Yes, jelly shoes are back and this time they’ve been embraced by the very people who swore they’d never wear them. In 2026, jellies come in every possible guise: kitten heels, backless slip-ons, flip-flop hybrids, the full-nostalgia fisherman sandal and all sorts of clever colours. They’re playful, practical and ironic enough to feel clever.
Fashion editors buy theirs from a handful of insider-approved brands. Those in the know head straight for Ancient Greek Sandals whose delicate braided straps and mesh-effect patterns feel more Mediterranean chic than Polzeath rock pool. Ganni’s collaboration with Melissa brings some fun with ruffled jelly flip-flops, while Selfridge’s woven rubber mules might be the most grown-up take on the trend yet. And for those craving pure princess energy, Chloé’s blush pink peep-toe kitten heels offer a whole new level of jelly sophistication no one saw coming. For a straight hit of nostalgia, it’s got to be Cos’s Jelly Fisherman Sandals with their semi-enclosed toe and low heel. That remains the purist’s pick.
The high street has gone all in on the Noughties nostalgia. From supermarket jellies to £7 Primark jelly ballet flats in soft pastel shades, there’s no shortage of budget-friendly ways to dabble in the shoe of the season. One of the most shared heatwave buys – and a fashion editor favourite - are the M&S’s £20 jelly flats in pink, red, blue or chocolate brown. The ankle strap flat version has already sold out online, though you may still spot it in store.
And in this heat, jelly shoes make perfect sense. They’re waterproof, wipe-clean, airy and, apparently, chic. Style them with a kaftan for the coast or a co-ord for sweltering city days; either way, jelly shoes have become the unexpectedly chic heatwave staple no one predicted – and everyone’s wearing. Ready to be swayed? Here are 21 pairs of jelly shoes to tempt you.
Hero image: Anthropologie
