So jealous of your jelly shoes

31^st July 2014

B Finney

B Finney

31 July 2014

We all had a pair, normally with sparkles embedded in amongst the plastic. They were the height of cool in our childhood and now they are back! Jelly shoes are one of the best things from the 90s (and mid 80s to get specific) that have made a comeback, second only to crop tops and massively outstripping scrunchies, bindis and the ever horrifying skorts.

Jelly shoes first made their appearance initially and a fair in Knoxville in 1982 before exploding onto the American market in 1983 when Bloomingdale’s ordered 2,400 pairs for their NYC store, where people got excited over the ease of production and the low prices. Aside from the classic sandal, one could (and still can) pick up a pair of jellies in boot, flip flop or pump form.

Jelly shoes, aside from being super comfortable, convenient and cleanable, are a form of fashion nostalgia that never really went out of fashion to the extent that they were “uncool” but to the extent that they were impossible to find. This occurrence is understandable in the tumultuous world of ever changing fashion trends, but surely the clear signal for their return would have been when those dastardly Crocs made an appearance on shelves and on the feet of children all over the UK. Though Crocs are comfy and great for the beach, the reality is that they look rubbish.

You can find Glitter Jelly Shoes almost identical to the originals for approximately £6 including p&p on eBay, however these sandals have exploded into all our favourite shops in all shapes and sizes. Honestly, these perfect PVC pairs of wonder are now available almost everywhere, and normally for more than reasonable prices like the old days. Asos have a pair of wicked Platform Jellies for just £18, and Boohoo have a huge array of Block Heel Jelly Sandals in both solid colours and the ever-cherished clear glitter styles for just £12.

We may resent the fact that trends from our seemingly recent childhoods are already making reappearance initially, but there is some satisfaction in seeing some sweet young thing going for an attempt at originality whilst sporting all the best bits from our old tried and tested 90s wardrobes. Long live jelly shoes!

Elizabeth Finney