Rope espadrilles, soft ballerinas… Every summer, we end up wearing the same pairs, a little too seen, sometimes not comfortable enough to keep up with the rhythm of the city. We want chic, fun, and something that can withstand the heat without turning our feet into an oven. Yet another option is slipping discreetly into the streets.
Long associated with children, 80s and 90s beaches and village fairs, this translucent plastic shoe has been placed in the category of slightly kitsch souvenirs. And then it reappeared, no longer in the children’s section, but in the most sophisticated boutiques. Behind this comeback, a real metamorphosis.
Jelly pumps: the shoe we thought was dated and which is making a comeback
Jelly pumps are a direct descendant of the jellyfish of our childhood, those flat, stiff sandals that we wore to go swimming. The material has not changed on the paper: flexible and translucent PVC, recognizable at first glance. What changed everything was the form and the way of working on them.
We forget the simple beach sandal: the jelly is now seen in low-heeled pumps, open-toe mules or Mary Janes with straps and bows. Current models are more flexible, less rigid around the ankle and much more pleasant to wear for a long time. And above all, they use bold colors that catch the eye.
Chicer than an espadrille, cooler than a ballerina
The espadrille remains ideal for a casual weekend, but its rope sole and its very casual look sometimes fail to hold up well in town. The ballerina can quickly seem too wise. Jelly shoes find a happy medium: a glossy material that catches the light, a small heel that elongates the silhouette and pop shades that liven up white jeans, a flowing dress or a midi skirt.
In terms of comfort, the situation is also changing. Below 37°C and above, sneakers lock the foot in, the heat stagnates and discomfort sets in. Ultra-flat sandals tire the arch of the foot and pull on the calf in the afternoon, especially when the asphalt is hot. A well-designed Jelly with a thicker, slightly cushioning sole, soft PVC and adjustable straps to limit friction when feet swell.
How to choose and wear jelly pumps all summer long
For a pair to be truly wearable on a daily basis, a few details matter. A slightly thick sole, which naturally supports the arch of the foot, changes everything during a day of walking. It is also better to check that the edges are smooth, that the material does not cut at the heel and that the PVC bends easily in the hand. Adjustable straps around the ankle or on the instep help keep the foot secure without compressing it.
Style-wise, jelly fits everywhere. In white jeans and a tank top, she brings the touch of color that is enough to make a simple look very sophisticated. With a light suit, in a translucent smoke or nude version, it works for the office without looking disguised. In the evening, a long dress or a shirt dress tied at the waist goes perfectly with a little jelly heel, from dinner on the terrace to the walk home.
Are jelly pumps comfortable in summer?
Yes, as long as you choose a soft PVC, a slightly cushioning sole and adjustable straps that accompany the feet when they swell.
Can you wear jelly pumps to the office?
Yes, by focusing on sober colors, low-heeled pump shapes and careful finishes that fit easily into a light suit.
How to avoid blisters with jelly shoes?
Try them on at the end of the day, walk for a few minutes, check the heel and toe tips, and avoid any model that is too rigid or too tight.
Sources
- Grazia
“More chic than an espadrille, cooler than a ballerina, here is the shoe that is on everyone’s feet this summer”
- Grazia
“38 ca lombre the only really cool and comfortable shoe to survive the heatwave”
