Watching the sunset, sipping on an Aperol spritz, grabbing an ice cream cone, tanning on your rooftop. These are all integral parts of summer, coloring the season with ease and joy — but nothing echoes the dog days like jelly sandals.
The nostalgic footwear is a little squishy, a bit shiny, and a whole lot like Jell-O, serving as a time capsule into the ‘90s. Often worn as a casual summer style, you could spot them at waterparks and boardwalks (bonus points if you wore the jellies with high-waisted shorts and a baby tee). If you were lucky, they even smelled like grapes or bubblegum.
While a lot has changed since those simpler times, jelly sandals have managed to find their way back to us. The Row debuted a strawberry-red, caged sandal in its 2024 Pre-Fall collection, quickly popularized by Jennifer Lawrence. But it was more than a fad, with Chloé’s gelatinous heels marching down the Spring/Summer 2026 runway.
This resurgence felt fresh, refining the relaxed silhouette to be worn beyond the beach (think dinners in the city and summer soirées). Whether reaching for a designer pick or not, the playful style adds a whimsical touch to your wardrobe, reminding us that life doesn’t have to be so serious.
That child-like wonder is finding its way among brands like Tory Burch, Dolce Vita, and Kate Spade, offering glitter-dusted straps, crystal-clear footbeds, and syrupy hues all found on Amazon. And since matters of silhouette are wearer-specific, fisherman, kitten-heel, T-strap, and even thong sandals are gaining traction.
Head back to the ’90s and secure a cool-girl version of your favorite throwback shoe.
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Luffymomo Jelly Flip Flops, $, available at Amazon

Vince Barbara Jelly Slide Sandals, $, available at Amazon

Dolce Vita Julio Jelly Sandals, $, available at Amazon

Kate Spade Sculpted Spade Jelly Sandals, $, available at Amazon

Steve Madden Tracie Sandal, $, available at Amazon

Usrunoe Flip Flop Kitten Heels, $, available at Amazon

Farm Rio Jelly Thong Flat, $, available at Amazon

Crocs Miami Toe Loop Sandals, $, available at Amazon

Melissa Jelly Thong, $, available at Amazon

Madewell x Melissa Jelly Flip Flops, $, available at Amazon

Cushionaire Splash Jelly Flip Flops, $, available at Amazon

Vince San Juan Thong Sandals, $, available at Amazon

Schutz Roslyn Jelly Wedges, $, available at Amazon

Naturalizer Brandy Sandals, $, available at Amazon

Loeffler Randall Rhys Jelly Sandals with Studs, $, available at Amazon

Tory Burch Mini Miller Jelly Sandals, $, available at Amazon
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