Jelly Shoes Are Everywhere—Here’s Exactly Which Pair to Buy

It feels like an understatement to say that jelly shoes are everywhere right now. (In fact, you’d probably need to live under a rock not to know that.) The nostalgic material hasn’t seen a spike in popularity like this since the 90s, but what I’ve noticed? The jelly shoe styles trending right now look a whole lot different than those of decades past.

Though I am a studied fashion historian, I’ll save you the 2,000-word essay on the history of jelly shoes and give you the TL;DR on what’s trending now. Out: chunky fisherman sandals with glittery finishes. In: vibrantly colored mules, transparent thong sandals, and tortoiseshell-patterned flats that feel way more grown-up.

Want a quick rundown of the buzziest jelly shoes of the season? I’ve got you covered, with everything from Puma’s controversial Monstro jelly sneakers to Melissa’s latest designer collab.

Jelly flip-flops are undoubtedly the easiest way to—pardon my pun here—dip a toe into the trend. Thong sandals themselves are having a resurgence, so you’ll be tapping into two key summer looks at once. Plus, they’ll still make a practical choice for the pool after the current craze dies down.

Jeffrey Campbell Beach Jelly Flip Flops

Havaianas Square Toe Jelly Flip-Flop

Dolce Vita Jozey Flip-Flop

Coconuts by Matisse Margo Kitten Heel Flip-Flop

Madewell x Melissa Jelly Flip Flops

Melissa x Ganni Jelly Flip-Flop

Mesh ballet flats and Mary Janes are still trending—only this summer, they’re made from squishy PVC materials instead of understated nylon netting. The open weave provides ample airflow to your feet on hot days, and they wipe clean easily between wears. If you’ve scrolled through TikTok for summer fashion inspo, you’ve definitely seen styles akin to Steve Madden’s Grove Jelly Flats and Michael Kors’ Pixie Ballet Flats styled with baggy shorts and baby tees.

Steve Madden Grove Jelly Flat

Now 10% Off

Sam Edelman Michaela Jelly Mary-Jane

Intentionally Blank Classy Jelly Flat

Dolce Vita Jam Ballet Flat

Michael Kors Pixie Jelly Ballet Flat

Think of jelly mules—like Jeffrey Campbell’s Adorable Mary Janes—as a stylish alternative to rubber slides. They’re easy to slip into before a beach day, but they’ll look equally chic styled with a white midi skirt for dinner. For a classic slip-on style, opt for this plum-hued pair from Vince, but if you’re looking for something a little more playful, consider this clear pair from Kate Spade bedecked in charms.

Jeffrey Campbell Adorable Jelly Mary-Jane

Kate Spade New York Jellyfish Charms Jelly Mule

Vince Barcelona Jelly Flat

Now 51% Off

Mix No. 6 Kiahna Jelly Mule

A strappy design adds a little oomph to the material without compromising its ability to be worn by the water. Throw them on with a sundress for brunch, then jean shorts and a bikini for an afternoon at the beach.

Splendid Sutton Jelly Sandal

Now 31% Off

Crocs Miami Toe-Loop Sandal

Dolce Vita Kenley Ankle-Strap Jelly Sandal

Larroudé Biarritz Jelly Sandal

Now 17% Off

Melissa’s fisherman-style Possession Jelly Sandals were a true it-shoe in the ’90s—and seeing as Gucci just released a similar style, the throwback feels just as relevant today. Steer clear of heeled styles; bright, transparent colorways and slim, flat silhouettes give the classic silhouette a modern feel.

Melissa Possession Jelly Sandal

J.Crew Fisherman Jelly Sandals

Loeffler Randall Rhys Studded Jelly Sandal

Looking to get ahead of the trend curve? Jelly materials are beginning to make their way into other footwear categories, such as sneakers and loafers. This summer, Sperry is offering colorful PVC versions of its beloved boat shoes, and Puma, Merrell, and Nike have reimagined signature sneakers in jelly-shoe-inspired materials.

Puma Mostro Jelly Sneaker

Sperry x Monse Jelly Boat Shoe

Now 65% Off

Nike Rejuven8 OG SP Jel Sneaker

Merrell Moab 3 Jelly Sneaker

Now 25% Off

Sarah Maberry is a shopping editor at Hearst Magazines, covering fashion, beauty and pop culture. As a trend forecaster and fashion historian, she analyzes viral products and trends on a deeper level, helping readers find the best deals, gifts, and celebrity-worn items. When she’s not writing for ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Town & Country, Esquire, Cosmopolitan and other publications, she can be found roaming the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (her alma mater) or sewing her own couture while she binge-watches reality TV.