Jelly shoes, last summer’s most sought-after style, are back, once again baring most of the foot. Landing somewhere between a sandal and a ballet flat, they’re showing up in every kind of variation.
From the classic, see-through fisherman shoes, an exact copy of the ones we all wore at age eight, to modern ballet flats with a thin leather sole, the options for summer 2026 run deep.
Plastic fisherman shoes
Flashbacks From The Future
For anyone fully committed to nostalgia, Free People’s “Melissa” sandals and Ancient Greek Sandals’ black jelly shoes are the obvious pick, since their devotion to retro style is unmistakable. If the rubbery texture feels like too much, though, try the trend through more approachable alternatives. Alaïa’s mesh ballet flats or a knit pair from H&M, for instance, will freshen up a classic jeans-and-tee combo.
Cinderella’s Slippers
Amid all this, Chloé’s Cinderella shoes made their debut this year and have won plenty of hearts, while leaving others unimpressed, well, you can’t please everyone. The Cinderella shoes are jelly shoes too, but come with a small heel that shows off the calf and flatters the foot, adding height along with a touch of finesse. They also carry a retro line and a slightly translucent look.
Rachel Hochhauser, author of the New York Times bestseller “Lady Tremaine,” has spent years exploring the cultural staying power of the Cinderella story and has some thoughts on why the iconic shoe still captivates us. As she puts it, the Cinderella shoe has always doubled as fairy tale and symbol of transformation, and has now become a major trend in its own right.
Transparent Heels
The Cinderella shoe has always been the ultimate fashion shoe: part fairy tale, part symbol of transformation, and now a major trend. On the summer 2026 runways, transparent heels, crystal embellishments, iridescent finishes, and near-invisible silhouettes have finally overtaken bulkier sandals as the season’s most enchanting shoe choice. The trend taps into fashion’s growing appetite for fantasy and romance while embracing a modern kind of glamour that’s remarkably easy to wear.
