Fashion
13 Sandals We Wore In The '90s That We Still Love
When I was little, I had a pair of jelly sandals that I wore every single day. I would cry if I was forced to wear anything else. Though there were some seriously cool sandals in the '90s, jellies took the ultimate cake. Mine were pink and had a pair of mini plastic sunglasses and a smily face attached to them. I lived in fear that they'd melt if they touched the pavement, but alas: Jelly sandals practically became part of my identity.
When I grew out of them, I demanded a new pair, which were silver with a thick, thong-style strap. These didn't live up to the original, but I won't get bitter about it. I mean, we all loved '90s styles, especially the amazing denim from the era, but nothing hit home quite like jelly accessories. I'm talking shoes, backpacks, bracelets, hair bobbles: You name it.
Even now, as a fully-fledged adult (kind of), I'm still on the hunt for a pair of jelly shoes that are work-appropriate. And now that '90s fashion is in full force (unless you live under a rock, you likely know that flannels, crop tops, and platforms are reigning supreme right now), I'm going to cop me some '90s-inspired sandals for summer to let me relive the glory days. I may not have had a cell phone, my own apartment, or job, but I had my jelly shoes. Here are 11 '90s sandals we couldn't have lived without back then.
1. The Classic Jelly
Diva Lounge Gia Women's Jelly Sandals, $13, Tillys
Seriously, I'm feeling all the feels right now.
2. These Stretchy Beauties
Steve Madden Slides, $54, Etsy
These with a pair of flared jeans were everything.
3. Platform Sandals
Material Girl Wave Flatform Wedge Sandals, $41, Macy's
You know you love these. Baby Spice definitely would've.
4. Square Toe
Black Leather '90s Sandal, $32, Etsy
Literally anything square toe killed.
5. Tevas
Teva Original Universal Sandal, $50, Zappos
How '90s is this whole look?
6. Anything Esprit
Vintage '90s Esprit Flats, $24, Etsy
These with some glittery socks would've slayed.
7. Birkenstocks
Birkenstock Arizona Black Birko Flor Narrow Fit Flat Sandals, $100, Zappos
Bonus: They're super comfy.
8. Sky-High Platforms
Chunky Blue Denim Platform Shoes, $44, Etsy
These are denim. You can't get more '90s than that.
9. Anything Metallic
Charles David "Bella" Platform Sandal, $105, Nordstrom
With a ribbed sole, too? Nailed it.
10. Jelly Flats
JuJu Christabel Cut Out Jelly Flat Shoes, $16, ASOS
You need the jelly sandals and flats.
11. Platform Flip Flops
Rocket Dog Bigtop, $30, Zappos
Are you feeling what I'm feeling?
12. Anything With Thin Straps
Chunky Heel Platform Lace Up, $37, Etsy
The wrap-up straps? Come on.
13. Clogs
Dansko 'Marta' Ankle Strap Clog, $135, Nordstrom
With a floral midi skirt, these clogs scream '90s.
Cue "Bittersweet Symphony" right now. If these don't have you feeling like the '90s, I don't know what will. Fashion is cyclical, and in this case, I'm totally into it. So bask in nostalgia all season long.