"They Could Be Unattractive, Yet I'm Still Eager for a Pair"—A Fashion Editor Shares Her Thoughts on Iris'…

      Occasionally, a shoe trend surfaces that appears destined for success. Typically, these unique trends build upon existing favorites, reinterpreting a well-known silhouette in a surprising manner. Another clear indicator? A significant amount of divisiveness. The most impactful shoe trends are not always immediately embraced by everyone—in fact, their somewhat controversial essence is often part of their charm. When you add support from a prominent luxury brand and a few celebrity endorsements, you have the perfect recipe for a future cult classic. Currently, the jelly heels trend has genuinely found its moment.

      Building on the jelly shoe revival that has reintroduced translucent flats and sandals into the limelight over the past few seasons, jelly heels present a more refined approach to this nostalgic trend. This look was solidified earlier this year when Chloé showcased its jelly-constructed heeled slippers on the Spring/Summer 2026 runway, highlighting the playful material in a notably elegant way. Since then, this rubberized style has steadily gained popularity among fashion insiders and celebrities alike.

      With their glossy plastic appearance, jelly heels naturally maintain an element of "ugliness" that will inevitably split opinions. For some, that is exactly the allure. Our acting deputy editor at Who What Wear UK, Rebecca Rhys-Evans, has such a fondness for controversial footwear that she began a column dedicated to them. In her inaugural edition, she explored the burgeoning 'princess shoe' trend, referencing these particular Chloé mules. "These shoes resonate with my inner child—the young girl who used to dress up in Disney princess costumes and dreamed of wearing something this fabulous in reality when she grew up. Well, it turns out she can! Fashion can sometimes be overly serious, which is why I always embrace a trend that feels, well, fun! Sure, they might be labeled ugly by many, but I'm still eager for a pair," she shared with me.

      In stark contrast to the soft leathers and polished suedes we have traditionally associated with sophistication, the clear rubber material evokes memories of the princess dress-up heels that many of us wore as kids, creating shoes that are nostalgic, playful, and intentionally unconventional—all of which makes them even more appealing. I also feel that jelly heels exude a whimsical charm that fits well with high-summer fashion. Just this week, model Iris Law appeared in a light amber pair of Chloé's now-famous jelly heels, styling them with a floral mini dress from the French label.

      Accessorized with a delicate anklet, Law's outfit embraced the playful essence of the shoes while demonstrating how seamlessly they can be incorporated into a summer wardrobe. Less serious than many of the heel trends currently in vogue, jelly heels provide height and elegance while infusing a refreshing sense of fun into an ensemble. While Chloé's runway design may have ignited the trend, I've also seen stylish versions at Free People, Mango, and ASOS. If you're as captivated by this playful shoe style as I am, continue scrolling to shop my selection of the best jelly heels available now.

      Shop Jelly Heels:

      

      Discover the specific shoes Iris loves.

      Free People

      Spritz Jelly Thong Sandals

      These can be styled with jeans or paired with a summer-ready mini.

      River Island

      Beige Jelly Toe Thong Sandals

      I would easily believe this was a designer piece.

      Steve Madden

      Kitten Heel Square Toe Sandals

      The tortoise print trend shows no signs of fading.

      ASOS Design

      Holiday Jelly Kitten Heel Toe Thongs

      Add a splash of color to your summer collection.

      Mango

      Jelly Strap Heeled Sandal

      Act fast! I don’t think this will remain in stock for long.

      These also come in a stylish amber hue.

      Stradivarius

      Kitten Heel Sandal

      The jelly shoe trend continues to gain momentum.

      Tory Burch

      Jelly Heel Flip-Flop

      Pair these with jeans for a chic take on summer styling.