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These '90s shoes are back in vogue for summer

Erin Christie

Updated August 30, 2024 - 4.34am

If you grew up in the '90s, you likely had a pair of jelly sandals. You're likely also scarred from the hot summer days you spent wearing them when sweat and PVC created the perfect scenario for painful blisters.

9PR — Your '90s pair might have looked a bit like this. Melissa Shoes Australia

If you can push that memory aside, however, you might be intrigued (excited even?) to know that these plastic bad boys are back on trend. They had a brief resurgence around 2010 (thank you Rubi Shoes for the black pair I wore every weekend), but this time they're edging toward high fashion.

So, why is this particular sandal back? Predicted to be seen everywhere in the summer months, here's why you need jelly sandals.

It all started with The Row, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's fashion label, which has been dictating what's cool for over a decade. Their Summer 2024 show, held almost a year ago in Paris, saw the introduction of the Mara Flat, a caged silhouette made from PVC. They weren't a typical jelly sandal though, looking more like the mesh ballet flat we've also seen trending in the last 12 months.

Soon after their debut, they were seen on Jennifer Lawrence as she meandered through New York City. And the rest, as they say, is history. Brands started running with the trend, and now we're ready for a jelly sandal summer down under.

9PR: Ancient Greek Sandals Iro Flats — The Iro PVC Ballet Flats in Blush from Ancient Greek Sandals. Ancient Greek Sandals

While it's pretty difficult to find a pair of the Mara Flats in Australia (unless you want to pay over $1000), the Iro style from Ancient Greek Sandals is similar and comes in four different colours.

Otherwise, brands like Crocs and Melissa (and a few lesser-known ones, too) have their take on the jelly style which remains true to their fun, colourful and quintessentially '90s vibe.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

These '90s shoes are back in vogue for summer

Ancient Greek Sandals Iro PVC Ballet Flats

Melissa Megan Platform Sandals

Crocs Stomp Fisherman High Shine Sandals

Bodantory Women's Jelly Mesh Ballet Flats

Melissa Possession Sandals

Crocs Crush Sandals

Heavenly Jelly Women's Sandals

Melissa The Real Jelly Kim Sandals

Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Jelly PVC Flip Flops

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