Are Jelly Sandals Summer’s Most Divisive Trend?

Jelly ballet flats, slides and sandals are arguably among the more eccentric and eyebrow-raising footwear finds of the season, evoking the nostalgia of childhood summers spent embarking on seaside strolls or exploring coastal rockpools. Casting them aside years ago, I was certain I would never come across the quirky PVC shoes again, not least in mainstream fashion circles. Yet, they have suddenly become ubiquitous, donned by fashion It girls, jetsetters and city commuters alike, prompting me to reconsider my stance on the pastel-toned creations.

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The meteoric rise of the jelly shoe – or at least its fashion-approved re-introduction – began after The Row unveiled their pre-Fall 2024 collection where The Mara Jelly made its debut. Styled alongside the brand’s signature pared-back shirts and monochromatic tailored outerwear, the beautifully crafted – albeit costly – shoe was made entirely from caged transparent vinyl, with a slim cork insole for comfort. It instantly made a splash, adopted by stars such as Jennifer Lawrence and selling out despite its hefty price tag of over €900!

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Ever since, interest in the idiosyncratic gelatinous shoes – from sturdy fisherman sandals and mules to dainty ballerinas – has piqued and the trend isn’t showing any signs of waning. Long gone are the days where the mere mention of jelly shoes made for feet that ached, blistered and squeaked awkwardly with each step. This new cohort has taken style cues from the jellies popularised during the ’80s and ’90s, and made necessary amendments to accommodate the modern consumer.

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Now available in myriad silhouettes and colourways, they’ve become more decorative and breathable than ever, adorned with crystal embellishments, intricate latticing and PVC flourishes. Try Jimmy Choo’s The Jelly (Brown Thomas, €325) complete with patterned cut-outs, a subtle glitter finish, and a crystal-clad strap for added security and stylistic flair. Or Chloé’s chic thong sandals, which featured prominently within the French fashion house’s SS25 collection, designed by Chemena Kamali.

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Another reliable alternative is fashion-forward ancient Greek sandals, the brainchild of footwear connoisseurs Christina Martini and Nikolas Minoglou whose bestselling Iro and Elli jelly ballet flats are made locally by Grecian craftsmen using age-old braiding, beading and embossing techniques.

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If you lean towards a more quintessential jelly shoe, look to one of its pioneers from 1979 who took cues from French Riviera fishermen to create the Aranha style. Melissa’s subsequent ongoing collaborations with prolific labels such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and Marc Jacobs were one of the first signifiers of jelly shoes’ popularity on the scene. The Brazilian brand is also winning on the sustainability front with their renewable energy-powered factories creating cruelty-free, 100 per cent recyclable PVC called Melflex®.

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I have now found myself unexpectedly drawn to these statement summer shoes, surveying their potential to brighten otherwise unimaginative outfits with a carefree je ne sais quoi. The modern-day iterations are notably more elevated and don’t compromise on comfort, practicality or aesthetic appeal. They also make for an effortless day-to-night sartorial transition – simply swap out your swimwear for a classic cocktail dress, slip on some heeled jelly thong sandals, and you’re ready to go. Worst-case scenario, they’ll still be a welcome addition to your beach bag! Shop some of our favourites below …

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