Havaianas Flip-Flop Boycott Sparks Political Firestorm in Brazil
Brazil’s iconic flip-flop brand, Havaianas, is facing calls for a boycott from prominent figures on the country’s right wing following the release of a new advertisement perceived as politically charged ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.
The controversy stems from a video shared on Havaianas’ social media platforms featuring actress Fernanda Torres. In the ad, Torres encourages viewers “not to start 2026 on the right foot,” but rather “on both feet.” This phrasing is widely interpreted as a subtle endorsement of the left-leaning political spectrum.
Torres is a known supporter of the Brazilian left and recently starred in “Ainda Estou Aqui” (“I'm Still Here”), a critically acclaimed film that won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. The film explores the years of Brazil’s military dictatorship, a period often viewed nostalgically by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
The advertisement has ignited significant backlash from conservative voices. Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of the imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro (serving a 27-year sentence related to an attempted coup following his 2022 election loss), publicly demonstrated his disapproval by throwing a pair of Havaianas flip-flops – identifiable by their Brazilian flag-adorned straps – into the trash in a video posted to Instagram.
“Havaianas used to be a national symbol,” Bolsonaro stated in the video. “I’ve seen many foreigners wearing this Brazilian flag on their feet… but I’m sorry, I’m going to throw these flip-flops in the trash.” Conservative congressman Rodrigo Valadares echoed this sentiment on X (formerly Twitter), declaring, “Havaianas has chosen its side. The RIGHT has opted for a boycott.”
The call for a boycott has also gained traction among social media influencers. Thiago Asmar, a right-wing influencer with over two million Instagram followers, posted, “My feet are burning on the asphalt, but Havaianas, never again.”
Havaianas is a globally recognized brand and one of the world’s best-selling sandal manufacturers. Owned by the Alpargatas group, the company employs 10,000 people and sold 226.6 million pairs of flip-flops in 2024, primarily within Brazil, according to its LinkedIn profile.
As of now, Havaianas has not issued a public response to the criticism or boycott calls. Meanwhile, left-wing congresswoman Duda Salabert has condemned the reactions from the right as “idiotic attacks,” arguing that the boycott threatens employment in Minas Gerais, where one of Havaianas’ factories is located.
With general elections scheduled for October 2026, and current leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva intending to seek a fourth term, the political climate in Brazil remains highly charged, and seemingly even extends to the realm of footwear.
