Jelly sandals: the unexpected summer staple – and where to score them

The rubbery, netted sandal – once relegated to the fringes of nostalgia – has exploded back onto the scene, fueled by The Row’s pre-fall collection and a serious appetite for playful summer footwear. Forget beige; this season is all about unapologetically bright, almost aggressively cheerful, jelly sandals.

A royal endorsement, a sartorial frenzy

The Olsen twins’ embrace of the trend ignited a genuine scramble amongst Fashion insiders. Suddenly, everyone – from Jennifer Lawrence to the clientele of Gucci and Net-a-Porter – was vying for a pair, with shades of blue, red, and clear dominating the requests. It’s a far cry from the trickle-down effect of a seasonal trend; this feels… different.

The price of playfulness

Naturally, the market is responding. H&M offers a surprisingly affordable entry point ($25) with their runway-approved TPU mules. Chloé is leaning into the luxe side with heeled iterations ($670), while Loeffler Randall continues to deliver a distinctly modern take ($175). Gucci’s Double G sandals, at $710, represent a significant investment, but the brand’s legacy lends a certain cachet. And Ancient Greek Sandals, as always, provide a sophisticated take on the silhouette ($140).

Beyond the runway: real-world retail

But the trend isn’t confined to high Fashion. Plenty of accessible options abound: Thong sandals from Christopher Esber Jo ($335), beach-ready slides from Ancient Greek Sandals and Tory Burch ($200 and $198 respectively), and even playfully clunky options from Sun Jellies ($22). It’s a surprisingly democratic resurgence.

The bottom line

This isn’t a fleeting fad. The jelly sandal’s return to prominence feels deeply rooted in a desire for joyful, slightly subversive style. Expect to see these rubbery wonders everywhere this summer – from the chaotic streets of New York to the sun-drenched coastlines of Europe. It's a bold statement, and one that’s proving remarkably difficult to ignore.