Nineties Nostalgia and The Row Are Bringing Back These "Ugly" Shoes for Summer

At this point, you'd think very few trends could shock us anymore. But apparently, the fashion world still has several surprises up its sleeve because our fashion team's latest topic of conversation is centering around a certain warm-weather shoe style that's, well, unexpected. Yep, jelly sandals are the bubbling shoe trend causing a stir in group chats everywhere. While jelly shoes are nothing new (if you grew up in the '90s, you'll remember those plastic jelly shoes with the ankle straps that we all seemingly wore back then), this summer is bringing them back in a new silhouette that feels altogether more modern and, dare I say, downright cool.

It was The Row's spring/summer 2024 runway where we first spotted the new-age jelly shoes. Models donned the brand's usual codes of minimalist attire, save for several looks that featured glove flats with fishnet-esque mesh. It wasn't immediately clear what the flats were made from based on the brand's runway imagery alone. Were they woven? Mesh? Upon further inspection, the Mara flats appear to be made from transparent, jelly-like PVC.

The Row may have ignited the return of water-resistant shoes, but the rest of the fashion world is also in agreement—which we appreciate since The Row's Mara style is selling out across the internet. Jelly sandals in all their forms are infiltrating our social feeds and favorite retailers, so regardless of your personal feelings towards them, there's no denying they're at the forefront for summer 2024. Here, we've charted their course from the runways to the market.

On the runway

The Row's Mara flats are no doubt the blueprint for the return of jelly sandals this summer. Though they've only just recently become available to buy, they debuted in the spring 2024 collection styled alongside billowy maxi dresses and long, flowy layers.

The jelly sandals appeared in several looks in this runway collection, including in clear, black, and aquamarine iterations. All three colors are now available, including a bright scarlet addition to the Mara lineup.

While the colorful versions tap into our collective nostalgia for the '90s, the black pair are sleeker and more elevated and from afar look similar to some of the fishnet flats we've already been seeing all year.

On Instagram

A closer look at the viral Mara flats in the vibrant cobalt-blue shade.

Fashion people are taking cues from The Row's styling with this trend and marrying the kitschy shoes with sleek, minimalist staples like maxi dresses.

Summers spent in the city call for shoes that are hot weather-approved but not necessarily sneakers. Jelly sandals all of a sudden feel like the perfect answer.

Classic jelly shoes are equally rearing their heads again this summer, so expect to see the '90s-inspired styles just as much.

The jelly-like material takes the whole mesh-flats trend to entirely new levels.

Wear them as you would other flat sandals (aka with jeans and a cool top).

In the market

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.