Simone Rocha put them on the runway in towering platform form, studded with pearls and dripping in lace. Loewe did theirs in butter-soft translucent rubber, architectural and minimal, the kind of shoe that costs more than your rent. And then the rest of the world caught up.
Jelly flats — the clear, flexible, slightly squeaky shoe that ruled the early 2000s — are back in a form that\’s more refined, more intentional, and frankly, more wearable than anything we saw the first time around. Search interest is up 360% since April. They\’re on every street style feed coming out of Paris and Copenhagen. And the best part? You can get a genuinely great pair for $35.
Here\’s what\’s changed: the new jelly flat isn\’t trying to be ironic. It\’s not a nostalgia play. The 2026 version is a serious warm-weather shoe — light, comfortable, works with everything from linen trousers to midi skirts to tailored shorts. The silhouette has been refined. The quality has improved. And the color range has expanded far beyond the primary-color palette of 2003.
What to Look For
The flat you want has a slightly rounded toe (not too pointed, not too blunt), a strap that sits across the foot at a flattering angle, and a sole with enough structure that you can actually walk in it. Avoid anything with excessive hardware — the best versions are clean and simple. And if you want longevity, go for a neutral: clear, black, white, or a soft nude. Those will work with everything.
Color is having its moment too. Translucent versions in soft lavender, pale green, and dusty rose have been moving fast — they photograph beautifully and feel fresh without being costumey.
The Edit: 8 Jelly Flats Worth Buying Right Now
1. Sam Edelman Gigi Jelly Flat — $80
The best all-around option. Clean silhouette, a strap that sits perfectly across the midfoot, and a flexible sole that actually accommodates a full day of walking. Available in clear, black, and a soft blush. This is the one to buy if you want one pair that does everything.
Shop Sam Edelman
2. Steve Madden Beval Jelly Sandal — $59
The most affordable option that doesn\’t look cheap. The ankle strap gives it a slightly more secure fit than a standard flat, and the translucent PVC has a quality that punches well above the price point. Great for anyone who wants to test the trend before committing.
Shop Steve Madden
3. Reformation Cami Jelly Flat — $148
Reformation\’s version is slightly more elevated — the proportions are better, the finish is cleaner, and the brand\’s commitment to sustainable materials carries over here. This is the pair to buy if you want something that reads more intentional and less trend-forward.
Shop Reformation
4. Mango Strappy Jelly Sandal — $49
Mango has been quietly doing the best affordable footwear in the business, and their jelly flat is proof. Multiple colorways, clean lines, and a price that makes buying two colors completely reasonable.
Shop Mango
5. & Other Stories PVC Ankle Strap Flat — $75
If you want something with a slightly more editorial feel, this is it. The ankle strap version has a delicate, almost minimalist quality that reads closer to the Loewe aesthetic without the Loewe price tag.
Shop & Other Stories
6. ASOS Design Jelly Mule — $28
Yes, $28. And yes, they\’re good. The mule silhouette is particularly easy to wear — just slip them on, no buckles, no fuss. Don\’t overthink it at this price point. Buy them in two colors.
Shop ASOS
7. Free People Sol Jelly Flat — $68
Free People\’s take has a slightly bohemian edge — the hardware detail is more pronounced and the overall feel is a little softer and more relaxed. Works especially well with flowy skirts and wide-leg linen trousers.
Shop Free People
8. Anthropologie Colorblock Jelly Flat — $88
The most visually interesting option on the list. Anthropologie\’s colorblock version — clear strap with a colored sole — is the kind of shoe that gets compliments. Slightly more of a statement piece, but one that works with a wider wardrobe than you\’d expect.
Shop Anthropologie
How to Wear Them
The easiest formula: jelly flat + cropped wide-leg trouser + tucked linen button-down. It\’s the outfit of the summer, full stop.
They also work with midi skirts (the transparent shoe visually lengthens the leg), tailored shorts in a neutral, and even a casual dress on a hot day when you want something more polished than a sandal but more effortless than a heel.
One rule: keep the rest of the outfit simple. The jelly flat is a focal point even when it doesn\’t feel like one. Let it do its job.
*Maya Chen is Jebae\’s Shopping & Style Editor, based in Los Angeles. She spent years dressing private clients in Beverly Hills before moving into editorial work. She thinks in outfits, not pieces.*
