Of all the controversial trends from the early aughts that I didn't expect to make a comeback this year, jelly sandals were not on the list. Low-rise jeans? Sure! Glittery going-out tops and matching bags? I'm totally down. But rubberized jelly shoes? Not a chance. But, sometimes, the most fun trends are the ones you don't expect. So, I rounded up the best jelly sandals to shop. Trust us: this is the most fun summer shoe trend, ever.
If you weren't already familiar, jelly sandals were first introduced to mainstream American fashion at a fair in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1982. From there, they became a hot (yet very niche) summer sandal. Cheery, comfy and shamelessly fun, there's something undeniably childlike about throwing these on. There's also a good chance that you probably had a few sparkly pairs growing up. I personally had a sparkly pink pair that I was obsessed with.
Now, designers are giving these whimsical shoes a sophisticated upgrade at fashion houses like Valentino and Gucci. Although highbrow fashion brands now have their own iterations, the jelly sandal is well-known for its very accessible price point, so rest assured that there is an option for all. Better yet, brands like Tory Burch and Veronica Beard have reimagined the classic jelly sandal to include strappier and sportier iterations that feel just as timeless as they do trendy. Now you can incorporate the retro trend into your wardrobe this summer, no matter your personal style.
Below, we rounded up all of our favorite jelly sandals that you can buy right now, no matter your preferred style or colorway. Keep scrolling to get 'em while they're still in stock.
These fisherman-style jelly sandals from Melissa are too classic to pass up on this summer. They come in four other fun colors (pink! Green!) but the clear version is my favorite iteration.
Update your slide game for 2023 with this pink pair of jelly sandals from Sam Edelman. Lightweight and easy to keep on hand for a last-minute beach day, these sandals will go with you everywhere.
If you would like to add a few extra centimeters to your summer look, try these platform jelly sandals from Melissa on for size. They're surprisingly not heavy on your ankles, making them great for all-day wear.
Behold, the jelly sandal made for summer nights out. This pair from Stuart Weitzman is bedwelled with pretty pearl details for an extra pop of something special.
Barbie shoes, who? This pair of pink mules from Coach look totally retro (in the best way!).
Valentino has reinvented their Rockstud design with this pair of black jelly sandals. They're the sandal for the person who lives in black boots during every other season.
Who said that rubberized sandals need to come in one color? This pair from Matisse retails for under $50 and comes in a few different prints and shades.
Clear jelly mules like this pair from Urban Outfitters were majorly popular in the early aughts, so don't be afraid to take them for a spin in 2023. Style with your favorite low-rise jeans and going-out tops.
If you don't love the typical jelly sandal style, consider this strappier pair from Veronica Beard. They're a classic silhouette made new again by way of a trendy material!
Ditch your basic flip-flops for this top-rated rubberized pair from Vince Camuto. Shop them in this nude brown shade or six other options.
Jelly sandals get a sporty new look in the form of this pair from Tory Burch. And yes, I'm obsessed with them.
White sandals are a summer staple. This shiny pair from cool-girl-approved footwear brand Jeffrey Campbell are so cute for 2023.
This sleek pair of fisherman-style sandals are trending for summer 2023, but the jelly fabrication gives them a cutesy feel.
