Love them or hate them: the controversial shoes dominating spring-summer 2026
Briefly

Love them or hate them: the controversial shoes dominating spring-summer 2026
"It was The Row who first welcomed the new-age jelly footwear to the runway in 2024, reviving an '80s favourite in a way that got people talking. Controversial? Yes, but in The Row we trust. Unsurprisingly, other luxury brands and high street retailers quickly followed suit. Some deemed the trend fleeting, but as is the way with almost anything the Olsen sisters present at Fashion Week, it turns out it's sticking around."
"While I'll be packing them in my carry-on to Comporta when I head there in May, I'm also planning to wear them as I pace the city streets on my next urban weekender. Which pair should you buy? For those fully committed to nostalgia, Free People's Melissa sandals and the women's black jelly shoes by Ancient Greek Sandals are the clear choice, as there's simply no questioning their commitment to the throwback."
"Then there's the more elegant option, and a welcome alternative to heels. Semi-sheer mesh pumps are the cool-girl's evening choice for SS26. Khaite's pretty designs are paramount, and Zara's embellished shoes are a charming yet affordable alternative. Love it or hate it, this shoe trend is here to stay, and its strongest suit is how well it travels."
Jelly shoes, a nostalgic '80s footwear style, are experiencing a significant fashion revival for spring/summer 2026. The Row introduced the trend to luxury runways in 2024, sparking widespread adoption among high-end designers and retailers. These shoes transcend their traditional beach-wear association, functioning as versatile pieces suitable for urban settings and travel. Options range from authentic throwback styles like Free People's Melissa sandals and Ancient Greek Sandals' black jelly shoes to modern interpretations including fishnet ballet flats and mesh pumps. For those hesitant about rubber construction, alternatives like Alaïa's fishnet flats and H&M's braided designs offer accessible entry points. Semi-sheer mesh pumps represent an elegant evening alternative to traditional heels. The trend's practicality for travel, combined with its styling versatility, positions jelly shoes as a lasting fashion staple rather than a fleeting phenomenon.
Read at CN Traveller
Unable to calculate read time
[
|
]