? While Im sure theres more than one great pair of flip-flops on the market, these affordable and comfortable Havaianas were a game changer that let me enjoy every minute of my vacation, while saving some extra bucks to spend on frozen cocktails. Maholo, Havaianas.