Shoe trends are usually met with excitement in the fashion world. From ballet flats and jelly shoes to the return of ’90s-inspired wedge shoes, there is no shortage of styles that celebrities and fashion enthusiasts are eager to embrace. But one new trend spotted during Copenhagen Fashion Week has left the internet seriously divided.
Havaianas, the popular flip-flop brand whose global ambassador and face is Gigi Hadid, debuted its Havaianas Kitten Heel on the Studio Constance Spring 2027 runway.
The unusual rubber shoe features a distinctive toe cap that covers only the big toe, creating a look that some social media users compared to everything from bunion surgery to an eye patch. The low heel measures around two inches and features Havaianas’ signature rubber insole. The style is currently available in black, off-white and vibrant green.
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The Internet Reacts To Havaianas’ Kitten Heels
On the runway, models styled the shoes with mini dresses and leather jackets, while fashion enthusiasts on social media paired them with more casual outfits, including button-down shirts and capri pants.
Although fashion fans often appreciate trends that push boundaries and experiment with unconventional designs, many social media users were far from impressed by the latest Havaianas creation.
“Why it look like you got bunion surgery,” one person wrote.
Another said, “These are horrific. Other than that, I hate it.”
“It’s giving ingrown toenail surgery,” another commented.
Another asked, “I’m worried about designers.”
“It’s like an eye patch for ur big toe,” one person wrote.
Another user wasn’t holding back, saying, “Im convinced that fashion designers and directors sit around in meetings trying to come up with the most ugliest trend ideas to see how dumb fashion followers are.”
“This may be the worst thing to happen to 2026. And that’s saying a lot,” another person said.
Someone else compared the shoes to another controversial footwear trend, writing, “The fashion industry needs to quit gaslighting us. First the split hoof shoe and now this,” referencing the pig’s-hoof-inspired shoes Hailey Bieber has previously been spotted wearing.
“These are the ugliest shoes I’ve seen in a while,” another critic concluded.
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Havaianas Talks About Their Viral Kitten Heel Flip Flops
Maria Fernanda Albuquerque, Havaianas' global vice president of marketing, said the Kitten Heel marks a new creative direction for the brand while staying rooted in its signature Brazilian identity and effortless style.
“The Kitten Heel represents a new design perspective for Havaianas, while remaining true to the ease, authenticity, and Brazilian spirit that have always defined the brand,” Albuquerque said in a statement.
She added that Havaianas has developed a strong connection with Copenhagen Fashion Week in recent seasons, with the brand being embraced naturally by the fashion community.
“We have seen the brand embraced organically by the fashion community, and this felt like the right moment to take that relationship further,” she said.
