Jelly shoes make a comeback in spring trends?

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Halfway between kitsch and nostalgia, jelly shoes seem, for the second consecutive year, to be leaving the beach for the runways. Unveiling a reimagined silhouette, blending couture and urban style, this pair appears determined this spring to silence controversies and establish itself as a versatile footwear option, having already conquered the runways and presenting itself as the must-have piece of the moment.

From Controversial Pairs to Runway Stars

Never, ever, would we have imagined that our adult selves would be seeking, of our own free will, a pair of jelly shoes to add to our cart… Because, let’s admit it, the beach afternoons punctuated by blisters and other cuts caused by Medusa shoes had rather led us to swear never to wear them again after our 10th birthday…

However, put us in front of a reimagining of jelly shoes by The Row or Chloé, and suddenly, those bad memories strangely fade away quite quickly…

Why Are Jelly Shoes So Appealing to Designers?

It is worth noting that fashion often takes it upon itself to make trendy pieces that are deemed has-been/kitsch or rooted in a universe opposite to the runways.

Creating controversy, these creations systematically find themselves at the heart of discussions, quickly generating a ‘hype’ effect and becoming coveted pieces in no time. And this is true whether one appreciates them or not. This was notably the case recently with the enthusiasm for garden clogs or mesh Chinese slippers.

Thus, ticking the boxes of kitsch/beach coded and having in addition a huge nostalgia capital, Medusa shoes have presented themselves as the ideal candidates for a total rebranding, masterfully executed by the houses and designers who have recently made them their muse!

Returning to the runways under their signature silhouette of fisherman shoes at Coach, jelly shoes have also revealed themselves with more modern lines to conquer current styles.

On The Row’s side, the Mara jelly flat made its appearance in 2024 with a ballerina spirit with a more elevated and chic look. Meanwhile, others have opted for a bolder combination, namely: pairing jelly shoes with flip-flops. Indeed, whether at Coach with the Natalee Jelly Sandal, or at Chloé last year with the Jelly Thong angle-strap Sandals, this pairing, which few would have bet on, has actually turned out to be a real masterstroke…

Riding on the attention garnered around its jelly shoes last year, Chloé has aimed even higher this year by releasing its jelly mules for its spring/summer 2026 collection.

This pair, with a Polly Pocket shoe spirit, raised many questions and debates upon its first appearance. But whether loved or not, all this controversy has given it unparalleled publicity, leading it to become out of stock in no time and turning into one of the most coveted items!

The success of jelly shoes echoes, on one hand, the gummy bear trend announced by Pinterest Predicts 2026. But also, it aligns with a certain quest for innovation and material exploration that we are currently observing among designers. We particularly think of the first collections by Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for LOEWE, where we discovered silhouettes that were Polly Pocket-esque, both in material choices, cuts (jackets appearing to stand alone, slip-on ankle boots…) and other plays on transparency.

Thus, between kitsch, nostalgia, change of usage context, and quest for innovation, jelly shoes appeal to designers in many ways.

The Advantages of Jelly Shoes: Lightness and Versatility

Beyond being adopted for their must-have status and exclusivity, jelly shoes charm with more tangible assets, such as:

• The lightness of the pair, which can easily slip into a travel bag or serve as a spare pair within reach
• Adaptability to all terrains: jelly shoes are suitable for both the beach and urban landscapes or even for more dressed-up outings for certain models (most are also waterproof)
• Their versatility allows for easy styling and adaptation to vacation outfits, casual/dressed ensembles, and even more streetwear outfits

What Type of Jelly Shoes to Adopt?

Flat or heeled, slip-on or buckled… There are jelly shoe models for every taste! Here’s a short list to inspire you.

Photos: Dupe photos, Pinterest