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Hailey Bieber’s Flip-Flop Kitten Heels: The Trend, Her Styling, and How to Shop the Look

Inside Hailey Bieber’s go-to thong kitten heels—the summer’s most-wanted shoe trend—and how to emulate her signature look for less.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Inside Hailey Bieber’s go-to thong kitten heels—the summer’s most-wanted shoe trend—and how to emulate her signature look for less.

Hailey Bieber’s Flip-Flop Kitten Heels: The It Shoe Defining Summer Style

Few celebrities set the tone for seasonal style quite like Hailey Bieber. Summer after summer, her wardrobe choices spark trends and influence how the world dresses—from her obsession with minimalist tanks to the latest hot footwear. This year’s stand-out staple? The flip-flop kitten heel sandal, a modern twist on two classic silhouettes. Hailey’s repeated wear of Totême’s thong-style sandals has cemented both her fashion influence and the style’s status as a must-have item for 2025.

The Origins of the Flip-Flop Kitten Heel Trend
Hailey Bieber’s Approach: Repeat Styling & Wardrobe Staples
Signature Looks: How Hailey Styles Her Heels
13 Inspired Lookalike Styles for Every Budget
Celebrity Influence: Beyond Hailey’s Picks
FAQs

The Origins of the Flip-Flop Kitten Heel Trend

The flip-flop—once associated with casual beach attire—has undergone a luxury-level transformation. This summer, designers reimagined the classic thong sandal, elevating it with minimalist leather, sharp toe shapes, and the fashion-forward addition of a kitten heel. The result is a shoe that bridges comfort, urban polish, and playful nostalgia. Early adopters, like Hailey Bieber, took note and the style quickly moved from runways and Instagram grids to daily wear staples for style leaders everywhere.

Kitten heels (typically 1-2 inches) provide all-day walkability without sacrificing sophistication.
Thong styling is a callback to ’00s fashion, revived with quality materials and sleek lines.
Look for black leather, croc embossing, and square toes as the season’s defining features.

Together, these elements encapsulate the effortless cool that Hailey Bieber brings to every outfit—and explain why the trend has dominated street style and social media throughout the spring and summer seasons.

Hailey Bieber’s Approach: Repeat Styling & Wardrobe Staples

For a celebrity whose post-Rhode sale net worth is estimated well into the hundreds of millions, Hailey’s willingness to outfit repeat stands out in the luxury fashion world. She proves that no one—no matter how famous or wealthy—is immune to the appeal of a good wardrobe staple. The same meticulous attention she gives to her signature Joe’s Jeans tank top shows up all year in her shoe rotation.

Hailey has been photographed at least five times this season in Totême’s black thong kitten heel sandals.
She wears the style everywhere: L.A. sushi dates, NYC outings, errands, and fashion events—showcasing their versatility and her devotion to the trend.
The shoes feature minimal branding, premium materials, and a form that’s both functional for day wear and dressy enough for nights out.
Hailey frequently opts for classic pieces and reuses them, making her wardrobe accessible and relatable for fans.

She’s not just wearing these heels because they’re trendy; she actively builds entire looks around them, mixing budget-friendly staples with high-end accessories and encouraging a smart approach to shopping and personal style.

Signature Looks: How Hailey Bieber Styles Her Heels

Hailey’s styling showcases the flip-flop kitten heels as a foundation for everything from casual to bold ensembles. Here are some of her most memorable outfits featuring the shoes:

Sushi Park Date Night: The minimalist heel shines alongside a white top, lightly cropped tan jacket, and low-rise pants. Accessories—like her favorite Freja Caroline bag and black oval sunglasses—create a relaxed but polished vibe.
NYC Street Style: She incorporates the heels into a monochrome look, pairing them with baggy jeans and staples like boat neck tanks or simple sleeveless tops, embracing the mix-and-match philosophy that has come to define her aesthetic.
Statement Prints & Trend Pairing: Hailey isn’t afraid to mix it up. She’s been spotted in white and black polka dot capri pants, combining two of the season’s most controversial trends. The heels add grounding and elegance to bold patterns, balancing the look.
Wild Prints & High Fashion: At the Business of Beauty Global Forum, she wore a sleeveless cheetah-print minidress from Versace’s Fall 1996 collection, once again anchoring the outfit with black leather kitten heels—this time by Saint Laurent with ruched detailing.

Across these outfits, the heels are never the sole focal point; rather, they complement the whole by seamlessly tying flashy, quirky, or minimalist elements together. Hailey’s repeated use of these shoes signals both their practicality and their status as a wardrobe cornerstone.

