Heeled flip-flops: Divisive shoe that costs £455 mocked on Twitter

(Net-a-Porter)

If you want to stay ahead of the curve for spring/summer 2019, then forget about 'Dad' trainers, Crocs or cowboy boots because heeled flip-flops are the latest footwear design to buy.

That’s according to high-end designer Gianvito Rossi who is facing criticism online for designing a pair of heeled flip-flops that cost £455.

Luxury website Net-a-Porter is currently selling a pair of the leather heeled design which come in a variety of colourways including tan, white and grey.

After spotting the style on the website, fashion writer Emilia Petrarca shared an image of the sandals on Twitter alongside the caption: “Heeled flip-flops are coming”.

The tweet has since garnered almost 3,000 likes and received hundreds of comments from people; many of whom appear to be shocked at the price of the divisive style.

“Paying $695 for flip-flops with heels is natural selection,” one person commented.

Others pointed out that heeled flip-flops aren’t a new design, suggesting the trend is the latest in a long line of Noughties-inspired sartorial comebacks.

“Girl this was in everyone’s wardrobe in the 2003s, this ain’t new,” one person wrote on Twitter.

Another added: “I used to strut around the house in my mums when I was seven. These look ugly but hers were cute and I felt very sophisticated.”

Much of the reaction to the shoes has been negative with one person going as far as to brand the style “disgusting”, while another said “Carrie Bradshaw is shaking”.

Gianvito Rossi's sandals are described on the Net-a-Porter website as having combined two of spring/summer 2019's biggest trends: Neutral shades and barely-there sandals.

“They've been made in Italy from supple tan leather and have slim thong straps," the description reads.

"The 70mm kitten heel makes them a comfortable choice for day and evening."

The high-end label has designed footwear worn by a number of celebrities, including the royal family.

Gianito Rossi, Calypso 70 Leather Sandals, £455, Net-a-Porter (Net-a-Porter)

The Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge are both big fans, with Meghan Markle most recently spotted wearing a pair of cow print heels by the luxury designer.

While the retro flip-flop design might not have gone down well with social media users, Gianvito Rossi isn’t the only fashion brand trying to make heeled flip-flops a thing.

In March 2018, Kim Kardashian West was first wearing a pair of heeled flip-flops designed by her husband Kanye West’s brand Yeezy.

Similarly, LA-based brands Staud and Simon Miller have also created their own versions of the style, costing £245 and £350 respectively.

Neon Kitten Heel Sandas, £29.99, Zara (Zara)

Even the high street is getting in on the action with Zara currently selling a neon yellow pair for just £29.99.