May 8, 2025, 12:41 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

Some of you might recall the brightly colored plastic sandals from childhood that somewhat resemble Barbie shoes. Worn for swimming as a kid, Jelly Shoes are making a comeback this summer. STYLEBOOK shows how to wear these iconic shoes beyond the beach and pool.

The Origin of Jelly Shoes

The roots of jelly shoes lie in Brazil. The idea originally came from a manufacturer in the plastics industry, who first introduced vegan PVC sandals under the name “Melissa” in 1979. The special material used by Melissa, Melflex, is now even a patented development.

The first model, “Aranha,” a strapped jelly sandal inspired by French fisherman sandals, became a real sales hit. By the 1980s and 1990s, the glittering, colorful models were in demand worldwide. Collaborations with well-known designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, and Karl Lagerfeld soon followed. Incidentally, the first Melissa sandals were not specifically designed as beach shoes, but the flexible, waterproof material quickly made them a popular companion at the beach.

Many rightly wonder if the comfort of wearing plastic shoes leaves something to be desired. Those who pay attention to high-quality craftsmanship and avoid wearing the shoes barefoot for hours usually have nothing to fear: The soft material generally adapts well to the foot. For those who want to be extra cautious, simply pair the jelly shoes with cute socks.

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How to Style Trendy Jelly Shoes

The Classic

If you’re looking to try the unusual sandal trend, you can’t go wrong with the classic. The colorful version is reminiscent of the also trendy fisherman sandals this year. With their slightly closed form, they are not only ideal for beach walks but can also be worn in the city without any issues.

Mesh Ballerinas

It’s hard to miss that ballerinas, Mary Janes, and similar styles are also making a comeback this summer. The even airier version, known as mesh ballerinas, is now available in jelly style.

Whether as a delicate addition to flowing summer dresses or as a bright variant to a simple jeans look, flat jelly ballerinas are real eye-catchers. However, they are not suitable for everyday wear (for the sake of our feet).

Flip-Flops

If you like wearing flip-flops in the summer, you’ll find a suitable jelly version this year. The transparent version, in particular, fits perfectly with looks featuring a 2000s aesthetic, while appearing much cleaner than the glittering originals.

With Block Heel

There are also suitable jelly shoes for longer outings, such as those with a block heel that offers a bit more support. While this style may not appear very elegant due to its rather chunky look, it is the ideal candidate for style-breaking looks—and might even prevent the question of why you’re wearing beach shoes.