2025 is officially the year of the hybrid shoe. From sneakerina styles to flats with horsebit and corset lace-up details, footwear has taken a mix-and-match turn. But the latest arrival is the most seasonally-appropriate yet, and given a recent co-sign by Miley Cyrus, the heeled flip-flop is the shoe to invest in this summer.
On an outing in New York on Thursday, Cyrus stepped out in a full Alaïa look, making a case for sleek summer minimalism. She wore a black knitted two-piece with a cult east-west shoulder bag and skinny sunglasses. But her choice of footwear was the standout: a towering pair of black patent thong heels — equal parts flip-flop and stiletto — signalling an evolution of the humble beach shoe.
The flat, rubber-soled version of the flip-flop has been having a moment over the past few summers. Thanks to luxury brands like The Row, Chanel, Hermès and Miu Miu debuted their own luxurious versions as part of the SS24 collections — not to mention style nods from It-girls like the Hadid sisters, Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski — old school brands like Havaianas experienced a surge in popularity. But the latest interaction sees the casual poolside shoe get a smarter, more polished makeover.
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And while the shoes are better suited to pounding the streets than they are sinking in the sand, you’ll be surprised at how versatile the heeled flip-flop actually is. As great with a pair of baggy jeans and a tank top as they are with a gauzy summer dress or tailored shorts, the shoe is set to become your new summer hero. As seen on the SS25 runway, this shape-shifting shoe is available in a spectrum of silhouettes — from Y2K-style wedges and nostalgic platforms to natty kitten heels and pencil-thin stilettos.
At Miu Miu, the heeled flip-flop was paired with open-toe half socks, mid-length skirts and equally early 2000s-inspired chain belts. Over at Chloé, a softer, more bohemian mood prevailed: translucent jelly thong sandals were detailed with dainty ankle straps and styled with frothy, chiffon dresses. Maximilian Davis’ ode to ballet at Ferragamo saw the thong heel was styled with satin ribbons that climbed up the calf in a delicate lattice (a look easily replicable after a trip to your local haberdashery).
Fear not, minimalist purists haven’t been left out. Brands like The Row, Toteme, and Jil Sander offered ultra-refined takes: low kitten heels, smooth leather straps and quiet luxury in neutral palettes — perfect for stepping from beach to city brunch.
Off the runway, the street style crowd embraced the trend with incidental pairings: belted trench coats, ballooning harem trousers (also courtesy of Alaïa), slouchy suiting and capri trousers are all fair game.
So, whether you’re heading to a summer party or running errands in town, consider slipping into one of this season’s most surprising must-haves. Trust Miley — your feet will thank you.
The heeled flip flops to shop now
Charles & Keith V-Strap Slant-Heel Thong Mules - White
Chloé Jelly Thong Sandals
M&S Kitten Heel Toe Thong Sandals
Toteme Suede Thong Sandals
Reformation Sophie Heeled Sandal
Miu Miu Leather Thong Sandals
H&M Heeled Flip Flops
Gianvito Rossi Shanti Embellished Leather Sandals
Ayede Leather Leigh Heeled Sandals
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