Fashion trends tend to make a resurgence every couple of decades. Nearly three decades later, we see a new generation appreciate the hottest trends of the ‘90s. This includes the jelly shoes!
If you’re a millennial, there’s a good chance you had a pair growing up. I had a pair myself and can remember the distinct PVC smell of a new pair of jelly shoes.
Although the PVC smell brings back nostalgic memories, modern versions of these shoes have tried to remove the PVC smell. You’ll now find many jelly shoes and sandals scented with amazing scents like lemon and bubblegum.
Jelly shoes, commonly known as jellies, are made entirely of PVC and are semi-transparent with a jelly-looking sheen.
They were first designed in the earlier 1980s, but they became increasingly popular in the 1990s. There remains to be some debate over who was the first to create the jelly shoe and which country started the trend.
Stylish, cute, and waterproof jelly shoes for women and kids
In June 2020 Alexa Chung, designer, and fashion icon, told Vogue UK about her love for jelly shoes. “They’re so wrong they’re right. I love them in an ironic way; I think they’re witty and distinctly British.” Many people who wear them now aren’t doing so ironically – they love the fun, unique look of the shoe.
Jelly shoes and sandals have even made their way to the runways of Gucci, Alexa Chung, Giorgio Armani, and Simone Rocha.
They often come in an array of colors and can be a plain and simple look or infused with fun elements like glitter. There are also plenty of different styles now, some more traditional and others with a more modern twist.
These shoes and sandals are not only stylish but also practical for summer adventures. Because they are made entirely from PVC, they are waterproof and can be worn walking along rocky shores and then on to a beachside café.
With practicality guiding fashion, women and girls of all ages are once again embracing the jelly shoe! If you are looking to get yourself a pair of jelly shoes for the summer, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular styles and brands.
Women’s Jelly Sandals and Shoes
1. Melissa Possession Sandal, $49.90 – $68.31 at Amazon
The Melissa Possession is a classic ’90s clear jelly shoe with rounded cage toes and ankle straps
This is your classic ‘90s jelly shoe. They have the rounded cage toe and ankle strap for a supportive summer sandal. Made entirely from PVC, these jelly sandals have a delightful bubble gum scent.
You can find Melissa’s Possession in black to match your style
They are available in several different colors, so you can choose the perfect jelly sandal to match your summer aesthetic, or stick with a clear look for a pair that will go with everything!
The Melissa Possession sandal also has a slight chunky heel that will give you a bit of height and added comfort.
2. Lemon Jelly Blue Oxford Shoe, $107 at Lemon Jelly
Lemon Jelly is a European brand that has taken the nostalgic look of jelly shoes and made them polished, professional, and sleek. Oxford shoes, ankle boots, and sandals – they’ve done it all, and all in PVC!
Sleek and polished, the Lemon Jelly oxford has a glossy jelly finish with a chic contrasting bubble gum pink sole
One of the most eye-catching pairs of jelly shoes is their blue oxford shoes. They have a glossy jelly finish with a bright bubble gum pink sole. Lemon Jelly also scents their PVC with lemon!
The Lemon Jelly oxford has a synthetic lining that will prevent feet from slipping and keep feet comfortable
One of the most common complaints about jelly shoes is that they can slip and cause blisters when feet sweat. These shoes have a synthetic lining that will prevent slipping and keep feel comfortable, even on hot days.
3. Melissa Beach Slide, $69 at Nordstrom
A jelly beach slide that’s made entirely from PVC
Combine two top trends in one, with the jelly beach slide. They have a semi-transparent look, with comfort and support pillars in the sole.
The Melissa beach slide is available in a variety of colors including brown and nude rose
These beauties are available in clear, nude, red, black, or brown. If you want a completely PVC slide, these are a great option.
4. London Rebel Flat Jelly Shoes in Clear, $49 at Asos
Adults like glitter too, which is why these beauties made our list. These London Rebel jelly shoes are made of pink glitter PVC and may look exactly like the ones you had as a little girl.
London Rebel’s jelly shoes incorporate the traditional features of a classic jelly shoe done in pink glitter PVC
They’re also great for matching mother and daughter jellies. These shoes have the traditional round cage toe, an adjustable ankle strap, and a flat sole.
5. Tory Burch Mini Miller Jelly Thong Sandal, $98 at Zappos
For a sleeker look, opt for Tory Burch’s Mini Miller jelly thong sandals
If you want to jump on the jellies train but don’t like the chunky look of more traditional styles, these Tory Burch jelly sandals have a more sleek look.
Featuring Tory Burch’s double T logo, the Mini Miller comes in different color versions
These comfortable jellies feature gold-tone hardware with an engraved Tory Burch logo. They have a textured, synthetic sole and are available in stunning transparent shades of peach, lilac, green valley, and clear.
6. Jeffrey Campbell Jelli Platform Slide Sandal, $45 at Nordstrom
Elevate any outfit with Jeffrey Campbell’s Jelli slide sandals with 1.25-inch curvy platforms and 2.25-inch chunky flared heels
The ‘70s meet the ‘90s with these platform jelly sandals. They have a chunky flared heel and a curvy platform. They are molded in the classic jelly style with a transparent strap over the foot.
The Jelli sandals will inject a hint of old-school style to any look
If you want a jelly sandal that will look and feel great while giving you some added height, these Jeffrey Campbell sandals are perfect!
