Why pay €650 for designer flip flops when you can get these five styles instead?

Think paying €650 for Balenciaga flip flops is a bit much? Try a different style with these five high street alternatives

The only thing more shocking than the fact that there’s a pair of heeled flip flops retailing for €650? That would be the fact that they are virtually sold out.

Guided by the vision of Creative Director Demna Gvasalia, the historically elegant French fashion house of Balenciaga has had its fair share of viral moments in recent seasons. Unsurprisingly, Gvasalia knows how to get people talking; his own label, Vetements, brought everything from branded Crocs to a €1,000+ take on the famous Blue IKEA bag and streetwear that was literally a riff on yellow and red DHL uniforms.

Thanks to Gvasalia, Balenciaga is now more synonymous with ‘ugly sneakers’ (the label quite literally put them on the map with the release of the Triple S) and its off-kilter separates than its archive of innovative, sculptural 1950s ballgowns.

With sales of the Triple S styles soaring, Gvasalia decided to get creative. Known for his tongue-in-cheek high brow offerings on the most mundane objects in daily life, turning the humble flip flop into a must-have cult-status item is seemingly next on his agenda.

Meet the ‘logo printed leather sandal’ which, yes, for all intents and purposes, is a square-toe flip flop with a spindle-thin heel added for good measure. For an eye-watering €650, it could be yours. That is, if you can get your hands on them – as judging by NetAPorter.com, the style is virtually sold-out already.

For the more discerning fashion fan, for whom a flip flop could never seem lust-worthy enough to warrant such a price tag (read: probably all of us) we’ve rounded up a selection of more solid investment pieces to add to your footwear repertoire.

Might we suggest……

Slip-on Loafers

If this footwear choice was a Love Islander, it would be Ovie: solid, reliable, and it sure looks good day in, day out.

Movement Leather Loafers, €48.39 from ASOS.com

Tan Boots

To add a 1970s vibe to any Autumn/Winter look: Charlie just got a new Angel.

Stretch Panel Knee Boots, €230 from Dune.com

White Plimsolls

A wardrobe overachiever. Seriously, what doesn’t it go with?

Tab Court Sneaker, €21 from NastyGal.com

Party Shoes

Reliable and yet good fun too, kinda like the sort of Friday night wing woman you both need and deserve.

Satin Leather Ankle Tie Heels, €89 from CharlesKeith.eu

Fancy Flats

A pair of fun flats that put a pep in your step, even on a Monday.

Therese Beaded Mules, €110 from Anthropologie.com

Related:

• 10 ‘going out out’ looks everyone else hasn’t thought of already…here
• Love Jacquemus? Here’s how to get the look of the moment on a budget…here