When word got around that jelly sandals were back, I did a double-take. The glossy, gummy shoes I wore to jump over puddles as a child? Those? But in an age where jorts, flower clips, and mood rings are back in the rotation, jelly sandals were bound to wriggle their way out of the storage closet, too. They’re candy-coloured fun in gloomy rain—whimsical and just a bit ridiculous (in the best way).
What started as a toe-pinching classic is now being rejigged by the fashion set. The Row slipped netted versions onto their spring/summer 2024 runway, while Chloé went full sea nymph with shell-heeled translucent heels that we all have our eyes on—yes, jelly heels. Meanwhile, OG brand Melissa, which has been putting out PVC shoes since the 1970s, is still in the game, dishing out vegan-friendly pairs that (mercifully) don’t squeak quite as much.
If you thought jelly shoes were just poolside kitsch, think again. Yes, Sofia Richie Grainge has been lounging in hers poolside, but they’ve gone far beyond summer days. Singer and The White Lotus actor Lisa has adopted them as part of her off-duty Paris uniform. Fashion girl Tania Shroff packed a netted red pair from The Row for a recent trip to Cairo—travel jellies, anyone? And now that monsoon has definitely struck here in India, we can’t think of a better time for you to get your own.
The jellies for 2025 aren’t playing it safe; they come in fisherman styles, flip-flops, and mules, or moulded in translucent hues that leave no room for subtlety. Sure, they’re divisive (only if you’re one of those people who have a problem with visible toes). Yes, they might make your feet sweat, but whether you’re leaning into the nostalgia value or testing your tolerance for kitsch, there’s a pair for you.
Scroll through our dopamine-coloured jelly edit:
