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The Flip Flop That Never Goes Out Of Style, And Never Tries To

Since 2009, TKEES has redefined the simplistic flip flop design.

Written by Julia Forbes

Trends come and go, but the wardrobe items that remain do so for a reason. Apart from the notion of “timeless fashion” these items are the truest sense of what good quality and fashion mean: durable throughout the ages, versatile to grab for almost any outfit, and repeated use that makes them a style staple.

TKEES shares the same sentiment. Founded in 2009, the brand has been aligned with this notion. For 15 years, its Lily Nudes collection has been the culmination of things the fashion industry has sought, and even overlooked — true “nude” shades in a variety of colors to suit a range of skin tones; lasting quality matched with an affordable price; and all-around clean presentation. Above all, TKEES flip flops are truly comfortable. While trendy shoes may be around for a season, this barely-there sandal has prevailed for well over a decade.

Cosmetics For Your Feet, 15 Years Early

Finding a true “nude” shade is a recurring topic in fashion, whether it’s for cosmetics, clothing, or accessories. When the Lily Nudes flip flop hit the market upon the company’s start in 2009, it was ahead of its time in this regard. Founders Carly and Jesse Burnett wanted to create footwear that was understated, but did not underdeliver whatsoever. At the time, Lily Nudes flip flops were five nude shades of leather to select from. Today, the range encompasses 11 total shades, helping to reach a broader scope of consumers looking to accomplish finding a nude sandal that best fits them. With its clean look paired with a shade to accompany natural skin tones, it delivers a look that isn’t artificial, but pulls together an outfit. Thus, Lily Nudes carry the torch as “cosmetics for your feet”, meant to complement your outfit and complexion without ever taking away from it all.

Quiet Luxury You Can Actually Afford

The truth of trendier, plastic flip flops is that they’re a dime a dozen. You don’t expect them to last forever, much less a few months, and won’t call upon them in scenarios where you need to look more polished. That’s where TKEES carries the essence of being a truly quiet luxury product.

The notion of quiet luxury captures several key elements all at once. Brands and products that uphold quiet luxury are free of loud, flashy branding in favor of subdued designs or features. This is strategically implemented, as a clean look associated with quiet luxury asserts an air of confidence, down to the individual items that make up the larger outfit. So, what appears to be a basic pair of leather flip flops is actually far from it. Instead, with TKEES, you have a conscientiously-crafted product meant to weather the test of time — and trends — to be a relentlessly dependable pair of shoes.

Why A $65 Sandal Feels Like $200

Usually, when you hear the word “handcrafted,” your mind automatically defaults to numerous dollar signs and the understanding that you will pay more. A fundamental part of TKEES is creating high-quality shoes that remain at an attainable price. This mindful approach is meant to be more eco-friendly, preventing needless waste from ending up in landfills whenever you ditch falling-apart flip flops, then rinsing and repeating as the replacements eventually follow suit.

The pursuit of finding a better alternative to plastic isn’t the only reason why TKEES flip flops are with it. These flip flops are handmade in Brazil, sourcing local leather and partnering with artisans to produce each pair. From there, the leather is soft, yet adaptable — as you wear it more and more, it increasingly conforms to your footprint while holding up for repeated use. TKEES customers have reported enjoying the effortless look and comfortable feel of their flip flops for years, which makes the $65 price of the Lily Nudes pay for itself in seemingly no time.

The One Thing Everyone Seems To Agree On

There’s a lot to love about TKEES, starting with its simplicity and usability. The consensus amongst customers, both celebrity and everyday wearers alike, is that the comfort, casual look, and first-rate materials make it stand strong with a design meant to last for years to come.

The Lily Nudes opened the door for inclusivity and enjoyment with its broad range of nude shades, and TKEES continues to carry on that standard.

A Trendsetter All On Its Own

The beauty of TKEES is multifaceted: a tried-and-true, quality flip flop that is made to be a staple for the long run. TKEES set the tone with its Lily Nudes collection, and continues to quietly innovate its quiet luxury footwear, like the Lily Braid or Lily Tubular collections that draw inspiration from the original. It does this all while staying true to its effortless appeal and surprisingly sturdy make. TKEES flip flops set the bar, and uphold it.

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.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.