Jelly Shoes Making 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. Revealing a reimagined silhouette, combining couture and urban style, this pair appears determined this spring to silence the controversies and establish itself as a versatile footwear choice, having already conquered the catwalks and presenting itself as the it-piece of the moment.

From Controversial Pairs to Runway Stars

Never, ever, would we have imagined that the adult us would be on the lookout, of our own accord, for a pair of jelly shoes to add to our cart… Because, let’s face it, beach afternoons punctuated by chafing and other cuts caused by Medusa shoes had rather led us to swear never to wear them again once we passed our 10th birthday…

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

Why Are Jelly Shoes So Appealing to Designers?

It is worth noting that fashion often sets out to make trendy pieces that are deemed has-been/kitsch or that are rooted in a world opposite to the runways.

Creating controversy, these creations find themselves at the center of discussions, quickly generating a “hype” effect and becoming coveted pieces in no time. Whether we like them or not. This has notably been the case recently with the craze for garden clogs or mesh Chinese slippers.

Thus, ticking the boxes for the kitsch/beach code and boasting a huge nostalgic capital, Medusa shoes have emerged as ideal candidates for a total rebranding, masterfully executed by the houses and designers who have recently made them their muse!

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

On the side of The Row, the Mara jelly flat was presented in 2024 with a ballerina spirit featuring a higher and more chic appearance. Meanwhile, others have bet on 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 wagered on, has actually been a true masterstroke…

Riding the wave of attention generated around their 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 quite a few questions and debates at its first appearance. But whether liked or not, all this controversy gave it an unparalleled publicity effect, leading it to become out of stock in no time and turning it into one of the most sought-after items!

The success of jelly shoes echoes, on one hand, the gummy bear trend announced by Pinterest Predicts 2026. But also aligns with a certain quest for innovation and material exploration that we are currently observing among creators. We notably think of the first collections by Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for LOEWE, where we discovered silhouettes reminiscent of Polly Pocket, both in material choices, cuts (jackets seemingly standing alone, pull-on boot shoes…) and other plays of transparency.

Thus, between kitsch, nostalgia, changes in usage environments, and a quest for innovation, jelly shoes appeal to designers in many ways.

The Advantages of Jelly Shoes: Lightness and Versatility

Beyond being adopted for their it-piece status and exclusivity, jelly shoes attract attention due to more tangible advantages, such as:

• The pair’s lightness, which easily fits into a travel bag or serves as an extra pair within reach
• Adaptability to all terrains: jelly shoes are suitable for both the beach and urban landscapes, or even more dressed-up outings for certain models (most are also waterproof)
• Their versatility allows for easy styling and adapting to vacation outfits, casual/elegant ensembles, and even streetwear outfits

What Type of Jelly Shoes to Choose?

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