Jelly-shoes: From baby shoes to objects of desire

From Chloé to The Row, the jelly shoe has gone big: refined silhouettes, transparent kitten heels, and couture versions. Here's how to wear it without feeling nostalgic.

Anyone who wore them as a child on the beaches of the 1990s would never have imagined seeing them like this again: jelly shoes , made of PVC with a translucent and shiny finish, are officially the most unexpected footwear trend of summer 2026. But forget the toy effect: this time the rubber speaks the language of luxury.

Credits Jimmy Choo

From the beach to the catwalk

Chloé was the one who cemented the trend: creative director Chemena Kamali brought transparent mules, already dubbed "Cinderella shoes," to the Spring/Summer 2026 runway, along with jelly pink flip-flops. The Row responded with elevated fishnet versions, which sold out almost immediately. And the list goes on: Tory Burch, the Fenty x Puma jelly slide collaboration, and the Nodaleto x Melissa project, which transformed rubber sandals and ballet flats into collectibles.

Barbara Palvin by Jacopo Raule

How they've changed: the 2026 silhouettes

• Peep-toe knotted mule — the most couture shape of the season.

Chloe

• Transparent kitten heel — the Cinderella heel, perfect even in the city.

Jimmy Choo

• Jelly flats — the flat hybrid that it-girls love.

Michael Kors

• “Smoky” sandals — smoky shades that take away any nostalgia effect.

Asos design

• The classic jelly shoes baby — the whimsical card for adults.

Gucci

How to wear them (as adults)

The rule is one: contrast. The 2026 jelly shoe works with light, tailored dresses, flowing trousers, and relaxed denim—no more bucket hats and overalls. Clean silhouettes and refined colorways (smoke, butter, blush pink, sheer) make them suitable even for the summer office. Practical bonus: they're the ultimate beach shoe—water, sand, and rocks won't scare them.

Note: PVC can leave marks if in prolonged contact with the skin under the sun. It's best to alternate them and choose versions with fabric or leather insoles.