Goodbye strappy sandals, hello jelly shoes: the shoes we wore as children are a pure trend for summer 2026

Nostalgia is in fashion. And the last proof is found in one of the trends of this summer 2026: the jelly shoes. Footwear designed for children to go to the beach comfortably (in fact, we are talking about the plastic shoes we wore as children).

They were a true phenomenon in the 80s (and part of the 90s) thanks to their striking colors and translucent finish, but like so many other trends, it has been completely transformed to become an object of desire in the middle of 2026 (and not necessarily for children).

How to combine some jelly shoes

Fashion has a weakness for second chances, that's why these shoes are pure trend, yes, with changes in a sophisticated key to even wear them to the office. The most stylish and daring wear them with shorts, midi skirts or romantic dresses, betting on color without fear and opposing the tyranny of the clean look. Of course, they are not limited only to the iconic crab shoes, we will find ballet flats and sandals with that colored rubber effect. We already have our favorites.

Five jelly shoes pure trend

With these Steve Madden we enter the meta trend: red shoes are sweeping and jelly-type ballet flats too. This shoe mixes both fashions and automatically becomes our favorite for 79.99 euros at El Corte Inglés. We would wear them with sky blue skirts or cool Santorini-style linen outfits.

These flat sandals from Casadei are the representation of an Old Hollywood style pool party. A speckled design with a crystal stone effect super charm in the center that will give a divine touch to any beach bar look (if we add a caftan to the equation) for 175 euros.

One of our favorites not only for the design, but also for the price – for 11.99 euros – are these ballet flats. jelly in aqua green that we found at Women'secret. A more discreet design than Steve Madden's but just as cool that goes perfectly with baggy shorts.

At Lefties we find the most classic flip-flop version of this type of footwear in several colors to choose from (although our favorite is red) for 9.99 euros. A design that does not have to be limited to the beach, it also fits into asphalt looks to bring more dressed-up dresses down to earth and wear them casually.

Finally, the most original of all: a wedge jelly for those who don't give up on heights or in the pool (yes, they can get wet). The brown tortoiseshell finish gives it a more realistic touch and is perfect for combining with white Ibizan style dresses for 39.95 euros.

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