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When the pairs of electric blue and ruby red vinyl shoes were crushed The Row’s Pre-Fall 2024 Runway In Paris, it sparked a nostalgic longing for practical and playful jelly sandals. The lattice-like silhouette offered a chic take on the beloved children’s footwear that dominated playground fashion in the 90s. The Mara fishnet ballet flats (£860) were an instant hit and sold out, and jelly sandals are now the hottest shoe of the summer.
The row Mara Vinyl Flooring, £860
Ancient Greek sandals Homeria PVC and leather sandals, £155
There are plenty of fun, contemporary takes on the classic fisherman style. Ancient Greek Sandals’ Homeria sandals in translucent sorbet pink have a hand-stitched leather sole, while Loeffler Randall adds sparkle to her Rhys sandals with glitter With clear rhinestone embellishments. For a sportier look, opt for Miu Miu’s platforms, which have a thick but lightweight sole, or Prada’s Monolith platforms, which come in a range of matte colours, such as pistachio and barley.
Birkenstock EVA Arizona Sandals, £45
Tory Burch Mini Miller Plastic Sandals, £110
Others are breaking new ground with different jelly shapes. Gucci’s sandals in fluorescent tangerine feature an interlocking G printed on the front. And Brazilian brand Melissa, which has been making durable rubber shoes since 1979, is constantly expanding its range. Made from Melflex, a patented PVC with a distinctive bubblegum scent, its bright Town sandals feature a grippy tread sole and an adjustable strap that goes around the ankle for support. But for ultimate rubber comfort, Birkenstock’s Eva Arizona sandals feature the same anatomical moulding as its cork models, but are flexible, waterproof and ideal for holidays.