Summary:
- Havaianas partners with Zellerfeld to produce limited 3D-printed flip flops
- Design combines classic flip flop shape with complex lattice structure printed as single unit
- Products launch September 2025 through on-demand manufacturing
The Brazilian flip flop brand Havaianas has joined forces with experimental footwear company Zellerfeld to create its first 3D-printed sandals. The collaboration marks Havaianas' entry into additive manufacturing technology.
The partnership produces flip flops that maintain the traditional silhouette while incorporating Zellerfeld's signature open-lattice construction. Each sandal prints as one complete piece, including the sole and strap components. Traditional manufacturing methods cannot achieve this level of structural complexity.
The design features a textured surface throughout the lattice framework. Engineers added a curved section at the forefoot to provide additional structural support. This architectural approach creates a skeletal appearance that differs significantly from conventional flip flop construction.
Zellerfeld's additive manufacturing process allows for the creation of internal geometries impossible with molding techniques. The lattice structure reduces material usage while maintaining durability standards. Each pair prints to order, eliminating the need for inventory storage.
The collaboration plans to offer multiple colorways inspired by Havaianas' traditional palette. The color options will reflect the brand's Brazilian heritage while accommodating Zellerfeld's technical printing capabilities.
Manufacturing occurs on-demand, meaning production begins only after order placement. This approach reduces waste and allows for customization options not available through mass production methods.
The Havaianas x Zellerfeld flip flops become available in September 2025. Distribution will occur through select channels, with quantities limited by production capacity rather than traditional inventory constraints.
The project represents Havaianas' first venture into 3D printing technology. For Zellerfeld, the partnership expands their footwear portfolio beyond athletic and fashion-forward designs into everyday casual wear.
Both companies view the collaboration as an exploration of how traditional footwear categories adapt to modern manufacturing technologies. The project tests consumer acceptance of 3D-printed casual footwear in a mainstream market segment.
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Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.