13 Inspired Lookalike Styles for Every Budget

While Totême’s original versions retail around $450 and often sell out in core sizes, fans of the look need not despair. Hailey’s embrace of affordable essentials also means there’s a wide range of chic, wallet-friendly options that echo her preferred silhouette, vibe, and materials. Here are the best lookalike thong kitten heels to shop now, many under $100:

LULLASONG Black Kitten Heel Sandals – Minimalist, black leather style that channels genuine Totême spirit for under $40.
ASOS DESIGN Thong Heeled Sandals – On-trend, low-cost pick ideal for summer wardrobes.
Zara Croc-Embossed Thong Heels – Crisp square toe and affordable price point.
Sam Edelman Arina Sandal – Higher quality, mid-priced, trusted fit and comfort.
A New Day Carli Thong Kitten Heel (Target) – Great for mixing and matching on a budget.
Steve Madden Imply Thong Heeled Sandal – Sleek lines and solid construction.
Schutz Maryana Kitten Sandal – Available in multiple finishes; slightly splurgier, excellent for statement looks.
Vince Camuto Kiran Thong Heels – Classic and versatile, with a contemporary edge.
Charles & Keith Croc Thong Sandals – Luxe look without the designer price tag.
Jeffrey Campbell Woven Thong Kitten Heel – Unique woven details for fashion risk-takers.
Dolce Vita Zina Thong Heel – Easy to dress up or down, playful yet refined.
Amazon Essentials Faux Leather Kitten Heels – Grab-and-go for every occasion.
SHEIN Minimalist Toe Post Heeled Mules – Ultra-budget-friendly, ideal for experimentation.

Whether you’re inspired by Hailey’s minimalist ambition or just want a comfortable, elegant sandal, there’s a flip-flop kitten heel for every style and price range.

Celebrity Influence: Beyond Hailey’s Picks

Hailey Bieber isn’t the only celebrity pushing the flip-flop kitten heel trend to new heights. The style’s resurgence has found favor among fashion icons and trendsetters globally:

Bella Hadid and Sarah Jessica Parker have also worn variations, pairing them with capri pants, bold prints, and retro shapes.
Katie Holmes is a fan of the Freja Caroline bag Hailey wears, tying together fashionable accessories with functional footwear choices.
Saint Laurent’s ruched, leather sandals have graced red carpets and high-profile events, underscoring the universal appeal and glam factor of the look.

The style’s popularity reflects not only the draw of individual pieces but the way celebrities style them to create enduring, relatable trends. Shoes, bags, and even prints can become highly coveted when presented with the right attitude and flair.

How to Style Flip-Flop Kitten Heels Like a Celebrity

Tapping into Hailey Bieber’s shoe game doesn’t require a celebrity wardrobe—or budget. Here are expert tips to maximize your own flip-flop heel looks:

Pair with denim: Baggy jeans, capri pants, or cropped trousers instantly modernize the silhouette.
Monochrome neutrals keep the focus on the shoes and streamline your overall vibe.
Try statement prints, like polka dots or cheetah, for a trendy edge without overwhelming the base.
Midi or slip dresses offer an easy transition from day to night.
Add accessories: Oval sunglasses and mini handbags make your look pop.
For evening, opt for a sleek blazer or light jacket—Hailey’s favorites—for layered sophistication.

The key is to embrace versatility. Whether you’re heading to dinner, running errands, or attending a garden party, flip-flop kitten heels work across contexts and styles.

Flip-Flop Kitten Heels: Budget vs. Splurge Options

Brand	Price Range	Key Features	Celebrity Factor
Totême	$400–$500	Premium leather, square toe, minimalist	Hailey Bieber’s go-to style
Saint Laurent	$600–$900	Ruched leather, logo buckle, luxury finish	Hailey, fashion week stars
LULLASONG	$34–$50	Simple, modern, budget-friendly	Inspired by Hailey’s staple
Zara	$39–$99	Croc embossing, versatile shapes	High street take
SHEIN	$20–$35	Ultra-affordable, trendy colors	Experimentation for less
Steve Madden	$50–$89	Reliable, comfortable, on-trend	Influencer favorite

With options from luxury splurge to affordable chic, the flip-flop kitten heel trend is accessible for every shopper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why are flip-flop kitten heels trending in 2025?

A: The trend merges comfort and elegance, with fashion icons like Hailey Bieber showcasing their versatility in everyday and event wear. They evoke nostalgia, make legs look longer, and fit the minimalist, ’90s-inspired looks popular today.

Q: Can I wear flip-flop kitten heels with casual outfits?

A: Absolutely. Pair with baggy or cropped jeans, casual tanks, blazers, or sundresses for a chic casual-to-dressy transition. Accessories enhance the style and personalize each look.

Q: Where can I find lookalike styles?

A: Retailers like Zara, Target, SHEIN, and ASOS feature affordable versions, while premium takes are found at Totême and Saint Laurent. Many accessible brands offer square-toe, black leather, and croc-embossed options.

Q: Who else has embraced this shoe trend?

A: Bella Hadid, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Katie Holmes are among celebrities mixing flip-flop kitten heels into their own signature style.

Q: Are these shoes comfortable for extended wear?

A: Yes—the low heel height provides comfort for day-long wear, even as they retain a sophisticated silhouette. They’re ideal for city walks, errands, and long events.

Final Takeaway: Hailey Bieber’s Lasting Shoe Power

Hailey Bieber’s ability to turn a revived throwback into a season-defining essential keeps her at the forefront of fashion. The flip-flop kitten heel is more than just a fleeting trend—her repeated wear, accessible styling, and the slew of affordable lookalikes ensure it will remain a staple well beyond summer 2025. For those seeking comfort, chicness, and true versatility, now is the time to tap into the trend and build a wardrobe as stylish and resourceful as Hailey’s.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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