'I've had $5 thongs from Kmart last longer': Popular Havaianas flip-flops slammed in online reviews after straps snap and footwear 'fall apart'

  • Customers claim Havaianas thongs are snapping at unprecedented rates
  • Dozens flooded company's Australian Facebook page to complain
  • They believe the reliable brand's quality has nosedived in past two years
  • Claim pairs break in a few months or less and used to last for years 

By Nic White For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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