Jelly Shoes: From Nostalgia to Trend

Transparent and flexible jelly shoes are emerging as a key fashion item this summer. Jelly shoes have reappeared in various designs on the 2026 S/S runways and from numerous brands, demonstrating how a nostalgic item has resurfaced as a trend.

On the 2026 S/S runways, Chloe added a transparent jelly material to a dressy design for a kitschy mood, while Loewe presented clear shoes that highlighted the charm of jelly texture. In addition, brands like Bottega Veneta, Simone Rocha, and Moschino have utilized jelly materials, reinterpreting them in different ways to create new trends.

Here are 6 jelly shoes recommended by Bazaar:

• Chloe Jelly Mules: Characterized by a pointed toe and draping knot detail, the 'Spearmint' color particularly evokes Cinderella's glass slippers.
• Skims Jelly Kitten Heels: The pink jelly material and kitten heel silhouette offer a lovely and kitschy feel.
• Greenbutter Rose Clear Flip-Flops: These flip-flops feature a semi-transparent jelly material and a rose corsage.
• Melissa Women Possession Shiny Sandals Clear Glitter: A signature model from Melissa, these are fisherman sandals made of glitter jelly material.
• H&M Jelly Flat Shoes: These feature a lattice texture and a flat silhouette, with a breathable construction for cool wear in the summer. Recently, there's also a trend of customizing them with charms.
• COS Perspex Kitten Heel Mules: These mules combine a transparent heel, PVC banding, and a sleek silhouette for an urban feel.

The popularity of jelly shoes is continuing this year, with a significant increase in search volume on major fashion platforms. On platforms like W Concept, 29CM, and Musinsa, search volume and transaction amounts related to 'jelly shoes' have grown significantly compared to the previous year, with search volume surging as the weather gets warmer. Zigzag and Ably also showed high interest, and on Ably, transaction amounts for 'jelly slippers' also increased. 'Fisherman sandals,' another representative summer shoe, also saw increased search volume due to the high popularity of PVC materials.

The industry is showcasing jelly shoes in a variety of trendy, reinterpreted designs. Particularly, driven by the popularity of Mary Jane shoes, products with diverse details such as ribbons, logos, and flowers are being released.

• Rockfish Weatherwear has reinterpreted various styles like fisherman sandals, Mary Janes, slingbacks, and short boots in jelly material through its 'Glare' line. The 'Glare Strappy Sandals' are particularly noted for their comfortable fit and stable platform outsole.
• Pomellato's 'Net Jelly Flats' feature a Mary Jane design and a breathable net weave, with a slim pointed toe silhouette that makes them easy to match with various styles.
• Heavenly Jelly's 'Allure Glitter Sandals' emphasize comfort with their soft and flexible material, and allow for personalized styling with over 170 types of customizable charms called 'Tots Pins.'