It's official: the jelly sandal is back, but in a very considered way. As someone who grew up in the late '90s, jelly sandals were a key part of my younger years. They conjure up memories of padding through rock pools in glittery fisherman sandals that I refused to take off even when I outgrew them.
Whilst I often think about the joy that pair of sandals brought me, as a minimalist dresser, I never thought I'd come back to the jelly sandal. That was until Ancient Greek Sandals created the Saionara Jelly (£125), which has officially changed my mind.
This isn't the first time this controversial shoe has returned to prominence in the fashion circles. Last year, we all took note when Jennifer Lawrence stepped out in a pair of The Row's Mara Flat, a ballet-flat-jelly-shoe hybrid that divided the style set, and, as often happens with the Olsen twins' creations, sold out in no time.
Even with their popularity and undeniably cool appeal, I couldn't see myself adding this mesh-like slip-on jelly shoe to my considered collection. However, the Saionara's flip-flop design, with a pop of colour and hint of playful jelly material, balances classic and trending in such harmony that I can see them becoming my most-worn summer shoe.
Whilst summer is still easing in with a sudden heatwave here and a week of drizzle there, the minimalist fashion set has already declared that a fun summer sandal is the easy way to rejuvenate our looks for the season. Even those dedicated to neutral shades find themselves drawn to bolder colours and interesting textures when the weather heats up, and with bright skies predicted next week, I'm ready to make an exception for the Saionara.
Unlike the brand's Jelly Flip-Flop (£95), which is a monochromatic style, the Saionara gains its understated appeal from the black sole, which grounds the colourful jelly straps in a playful yet chic sphere, instead of becoming a throw-back moment. We're not trying to relive our childhood beach days, but a grown-up spin on a nostalgic shoe is one I can get behind. Already, the Saionara has had sell-out moments this summer, and with a restock underway, now is my time to dip my toe back into the joyful jelly trend, in a very considered way for 2025.
Currently, the Saionara comes in six shades, including a vibrant red, yellow and blue alongside more subtle clear, black and nude.
Shop Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Jelly Flip-Flop:
The red pair is already proving to be incredibly popular.
For those after a more understated look, consider the classic black.
Lois Sterling (pictured above) sold me on the playful edge of the clear style.
No matter the year, flip-flops will always be a key part of our summer wardrobes.
This blue is just so good!
Wear with linen trousers, relaxed jeans and pretty dresses.
Shop More Jelly Sandals:
This woven slip-on pair feels incredibly elevated.
The green shade is calling my name.
A very affordable take on the jelly-sandal trend.
I have a feeling this sky-blue pair will be incredibly popular.
If you're looking for a contemporary take on the ballet flat, COS has the shoe for you.
A very subtle take on the jelly flip-flop.
Of course, Chloé has the most coveted designer take on the trend.
For those drawn to a bolder look, consider this bubble pair.
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