These Nostalgic Shoes Are Already The Style Of The Summer – Buy Them Before They Sell Out Everywhere

Skinny jeans, baby tees and Tumblr's favourite lace skirts – Gen Z is no stranger to resurrecting a millennial trend, and while we thought we'd revisited every controversial 90s trend when bubble skirts hit our social media algorithms, it turns out, there's one more surprise in stock. The latest trend that's got team Grazia talking is as unique as it gets: the jelly shoe.

The jelly shoe provenance can be traced back to The Row's SS24 shows where the brand first introduced the Mara flats, a cult pair that's so unique, so arresting, that, of course, it sold out in all four colours in record time. That's right, woven out of brightly-coloured PVC - in summer-ready shades including turquoise and coral - these offered a grown-up, and highly covetable take on the very same jelly shoes you probably begged your parents for before you hit puberty.

Not that it matters as they're completely sold out, but these vinyl flats also retail for £860, which is likely to drain your monthly pocket money almost immediately. Luckily, jelly shoes are having a moment this summer so the trickle-down effect has already started. In fact, they're a breakout search term on Google, where one particular brand is gaining traction for its own take: Ancient Greek Sandals.

Available in hot-weather hues that make you think of ice lollies – lilac, tangerine, aqua – Ancient Greek Sandals' Iro jelly shoe can be worn to navigate a pebble beach, as well as in the waves. Clever, no? It's also got the same closed-toe silhouette as The Row's pair.

Joining The Row in terms of sell-out appeal (but at a more affordable price) is Skims, whose minimal jelly shoes flew off the shelves everywhere. At £62, they come with ventilation holes to keep your feet cool at the pool, beach or beyond. Given their sell-out status, you'll have to wait for the restock to get your hand on this pair. Other brands to look out for include Melissa, whose jelly shoes are legendary among the style's acolytes. Taylor Swift, meanwhile, is a fan of the jelly shoes from Juju, wearing them on the album cover of 1989.

Maybe it's a step too far down memory lane - what next, a strappy top with a sparkly butterfly motif worn with low-rise jeans? But, if you're planning to hit the beach this summer, jelly shoes could be exactly what you've been looking for. Just don't forget to stock up on Compeed.

Shop: The Best Jelly Shoes

Main image credits: ©Instagram/@clairerose @the.exchangeproject @sharonsmurray

Natalie Hammond is Grazia’s Senior Fashion News Editor. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).