For more than 55 years Havaianas have been the trendiest and most reliable thongs – with a hefty up to $50 price tag to match.
But loyal customers are turning on the Australian beach icon as the rubber footwear appear to be failing in record numbers.
The Brazilian-made thongs are the world’s most popular with 150 million sold every year, built on a reputation for being lost before they broke.
Hopping mad Australian customers claim the reliable Havaianas flip-flops are breaking after only a few weeks when they used to last forever
They flooded the company’s Facebook page with complaints about snapped and unplugged straps
Dozens of hopping mad flip-flop fans flooded the manufacturer’s Australian Facebook page to claim an alarming drop in quality meant they snapped in just a few weeks.
‘I’ve always loved Havianas but have noticed the quality of them have become quite poor,’ one wrote.
‘I’ve bought two pairs in the last 6 months and both have snapped in the same place. I’ve had a $5 pair of thongs from Kmart that have lasted longer.’
‘Having shelled out $60 for the last pair that lasted all of 2 months, I’m too embarrassed to keep going back to the surf shop for a replacement,’ another wrote.
‘I’m really disappointed that the cost of your thongs have gone through the roof but the quality has taken a massive dive,’ a longtime customer wrote.
Numerous repeat customers claimed multiple pairs broke in a short space of time, and they had finally had enough of replacing them.
The iconic 54-year-old brand built its reputation on durability, with an up to $50 price tag to match
But longtime buyers claim quality has nosedived in the past two years after half a century of reliability
‘I have had 3 pairs all snap in the same place over the last year. When I’m paying $40+ for a pair of thongs I expect them to last longer than a few months,’ one wrote.
‘[They cost] $40 a pair every time they break. And I mean 8 pairs in 2 years. I pay $40 a pair thinking I’m getting good quality thong,’ another wrote.
‘I’ve had Havaians for years I’m talking 10 to 12 years and in the last 2 years the quality has gone down hill this year alone I’ve had 3 pairs [break],’ a third wrote.
The complaints were all lodged over the past 18 months and many of the disgruntled customers insisted the beloved flip-flops weren’t what they used to be.
Havianas are ‘crafted from a top secret, premium Brazilian rubber formula’, according to the company, but many wonder if that formula has changed.
The company offers a six-month warranty if buyers hang on to their receipts, but many were so used to them lasting forever they didn’t.
Numerous repeat customers claimed multiple pairs broke in a short space of time, and they had finally had enough of replacing them
Havianas are ‘crafted from a top secret, premium Brazilian rubber formula’, according to the company, but many wonder if that formula has changed
‘We stand by the quality of Havaianas and as such offer a six-month warranty on all Havaianas products with proof of purchase,’ it’s website pridefully reads.
The company declined to officially comment, but its social media team indicated there was a big spike in complaints.
‘Please note customer service has been inundated with enquiries and will endeavour to resolve your enquiry within a timely manner, thank you again for your patience and understanding,’ they replied to a customer earlier this year.
They also denied a change in manufacturing processes or a drop in quality
‘The quality hasn’t changed, it has remained the same the whole time we have been in the industry. Thanks,’ they wrote in February.