Remember jelly shoes? Those funny-looking PVC sandals you wore as a kid? Well it seems like everything that is old is new again because your favourite childhood waterproof sandals is the latest shoe trend we’re watching.
A nod to the see-through shoe trend (cc: mesh flats) we saw last year, we have the very fashionable Olsen twins and their label, The Row, to thank for the comeback. Combining elements from the old-school fisherman style with an updated ballet-like silhouette, it’s a trend we didn’t expect would be making a resurgence but it’s one we can’t help but get behind.
The best fashion jelly shoes and flats
Arguably the shoe that kicked off the jelly sandal revival. These all-rubber shoes with a leather insole come in three different colours: clear, red and blue. It’s yours for a little over $1,300 – that is if you can get your hands on them. They’re currently sold out almost everywhere.
If your childhood jelly shoes and a pair of ballet flats had a baby, it would look a little like the Iro. Made entirely of PVC, it’s ideal for beach days as they can be completely submerged in water, and come in a whole heap of colours. Our favourite? The orange.
An affordable take on the Mara’s, these perforated slip-ons are another contender for your beach days. They’re made from lightweight jelly-like materials making them breathable, waterproof, comfortable and easy to clean. Choose from red, black, browns and greens.
The best jelly slides and sandals
While The Row might get all the hype, Melissa has been crafting jelly shoes since the 80s. This Brazilian heritage brand heroes fun, vibrant colours while using recycled materials. In fact, every pair are made up of at least 30% recycled factory waste. We’re big fans of the Jelly Kim in pink.
Hate the thought of walking around barefoot at the pools? The Jelly Slide may be just the pair for you. The comfortable PVC strap and insole is completely waterproof and can easily be rinsed off and thrown in your bag when you’re done for the day. Get them in a range of colours.
A reimagined take on the classic thong (or flip flop), the Roxanne features a low heel and an all-plastic body to create a comfortable and versatile shoe that’s a step up from your old Haviananas. Grab yours in a pale pink, classic black or beige.
These simple strappy jelly sandals are adorned with decorative studs for that elevated look. They’re great for beach outings, unexpected rainy days, outdoor events and even travel days as they’re easy to pack and super lightweight.
The best classic jelly shoes
These bright $30 shoes from ASOS feature the classic caged toe look with an adjustable side buckle. They’re the perfect little shoe for summer strolls thanks to the breathable design and will have you feeling like a kid again thanks to the bubblegum pink hue. You can also pick them up in black.
Taking a page straight from our childhood, these originals from Melissa are nothing short of adorable. It’s the nostalgic step right back down memory lane you didn’t know you needed. We particularly love clear, but also take a look at green and pink glitter.
Basically a replica of the shoes we wore growing up, this Amazon take on the jelly sandals is an affordable way to dip your toe (see what we did there) into the trend. Think the classic T-strap, a slingback finish with a side buckle closure in a cute glitter finish.
Were jelly shoes popular in the 2000s?
Like low rise pants, skirts over jeans, choker necklaces and oversized belts, jelly shoes were a popular fashion item in the 2000s. The trend died down after some time but it looks like they’ve made a triumphant return in 2023 and 2024.
Were jelly shoes 80s or 90s?
Originally born in the 70s and 80s, like any good fashion trend, everything that was once popular comes back around and jelly shoes made a revival in the 90s and again in the 2000s.
Are jelly shoes good for your feet?
From a podiatry point of view, jelly shoes offer no arch or ankle support. The plastic materials can also cause some light rubbing in certain spots around your feet and toes.
However for some, the soft jelly-like material of these shoes makes them incredibly comfortable and a great versatile pieces as they can be worn around water.
Who made the original jelly shoes?
It is believed the brand Melissa created the first original jelly shoe back in the 1970s with its distinct jelly-like material, caged toe design and side buckle. Other accounts claim the jelly shoe was invented in the 1950s by a French brand. They were not a fashion shoe but were instead worn by fishermen as they were easy to clean and could easily get wet.
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