By Bryan Goh - published
They say that fashion is cyclical, but often, some comebacks feel like a prank. Case in point: jelly shoes as a solid choice of footwear this season. Once the glitter-flecked footwear of playgrounds and pool parties, they conjure memories of sidewalk blisters, sweaty toes, and the awkward years between Velcro straps and ballet flats. This season, however, they’ve made a slick return, now endorsed by grown-up labels who made them sleeker, comfier, and surprisingly wearable.
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Photos: Launchmetrics/ Spotlight
Designers have cooked up their own silhouette over the years (see: LOEWE’s squishy sneakers or Coach’s beach-destined sandals), but they were always tinged with an ironic Y2K kitsch. Then came The Row’s presentation, where a cross-hatched ballerina flat managed to look oh-so-right. And who can forget how Chloé followed up with several iterations of the jelly shoe, including a thong-strap jelly kitten heel? Now the jelly shoe is everywhere, from clogs to wedges to slingbacks.
Still, jelly shoes are plastic, so it’s usually best to go half a size up to allow for the feet to expand. And if they get dirty, just wipe them down. Some moulds, thankfully, never change.
Can You Wash Jelly Shoes?
We get it: you’re thinking that given how jelly shoes can sometimes bring sweaty dogs out, you want to ensure you keep them clean and fresh. The short answer to this is: yes you can wash them, but don’t soak them completely. If you’re looking to do a deep clean, use a soft brush with mild soap, wipe down with a damp cloth, and avoid drying them in the sun, as heat can warp the plastic. For stubborn spots, a little baking soda and vinegar does the trick. If they look dull after drying, rub in a dab of petroleum jelly to bring shine back.
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BAZAAR’s Best Jelly Shoes To Shop Now
1. Blake jelly flip flops, $19.99, Cotton On
The type of flip flop that says, “I see your thong sandal trend, and I’ll make it jelly-fied now.” A thin, transparent strap and round toe keep things grown-up; making them ideal for the beach, pool, or anywhere you can show off your pedicure.
2. Lulu fisherman platforms, $159, Melissa
Melissa’s DNA is all over this one, from the chunky fisherman straps unique to the Barbie-like jelly-meets-platform that adds height. The EVA sole and cushy insole keep it surprisingly wearable.
3. Cut out jelly ballet flats, $190, COS
With a powder-pink hue and a geometric mesh upper that’s more crosshatch than cutesy, this pair also has a removable leather sole when it’s time for cleaning it, making it great if you plan to wear it daily and in all kinds of climates.
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4. Barcelona jelly sandals, $340, Vince
A modern interpretation of jelly shoes, this caged design is set on a soft leather footbed and slips on with minimal effort and maximum airflow. Made for sweaty city days when you still want polish, wear them with everything from jeans to a ruffled sundress.
5. Mellow mary Jane jelly flats, $385, Tory Burch
Cushy in material, curved at the toe box, and with a dainty medallion on its strap, this pair is all about soft edges and even softer steps. With its moulded PU footbed and waterproof construction, it’s also a slip-on that doesn’t slip up.
6. Omonia jelly studded PVC clogs, about $445, Ancient Greek Sandals at Net-a-Porter
You’re either going to hate them or immediately check out a pair. If you’re the latter, you’d get the vision: the gold-tone studs and logo buckles offer a retro throwback, while the clear PVC strap is on trend.
7. Crystal embellished jelly sandals, $554, Cassadei at Farfetch
Equal parts glitter-infused PVC and crystal-studded sparkle, this pair gets the balance between camp and chic. They’re good for brunches, the beach, or your next dinner—especially if the dress code demands grown-up sparkle.
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8. The Jelly ballerina flats, $575, Jimmy Choo
If you’re into balletcore but also constantly find yourself in rainy situations, this pair comes with a removable crystal strap and lace-inspired cut-outs on a waterproof PVC body. Its toe box is also squared, mimicking that of pointe shoes.
9. Amy ballerinas, $1,200, Bottega Veneta
This isn’t your childhood Mary Jane. This one looks like leather but is realised in rubber, featuring Bottega Veneta’s iconic Intreccio weave texture, and finished with gold-tone buckles. It’s available in sea salt, rose, and zenith, a.k.a. chic muted tones, if you veer that way stylistically speaking.
10. Jelly sandals, $1,800, Chloé
Shell-heeled and seafoam-slick, these thong jellies are Chloé’s answer to the nostalgic summer trend. The buckled ankle strap adds structure to the squish, and if you look closely, the toe box is shaped like a scallop.
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