This Sandal Is the Summer 2025 It Buy I Never Saw Coming, But Fashion People Are Hooked
The jelly sandal trend is back, and Ancient Greek Sandals' new interpretation is my favourite yet. Find out more below.


It's official: the jelly sandal is back, but in a very considered way. As someone who grew up in the late '90s, jelly sandals were a key part of my younger years. They conjure up memories of padding through rock pools in glittery fisherman sandals that I refused to take off even when I outgrew them.
Whilst I often think about the joy that pair of sandals brought me, as a minimalist dresser, I never thought I'd come back to the jelly sandal. That was until Ancient Greek Sandals created the Saionara Jelly (£125), which has officially changed my mind.
This isn't the first time this controversial shoe has returned to prominence in the fashion circles. Last year, we all took note when Jennifer Lawrence stepped out in a pair of The Row's Mara Flat, a ballet-flat-jelly-shoe hybrid that divided the style set, and, as often happens with the Olsen twins' creations, sold out in no time.
Even with their popularity and undeniably cool appeal, I couldn't see myself adding this mesh-like slip-on jelly shoe to my considered collection. However, the Saionara's flip-flop design, with a pop of colour and hint of playful jelly material, balances classic and trending in such harmony that I can see them becoming my most-worn summer shoe.
Whilst summer is still easing in with a sudden heatwave here and a week of drizzle there, the minimalist fashion set has already declared that a fun summer sandal is the easy way to rejuvenate our looks for the season. Even those dedicated to neutral shades find themselves drawn to bolder colours and interesting textures when the weather heats up, and with bright skies predicted next week, I'm ready to make an exception for the Saionara.
Unlike the brand's Jelly Flip-Flop (£95), which is a monochromatic style, the Saionara gains its understated appeal from the black sole, which grounds the colourful jelly straps in a playful yet chic sphere, instead of becoming a throw-back moment. We're not trying to relive our childhood beach days, but a grown-up spin on a nostalgic shoe is one I can get behind. Already, the Saionara has had sell-out moments this summer, and with a restock underway, now is my time to dip my toe back into the joyful jelly trend, in a very considered way for 2025.
Currently, the Saionara comes in six shades, including a vibrant red, yellow and blue alongside more subtle clear, black and nude.
Shop Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Jelly Flip-Flop:
The red pair is already proving to be incredibly popular.
Lois Sterling (pictured above) sold me on the playful edge of the clear style.
No matter the year, flip-flops will always be a key part of our summer wardrobes.
Wear with linen trousers, relaxed jeans and pretty dresses.
Shop More Jelly Sandals:
If you're looking for a contemporary take on the ballet flat, COS has the shoe for you.
Of course, Chloé has the most coveted designer take on the trend.

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content. Over eight years of fashion industry experience, Florrie has honed her skills from styling e-commerce photoshoots to personal shopping. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer. Now, as the Shopping Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them.
-
PSA: Fashion People in NYC and Italy Are Wearing This "Dated" Flat-Shoe Trend With Denim Skirts and Dresses
Gwyneth Paltrow and Anne Hathaway are on board.
-
Keep This Between You and Me: I Just Found a $165 Alt for The Row's Viral and Sold-Out $1300 Heels
You're welcome.
-
This Unexpected Under-$50 Sandal Is Winning the Great Summer Flip-Flop Debate
Morgan Stewart has made a case for them.
-
Yeah, You *Have* Been Wearing Athletic Shorts With the Wrong Shoes This Whole Time
Here's the *right* way.
-
Forget Flip-Flops and Strappy Sandals—This Is the Elegant Shoe Trend Fashion People Are Wearing With Pedal Pushers
Hailey Bieber and EmRata are among the fashion girls.
-
No One Will Question Your Trend-Forward Status If You Wear Denim Shorts With *These* Shoes
Tyla gets it.
-
I'm Booking an Emergency Mani-Pedi After Spotting These 5 Pretty Skirt-and-Sandal Combos
Seen on Kylie Jenner and Alexa Chung.
-
These 30 Simple Yet Elevated Picks From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Are Giving Major Rich Vibes
Hello, instant confidence boost.