Shoes that smell like straight-up bubble gum? I'm sat.
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It all began at The Row's pre-fall 2024 runway show when models came strutting down the runway in netted jelly slip-ons (aka the internet-famous Mara Flat), debuting a chic, updated take on every '90s kid's favorite shoe. There was also Taylor Swift wearing a pair of translucent pink JuJu Reilly jellies when she dropped the Aquamarine Green Edition of 1989 (Taylor's Version). And now that summer is upon us, it's clear that the '90s jelly sandal trend is officially back in full force, which means you're going to see gummy, candy-colored shoes *everywhere* over the next few months.
Now, when I'm talking jelly shoes, I'm not just talking about the classic PVC fisherman sandal (like the tried-and-true Melissa Possession). From lattice-cut flats to cushy slides to chunky lug-sole platforms, the new wave of jelly sandals comes in a variety of styles that go way beyond the glittery jellies all the coolest kids wore in the '90s. The best thing about jelly shoes: Just like those polarizing mesh ballet flats, jellies let your feet breathe while looking way cuter than a pair of flip-flops. It's a win-win!
Ahead, all the best jelly sandals and shoes you can add to your wardrobe this summer (including a pair of jelly platforms that give a similar vibe to the Prada Rubber Monolith sandals but for way less $$$).
Kicking things off with a pair of classic flat basketweave sandals, which come in a variety of translucent, matte, and glittery shades (and will only cost you a little more than $20!!). Despite that low price tag, these cuties have earned nearly 700 five-star reviews on Amazon for their comfort and quality—and they look just like Taylor's Reilly shoes from JuJu, just saying!
Glowing Customer Review: "These make me feel so happy. I love them even more than I thought in would. I was worried about the quality simply because I’ve never seen adult jellies anywhere, but they are great quality. And comfy. Same as when I was a kid."
Brazilian shoe brand Melissa has been making colorful jellies in all styles for years now, and while you're probs already familiar with the company's OG fisherman-style shoe, this lug-sole platform sandal is my personal fave. A much more affordable alternative to the Prada Monolith sandal, the Megan is chunky but walkable and made with Melissa's proprietary fruit-scented Melflex PVC.
Glowing Customer Review: "Style and comfort?! Sign me up. I've had my eye on these for a while and I am so glad I got these. They are so cute and really comfy as well. These are easy to style and go just as well with a shirt dress or jeans and a top. Very happy with these!"
If you don't have $900 to drop on The Row's Mara Flat (same), these Jeffrey Campbell slip-ons are basically the next best thing. Made with gummy diamond-gridded uppers, these perforated ballet flats (which come in five colorways) keep on selling out, so make sure you snag a pair while ya can!!
Glowing Customer Review: "I got the white and the black and am sorry I didn’t order more colors, as they are now impossible to find in size 11. I wore them all day the first time with no rubbing or discomfort. Comfortable and cute!"
Like it or not, the divisive Croc is back and better than ever...this time with a chunky platform lift. Made with the brand's proprietary Croslite EVA, these bbs will give you nearly three extra inches of height without any of the extra weight or discomfort—plus, that heavily treaded lug sole will keep ya from slipping all over the place. No twisted ankles here!
Glowing Customer Review: "I was so excited to get this new style. They are easy to get on and off with the Velcro back strap. They fit slightly large, but with the adjustable Velcro back strap it doesn't matter length-wise. They also have squish/cushion when you walk, which is what I wanted. Definitely recommend!
Found: the breezy jelly flats of your dreams. Featuring a ballet flat silhouette with an open woven structure, these viral slip-ons are selling out fast, so may the odds be ever in your favor trying to score a pair. Oh, and btw: These run a tad small, so testers suggest going up a size for a comfier fit.
It's giving Gucci Slide Sandal on a budget, no? Though these Sam Edelman slides obv don't feature the same interlocking G cut-out as the Gucci pair, they're made with the same rubbery PVC material and boast the same shiny finish, making 'em ideal for everything from beach days to date nights.
Glowing Customer Review: "Fantastic fit and so comfortable. These pair nicely for a day at the beach or summer date night. They are versatile, and they are very chic-looking."
Larroudé's metal hardware-adorned Milan sandal has been a fan fave for a while now, but I'm even more obsessed now that it comes in a T-strap silhouette made with sporty PVC material. You'll love the memory foam cushion, the shiny chain details, and the fact that it comes in 10 splashy color options.
Glowing Customer Review: "Oh my goodness. These sandals are pure insanity. It feels like you have nothing on your feet. Incredibly comfortable and adorable. Super easy to wear with anything. Dress up or dress down in utter comfort. WOW!! And I love that they are waterproof."
Don't think you can wear a pair of jellies to the office? Think again. Tuckernuck put a stylish twist on the classic fisherman mule with these beauts, which feature woven PVC uppers and an adjustable faux leather arch strap with a buckle closure for an elevated ~lewk.~
Glowing Customer Review: "Obsessed with this shoe!! Truly the cutest & comfiest piece in my closet this summer. I love that the little pop of leather makes the jelly style a bit more versatile! Runs TTS. I bought both colors!!!"
If your classic Crocs had a cool older cousin, it would be these Charles & Keith clogs. I'm in love with the airy round-toe design, the chic buckle strap, and the chunky lug-sole platform, which will give you a nice lil height boost.
Jack Rogers had me in a chokehold all throughout high school, and tbh, I couldn't be happier that this iconic shoe is back in jelly form. Complete with the trademark Jack Rogers rondelles and whip-stitch thong design, these PVC Jacks are for sure the chicest flip-flops I own.
Glowing Customer Review: "Love these shoes! Very comfortable and have enough stretch to work with my high instep! I’m going to check out other color combos and may get another pair."
Nope, that price isn't a typo—these peep-toe fishnet flats really are less than $20. Available in nearly 20 color options, testers are amazed with just how comfy and breathable these budget-friendly shoes are (but just like with all jelly flats, you'll probs wanna size up with these!).
Glowing Customer Review: "This will be my third summer in a row wearing these. Great value, super cute, [and] I get compliments on them all the time. They’re very comfortable and flexible."
These rubber platforms look like something Lizzie McGuire would rock, and I am 100 percent okay with that. Made in Portugal from EVA material (which is a bit more lightweight and durable to PVC), these cute slides will give you two extra inches of height without any of the weight.
Glowing Customer Review: "I was so excited when my jelly shoes arrived. This was the exact style, fit, and comfort I was looking for. They are lightweight and cute as can be. I was so impressed that I immediately ordered another pair."
Listen, I'm not going to lie to you all: PVC material isn't the most breathable and can make your feet a tad sweaty. That's why I <3 these colorful fisherman-style platforms from JW Pei, which have the look and feel of jellies but are actually made with translucent TPU, a material that's softer and more flexible than PVC (as well as totally odorless, if you don't like that bubblegum-like PVC smell).
What happens when you take retro-inspired T-strap jellies and add polished gold hardware? You get these Tory Burch beauties, which are chic, minimalist, and surprisingly affordable for a designer shoe. And since they're made with water-resistant TPU, you can wear them legit anywhere.
Glowing Customer Review: "I love these sandals so much! The fit is perfect. I love that they are cute and stylish yet are okay to get wet."
Cosmo's team of digital fashion experts have decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. These jelly sandals were chosen based on style, functionality, testability, price point, and so many reviews to put together this shoppable list of the very best for you!
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
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