One Sandal, Every Occasion: How TKEES Became The Stylist's Secret Weapon

The go-to fashion item of the summer isn’t breezy sundresses or woven accessories. It’s flip flops, especially ones with a timeless twist in both durability and looks. That’s the philosophy of TKEES, a handcrafted Brazilian leather flip flop that’s been steadfastly holding true to its enduring design and durable materials since 2009.

The Lily Nudes have been the brand’s frontrunner, with a variety of leather tones meant to complement the skin, and of course, your outfit. All twelve shades are here to be a subtle addition to your look while keeping you comfortable. But if you’re looking to revamp the traditional flip flop look, TKEES has you covered.

Whether it’s to handle humid commutes, or have some comfortable “casual Friday” footwear, Gemma is the flip flop to handle it all. It follows the Classic Lily’s foundational elements: handcrafted, sustainable Brazilian leather in four neutral shades. The beauty of TKEES is that leather is flexible, shaping itself to your foot every time you step out in it. It’s also far more durable than cutesy yet flimsy plastic flip flops, making it a reliable piece you can plan to continue using for the long run.

However, Gemma’s got some revamped features to make longer walks to work and standing on your feet all day a cinch. It’s got a cushioned insole and rubber outsole, but follows a slide format as opposed to the singular, traditional thong of its Lily counterparts. Two straps of leather wrap atop your foot, so you feel comfy yet secure as you rush to get on your morning train, or hustle to the next conference room in-between meetings.

Resort Hangouts, Tubular Lily’s Got It

Technically, nearly every TKEES flip flop is ready day or night to be the reliable footwear you need — especially when you’re on the move during work or play. If it’s the latter, and you’re poolside, opt for the fully waterproof Aquas, handmade in Portugal from antimicrobial EVA materials. However, the Tubular Lily flip flop is a beautiful accomplice to stay in step with you on walking tours, or provide a dressy, comfortable option for nicer dinners on vacation.

Tubular Lily has two standout features: a thicker, tubular strap thong for comfort and security, plus a vegetal leather construction. You still get the classic flip flop design, but with vegan Brazilian leather sourced from plants, transformed into bright colors to match the tropical vacation vibe or weekend getaway.

Julia’s Bringing The Dressy Flip Flops For The Summer Event

Between summer weddings, showers, launch parties, office happy hours, and hosting, your summer schedule is fully booked. You plan to be constantly on the move, but your outfits — and more importantly, your footwear — has to be on point for the occasion. That’s exactly where Julia steps in. This is an elevated redesign of the Classic Lily, in that the Julia shoe is a kitten heel in three of TKEES’s signature shades: Sunkissed, Camel, and Sable.

The Julia’s designed to be the breathable, but comfortable heel you can walk around for hours in. For those that want the clean-line look of the TKEES Lily, but as a formal shoe, it’s hard to beat the casual-cool timelessness the Julia exudes.

Lily Squared, A Reboot On The Classic Lily

Think of the Lily Squared as the Classic Lily 2.0. It still implements the straightforward, unfussy design of the Classic with its Brazilian-leather, centered toe thong build. However, Lily Squared favors a square toe over the classic, rounded toe box you see with traditional flip flops. To make it even more ahead of the curve, Lily Squared comes in a variety of shades and finishes. This includes several of TKEES signature nudes shades seen with the Classic Lily, like the popular Cocobutter, Nude Beach, and Sunkissed.

To add a pop of color to a casual jeans and blouse combo, consider a striking red or burgundy finish — with a lip to match. The Square Toe Lily Mirror comes in classic metallic finishes, including gold and silver. Call upon these if you need an extra accessory to bring an outfit together, while still being a reliable shoe to move around in.

A Note On Fit And Comfort

TKEES flip flops run small and narrow across collections. If you have a wider foot or happen to be between sizes, it’s a good idea to err on the side of caution and order a size up. To make sure your TKEES flip flops continue to be a prevailing addition to your shoe collection for seasons to come, store in the included dust bag when not in use. Use leather conditioner to help with upkeep. Try to avoid wearing TKEES at the beach, pool, or on rainy days — water is not leather-friendly, as it can stain the material.

Why It Lives In The Kit

It’s no wonder that versatile pieces — the ol’ reliable pair of jeans, white button down, black leather bag, and of course, TKEES flip flops — remain part of the stylist arsenal. These are items that go with everything, and outlive trends. TKEES flip flops are meant to be a timeless option, not from even a stylistic sense, but sustainability as well. The Lily Nudes were the first collection TKEES dropped in 2009, and have remained a favorite with their variety of nude shades, soft leather construction, handmade process, and outlasting durability. Especially compared to the flimsy plastic variety that you expect to have to replace twice over, the entry price for TKEES flip flops is $65. It’s a lasting investment that can be a staple piece in your wardrobe.

Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Please check the retailer’s website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

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