The relentless heat beats down on the streets of Havana, but an unusual sight has come to define the cityscape: many locals in the Cuban capital are walking through the sun-drenched alleys wearing wellies. Bolivian TikToker Jhamil Kaleb Marca Ramos, known as “Kapléx,” documented this new “fashion trend” during his trip to Cuba, expressing his astonishment. Social media reactions quickly followed, sparking a debate about the background and significance of this unconventional footwear choice.
From Necessity to Fashion
In his video, Kapléx shared his surprise at seeing rubber boots everywhere, questioning how such a choice could become a trend, especially in high temperatures. Yet the reasons for this “fashion phenomenon” run deeper, rooted in extensive economic and social challenges. Reports reveal that this choice is less about making a fashion statement and more about symbolizing the hardships of daily life on the island.
The economic crisis in Cuba has made it increasingly difficult to find conventional, durable shoes at an affordable price. The few standard shoes available on the black market often carry price tags far beyond what the average Cuban can afford—sometimes costing several months’ wages. As a result, people have turned to cheaper, more accessible alternatives, and rubber boots, originally meant for agricultural work or rainy days, have now become a staple in everyday life.
A Creative Statement Born of Necessity
Some Cubans have embraced this improvised trend with a creative twist by pairing rubber boots with colorful socks. This creates a vibrant, individual style that not only highlights the functionality of the boots but also reflects a sense of pride and resilience. For some, wearing rubber boots with personal flair becomes a means of self-expression in the face of economic hardship.
Looking Back: The Elegance and Pride of Cuban Fashion Culture
YouTuber Erlinda, who also noted this unusual “trend,” shared a different perspective in her video. She recalls a time when Cubans valued elegance, always taking pride in their appearance despite tough times—a tradition passed down through generations. In her view, the abandonment of this ideal and the everyday use of rubber boots reflects a painful loss of this cultural identity.
The Reality Behind the “Fashion”
For many Cubans, however, the choice to wear rubber boots is not rooted in fashion. As Diannelis Chavez Mustelier wrote on Facebook, it is simply about necessity. The economic conditions and scarcity of everyday essentials force people to make pragmatic choices—and rubber boots are an affordable, practical solution. Mustelier describes how most people only have one or two pairs of shoes that they save for special occasions, while they use rubber boots for their daily routines.
This “trend” has thus become a symbol of survival in a challenging environment. Rubber boots offer protection, durability, and affordability—qualities that hold more significance than aesthetic appeal amid economic necessity.
Fashion Trends as Reflections of Society
The so-called rubber boot trend not only illustrates the economic reality but also reflects the adaptability and resilience of the Cuban people. Cuba’s history is marked by periods of scarcity, and people have learned to be resourceful in difficult times. Although rubber boots were not originally intended for urban everyday life, Cubans have paired them with unique styling and imbued them with new meaning. The creative combinations with colorful accessories highlight the ingenuity and spirit of the people.
For outsiders, the choice of rubber boots in tropical climates may seem puzzling. However, from the Cuban perspective, it is a pragmatic expression of reality, showing how fashion, culture, and circumstances are closely intertwined. The new “trend” of rubber boots is, therefore, less a fashion statement and more an unfiltered look at the daily challenges and the creativity born of resilience among the Cuban people.
A Social Media Discussion
Kapléx’s video has not only drawn international attention but also sparked discussions on social media. Many users view the rubber boots less as a trend and more as a symbol of the social and economic problems Cubans face daily. Yet the reactions also demonstrate how fashion can bridge cultural and social divides.
The discussions around rubber boots underscore how fashion can be interpreted in various ways—as an expression of individuality or as a response to external circumstances. In Cuba, fashion is shaped not only by aesthetic preferences but also by necessity and resourcefulness.
Conclusion: When Fashion Becomes a Survival Strategy
In Cuba, a “fashion” has emerged that does not follow the typical motivations of fashion trends. Rubber boots in Havana’s streets are less of a trend and more of an outcome of the current economic situation. They symbolically represent a society that continually adapts and maintains its creative expression even in the toughest conditions. For Cubans, the rubber boots are a sign of resilience—a testament to the fact that necessity can sometimes inspire the most creative solutions.
