Last October, I bought a pair of Havaianas Slim in graphite. It was my third Havaianas pair, the first being a lawn green Top, and the second a white Trip. Anyway, the Slim instantly became my favorite, so I wore it everyday. I even wore it at work when I wasn’t supposed to. Six months later though, I almost fainted when the strap of the right pair snapped. I couldn’t believe my eyes because I used to think that all Havaianas slippers were supposed to last at least two years. At least, the first two pairs I owned did.
I am a slipper person in the same way Imelda Marcos is a shoe person. Okay, that’s exaggerated. But I am really more comfortable wearing slippers. You see, I have wide feet. And local shoe brands do not have width options at all. Imported brands do have width options but the prices are too steep for me. Not to mention that most of the comfortable styles don’t look very fashionable.
So, I still want a pair of slippers as a replacement for the Havaianas Slim. Before going to the mall two weeks ago, I was thinking of getting another Havaianas pair (at the time, I wanted a metallic Top). At the mall though, I saw Dupé and I had second thoughts. Then there was Ipanema. And the rest was history.
According to the saleslady who assisted me, Ipanema slippers aren’t made of rubber. They’re made of PVC plastic. You know, the stuff used for making pipes. At the time, I was convinced that it’s more durable than Havaianas. So, I bought a pair called Anatômica. The feel is definitely different from when I’m wearing Havaianas. Ipanema sort of “hugs” your soles. They have nicks that are tailored to the shape of a foot, unlike Havaianas, which are flat.
And since Ipanema also supports environmental causes, their sandals seem even more beautiful than any other brands.
Your blog is interesting!
Keep up the good work!
my point of view… Havainas is much more better.. this is similar to compare a coke with pepsi..
Pvc is a cheap material and is the same material that is used to make chinese shoes.. otherwise.. Ipanema are more expensive than havainas.. Havainas are made of expanded rubber.. this material do not heat when you are in a sunny place or a beach..
I’m a guy who’s worn Havaiana Tops for many years, and before that, Japanese zoris.
Interesting what you said about the straps on Havaianas breaking prematurely. I’ve had the same experience. I’ve noticed a definite drop in Havaianas quality control. The straps sometimes break less than a year after purchase. The footbeds also come out of the box badly warped, and never flatten out. Overall, they look more roughly finished than they used to ten years ago.
That finally forced me to switch to Ipanemas. I just ordered three pairs online. I hope they will be better in both respects.
What has been your experience with Ipanemas? Are they more durable? I certainly hope so.
Men’s models in most brands other than Havaianas and Ipanemas look unbearably ugly. So I’m hoping the Ipanemas will work out.
Hi Bevin! Sorry it took me 1,247 days to write you back. My Ipanemas are awesome. I mostly wear Fitflops now when I’m not in office shoes but I’ve kept a pair of Ipanemas. It’s still good as new after being worn several times. I got rid of most of my Havaianas and kept only the first 2 pairs I owned. You are so right that the more recent Havs are less durable. Hope your Ipanemaa are serving you well.
I’ve had the exact same experience.
I’ve switched from Havaianas to Ipanemas.
The quality control on Ipanemas is clearly superior.
Unless Ipanemas go downhill and Havaianas simultaneously improve, I won’t be going back.
Im wearing a ipanema wedge and its perfect!!! The pruce is worth….