BORN IN 1962, the first pair of Havaianas sandals was inspired by the Zori—Japanese sandals made of fabric straps and rice straw soles (that’s why the foot-bed of all Havaianas have a textured rice pattern). With a commitment to style, comfort, affordable luxury, and positive energy, many a pair can be found on the feet of vacationers, celebrities, loungers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Havaianas’ brand philosophy was created with a health-wise, eco-friendly approach in mind. The sandal itself is made of natural rubber from tree sap, which gives it a pleasant aroma, especially when compared to sandals made of plastic, and also makes it a comfortable walking or outdoor sandal. But the environmentally responsible decision to use natural rubber didn’t only provide the longstanding foundation for the sandal, it also helped community, as the initiative to use natural rubber revived the vast and poorly-administered rubber tree plantations in northeast Brazil—a decision that created many jobs to help the poor communities surrounding the Amazon Jungle Belt.

WHY HAVAIANAS?

The spirited Havaianas trademark continues to stay committed to the communities that helped inspire the brand, and as such, encourages communities, like  urban art societies, by developing projects with skilled urban “grafiteiros” (artists utilizing the buildings and walls of great cities to promote their art). Further showcasing their commitment to a diverse range of initiatives that help develop their home communities, Havaianas partners with important green organizations that defend the fauna and flora of the Brazilian forests.

Havaianas is famous for various reasons, including one reason that people around the world appreciate with a passion: for not smelling like plastic-based sandals. The sandals are comfortable to wear for any occasion, even long walks. Even more, the rubber they are made from is an inert material and does not harbor bacteria.

Havaianas is the perfect sandal brand for outdoor adventure and is also the exclusive sandal of Sandals Resorts. For a limited time, buy two pairs of Havaianas and get a free Havaianas key chain at any Sandals Resorts Gift Shop in Jamaica. Offer ends November 15, 2011.