7. Los Angeles Apparel Jelly Flats, $18 at Los Angeles Apparel
This is the everyday jelly shoe you need in your wardrobe. In fact, you may want a few pairs as these flats cost under $20 and are available in 11 different colors!
An everyday jelly flat, Los Angeles Apparel’s jelly flat features a comfy and breathable woven design, available in several colorways
They are made from 100% PVC and have rave reviews online. If buying a pair, you may want to go up a size, and they tend to run on the smaller size. The flat has a woven look which makes them look great while also creating more breathability.
8. Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Jelly, $192.99 at Amazon
These super feminine Salvatore Ferragamo Vara flats have a bow detail and side cutouts
These jelly flats feature feminine details like a bow and side cut-outs that give them a softer look and sleeker silhouette.
Chic but comfy, the Vara jelly shoes have padded insoles for day to night comfort
For those who love the look of the jelly shoe but don’t like the feel of it on their foot, these have a lightly padded insole. You’ll also get a bit of height thanks to the low block heel.
9. Gucci Rubber Slide Sandals, $350 at Nordstrom
A jelly heel is ultra-chic, and no one does it better than Gucci!
These are inspired by the traditional slide but with a playful twist. They have incorporated other ‘90s styles, including a chunky heel and embossed logo.
These ’90s-style rubber slides have 2.4-inch chunky block heels that can add height to your look
The pastel rubber isn’t transparent, but it has a distinct rubber look. The heel is 2.4 inches tall, and there is a .8 inch platform with a rubber sole. They’re available in pastel pink, blue, black, and green.
Kids Jelly Sandals and Shoes
10. Melissa Mini Campana Zig Zag VI, $55 at Zappos and Amazon
Kids jelly shoes are adorable, and Melissa has a great collection of jellies for little ones (which is why you’ll find a few on this list!).
Toddlers will love the cute and comfy Melissa Mini Campana VI jelly shoes in girly pink color
These toddler jelly shoes have the perfect amount of sparkle and are available in silver glitter, gold glitter, or pink glitter.
Also available in gold and silver to add a splash of sparkle to your kid’s outfit
There are an intricate strap design and a durable rubber outsole. For added comfort, these shoes feature synthetic lining with a lightly cushioned footbed. They are also easy to get on and off little feet with the adjustable hook-and-loop closure.
11. Old Navy Jelly Fisherman Sandals, $16.99 at Old Navy
If you are looking for an adorable pair of girls’ jelly sandals, these glitter sandals from the American retailer Old Navy will do the trick!
Old Navy’s Jelly Fisherman sandals for kids feature the classic caged look with ankle straps to secure
They are available in silver glitter, mint green, and rose gold.
Aside from the usual silver glitter, the Jelly Fisherman is also available in mint green and rose gold
Made from 100% synthetic materials, they are easy to clean and dry. They have a cross-woven cage with an ankle strap.
12. Mini Melissa Mar Sandal + Frozen, $89 at Amazon
I’ve yet to meet a little girl who isn’t obsessed with Frozen. Melissa made parents and little ones very happy when they released their Frozen jelly shoes.
For the Frozen-obsessed kids, Melissa designed these Frozen-themed Mar sandals in cute ice-like colorways
The collab resulted in cute jelly sandals with special glitter, giving off an ice-like appearance. The straps are made from PVC and have a rubber outsole with subtle lining.
13. Gap Jelly Sandals, $24.95 at Gap
Gap offers classic jelly shoes with round caged toes in several colorways for toddlers
In many ways, Gap was ahead of the game. They’ve been supplying parents with cute jelly sandals for years! They are available in both toddler and kids sizes.
For kids, Gap has the Florida coral colorway in the same caged silhouette
They have a nostalgic look with the round caged toe, covered heel, and ankle strap. They are also available in different colors with glitter. The sparkly Florida coral jelly sandals are perfect for summer or a trip to the beach!
14. Crocs Isabella Charm Sandal, $75.98 – $82.18 at Amazon
Fixed 3D charms add a cuter appeal to the classic silhouette of Crocs Isabella jelly shoes
Crocs make jelly sandals too! Although they look like the traditional jelly sandals, they are made from Croc’s Gemlite material, which is soft and flexible. These sandals are perfect for school or playing outside.
Available for toddlers and kids, the Crocs Isabella Charm sandals are made from lightweight and comfy Gemlite material
They have a glitter effect and a 3D fixed bow charm. For easy wear, they have an adjustable hook-and-loop system on the ankle strap. These are lightweight, comfortable, and cute!
15. Mini Melissa Butterflies Detailing Glittery Pink, $60 at Nordstrom
These whimsical jelly flats are perfect for girls who like to dress up and play outside. They have a non-slip outsole and are easy to spot clean.
Give your little girl’s outfit a touch of whimsical flair with these glittery pink butterfly jelly flats from Melissa
The glitter and butterfly detailing make these perfect for festive occasions or everyday wear.
16. Mini Melissa Mini Aranha XIII, $29.99 – $56.63 at Amazon
An oversized studded bow accentuates these caged Melissa Mini Aranha XIII shoes
These jelly shoes are super cute! The eye-catching feature of these shoes is the oversized studded bow that accentuates the shoe. There is also a complimentary gold-tone buckle.
The Mini Aranha XIII shoes are also available in lilac pearl, pink crystal, and black
The upper part of the shoe is made from 100% PVC. There is also a padded synthetic insole for added comfort. Available in gold with a subtle shimmer, these kid’s jelly sandals have an extra amount of flair and fashion.