Let's be honest, flip-flops haven't always topped the fashion charts. Usually confined to holiday wardrobes, they still carry a hint of souvenir shop stigma. Lately, though, I've been reconsidering the practical summer staple. Reworked for a more luxe vibe, flip-flops suddenly feel fashion-forward and chic. While we've been pining after The Row's flip-flops recently, my personal favourite reinvention of the sandal comes with a little kitten heel. Marrying practicality with style, heeled flip-flops feel like a nostalgic nod to early 2000s fashion, once advocated by the likes of Paris Hilton and Christina Aguilera. For 2025, the style has firmly reclaimed its cult status, and it's all thanks to one stand-out pair from Toteme.
Recently spotted on Hailey Bieber, the Toteme Leather Thong Sandals have been on the radar of fashion’s best-dressed for some time now. Crafted from soft leather with a slightly square toe, they’ve become a go-to for balmy summer months, when trainers feel too stuffy. But this isn’t the beauty mogul’s first rodeo – she’s been seen in these kitten heels on multiple occasions, from the fields of Coachella to the streets of New York City. During the latter, she styled them with noughties-style capri pants in a trendy (yet timeless) polka dot print.
Totemewww.mytheresa.com
These chic, barely-there heeled flip-flops are an elevated addition (both literally and figuratively) to any shoe collection, complete with padded insoles for comfort that lasts from desk to drinks (or breakfast by the pool to alfresco dinners by the sea).
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Bieber has become enamoured with the Toteme sandals, given the longstanding celebrity devotion to the heeled flip-flop. Other stylish celebrities, including Kaia Gerber, Zoë Kravitz, and Bella Hadid have all been spotted in the elevated flip-flop silhouette far too often for it not to be a trend for the summer. And it's not just kitten-heeled flip-flops gaining popularity. Back in April, Miley Cyrus wore a stilettoed pair while in New York.
Designers, too, have taken note. In September last year, the Spring Summer 2025 runways saw Chemena Kamali revive Y2K-style jelly flip flops at Chloé with a short heel, while Miu Miu offered a bolder take with graphic heeled versions featuring razor-sharp lines. It’s only fitting that the flip-flop has resurfaced once again, proving that no trend ever truly disappears; it just comes back in new and unexpected ways.
If you're looking to dip your toe (ahem) into the trend, miraculously Bieber’s Toteme thong sandals are still in stock. There's also plenty of high street alternatives generating equal hype, proving heeled flip-flops can be executed just as well at a more affordable price point. Brands like COS, Steve Madden, and celeb-approved Reformation immediately come to mind, with the latter's influencer-favourite Sophie sandal available in four shades (including a striking scarlet red) – perfect for adding a pop of colour to your shoe collection this season. The best part? Some options won’t set you back hundreds.
Shop: The Best Heeled Flip-Flop Sandals
Totemewww.mytheresa.com
The buttery suede version of the Toteme sandal is one to have on your radar. It's the perfect minimalist shoe to incorporate into your footwear rotation now that summer has officially begun.
Totemewww.mytheresa.com
Alternatively, you can shop this gorgeous olive colour, crafted with lizard-effect leather that every cool-girl would approve of. Simply add jorts and a baby-tee to fully lean into the Y2K vibes.
Reformationwww.thereformation.com
Reformation’s Sophie Sandals are a sleek, minimalist take on the Y2K thong heel, featuring a modern square toe and a slender kitten heel that adds a touch of polish.
Nextwww.next.co.uk
These incredibly comfortable heels are great if you're planning on wearing them for a city stroll on holiday. Made in a faux croc print material and featuring subtle knot detailing, they're perfect for adding a trendy finish to your practical staples.
COSwww.cos.com
COS knows a thing or two about replicating popular trends, and their crossover kitten heels featuring a double strap detail for a contemporary twist, are no exception,
H&Mwww2.hm.com
High street hero H&M offers a few low-heel kitten sandals, but our favourite has to be this snake skin iteration, featuring a square toe edge strikingly similar to Toteme’s original pair.
www.marksandspencer.com
M&S’ heel offering is particularly extensive, so it was no surprise to find a chic pair of on-trend kitten heel sandals in their shoe section. The contrasting footbeds add a unique finish to this pair.
Steve Madden
Steve Madden’s Tracie sandal is a stylish alternative to Toteme’s prototype, featuring a leather upper in a croc print design. These are available in black and chestnut suede, with the latter pairing perfectly with a denim two-piece for a chic Canadian tuxedo look.
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
Free People’s Dollie sandals are a classic take on this celebrity favourite, blending laid-back style with a touch of polished sophistication.
Emma Richardson is a fashion commerce writer for Grazia. She was previously a fashion and beauty commerce writer for Heat and Closer, and has contributed digital content for a variety of lifestyle brands. Emma finds much of her inspiration in celebrity style, with Sienna Miller often being a major influence, and loves a pair of ballet pumps and a trusted trench coat.