Advertisement

This Controversial Sandal From the '90s Is Back, and Supermodels Are Already Wearing It

The Thong Sandal Is Back
The Thong Sandal Is Back

MEGA/Getty Images

The word "thong" stirs up all kinds of emotions. Maybe you're reminded of the first time you bought a pair of thong underwear (and felt like you entered a new chapter of adulthood), or maybe it brings to mind those strange-looking thong pants that are pretty much blowing up right now (weird, we know). Whatever feelings the strappy situation brings out in you, be prepared to experience it all the more often this summer, because the thong is back.

The most understated of all the thong trends out there is its sandal form, usually referred to as flip-flops. People love to hate them, and pros definitely urge against wearing them for long walks. But there's no denying the slip-on is ideal for pool days and beach hangouts. While the classic flip-flop isn't necessarily deemed a fashion shoe, its high-heeled cousin, which we're calling thong heel sandals, is as fashionable as a slide gets.

The Thong Sandal Is Back
The Thong Sandal Is Back

MEGA/Getty Images

Supermodels have been wearing thong heel sandals for years, but we can tell they're back with a vengeance this summer. We've already seen Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley sport the elevated thong this year. Other celebs fans include Kate Hudson, Kim Kardashian, and Katie Holmes, and it's only a matter of time until that list grows.

2021 fashion shoes
2021 fashion shoes

Courtesy

Shop now: $40 (Originally $60); amazon.com

RELATED: Sorry, Birkenstocks: There's a New Ugly Sandal Taking Over Hollywood

The thong heel is easy to wear. The slip-on design that makes it easy to put on and take off, and it looks 10-times more elevated than regular flip-flops because of the added heel. Often, the styles are also rendered in buttery leather, adding to its elevation, though sometimes, they're also made from cool fabrics like these from Frankies Bikinis that have a super soft terry cloth upper.

The thong heel goes with everything you could possibly want to wear this summer. If you're spending the warm months in bodycon dresses, think about pairing it with a shoe like this. Cut-off denim? The thong heel works perfectly with the casual bottoms. Cool flares? You bet. Midi skirts. Basically, the thong heel will add just the right amount of '90s edge to anything you wear.

If you're ready to get in on the thong trend, shop our favorite thong heel sandal below.

2021 fashion shoes
2021 fashion shoes

Courtesy

Shop now: $195; nordstrom.com

2021 fashion shoes
2021 fashion shoes

Courtesy

Shop now: $60; nordstrom.com

2021 fashion shoes
2021 fashion shoes

Courtesy

Shop now: $30; target.com

2021 fashion shoes
2021 fashion shoes

Courtesy

Shop now: $115; nordstrom.com

2021 fashion shoes
2021 fashion shoes

Courtesy

Shop now: $40; amazon.com

2021 fashion shoes
2021 fashion shoes

Courtesy

Shop now: $55 (Originally $79); nordstrom.com

2021 fashion shoes
2021 fashion shoes

Courtesy

Shop now: $57 (Originally $80); zappos.com

2021 fashion shoes
2021 fashion shoes

Courtesy

Shop now: $375; nordstrom.com

2021 fashion shoes
2021 fashion shoes

Courtesy

Shop now: $158; nordstrom.com

2021 fashion shoes
2021 fashion shoes

Courtesy

Shop now: $265; frankiesbikinis.com