Last updated on July 25, 2026 by Eve Dawes
This Melissa jelly shoe review is for anyone trying to decide if the original jelly shoe brand is actually worth purchasing or if a cheaper product will be just fine. Melissa is the first brand that comes to mind when it comes to jelly shoes and jelly sandals, and is considered a brand that has maintained the category for a long time, so I would like to give an honest review of Melissa shoes after actually wearing them, rather than just looking at the marketing aspect. So, if you want to jump on the jelly shoe trend, keep reading.
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Why Melissa Jelly Shoes Are Popular
There are a few reasons why Melissa jelly shoes are so popular. One is the endless choice of styles and colors, there are over 900 styles of jelly shoes to choose from. Second, sustainability from the manufacturing process to packaging and sole. Third, what makes every Melissa Jelly shoe unique is its Y2K nostalgic bubblegum scent. I think it’s better than the smell of sweaty feet! PS: It’s also vegan, environmentally friendly and recyclable.
Melissa Jelly Shoes Review: Are Melissa Jelly Shoes Comfortable?
Yes, I think the Melissa jelly sandals are really comfortable. I own Melissa’s Harper flats which are very light, breathable and have a padded insole. This makes a real difference compared to the traditional jelly shoe style, which was a flat piece of plastic with nothing under your foot. They are comfortable enough to wear all day without the stiff, scratchy feeling of jelly shoes.
Do Melissa Jelly shoes fit true to size?
Mostly yes. They run true to size, but they are a bit wide in my opinion, so if you have narrow feet I would recommend sizing down a bit or checking Melissa’s specific fit guide for the style you are looking at before purchasing.
Which Melissa Jelly Shoes Should You Buy?
This depends on how you wear it. If you want something that goes with everything in your closet, choose neutral colors, black, sheer or soft nude. This is because these colors blend well with your outfit rather than being a standout item.
If you’re looking for a more classy, fashion-forward look, kitten heel styles are a worthy upgrade from flats, bringing a fun twist to the same jelly shoes without looking too casual. And if you want to have more fun with the trend, bold colors are the way to go. Jelly shoes are inherently playful shoes, so saturated colors lean toward them rather than against them.
I love the jelly strap heel trend and the Melissa jelly sandals for the beach and pool, but I can’t keep wearing this style of shoe regardless of the brand, so a closed style shoe like the Melissa Harper Jelly Flats works better for me. The cage upper is actually an “M” pattern and the buckle appears to be higher than on many other jelly shoes.
Melissa Jelly Shoes Review: My Honest Verdict
Yes, these Brazilian jelly shoes are worth it. Between the comfort, style, color selection, and the fact that Melissa remains the most trusted and established name in the category, these are truly a solid buy whether you’re testing out the jelly shoe trend for the first time or you already know you love the style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Melissa Jelly Shoes are really comfortable, and the padded insoles on some styles make a noticeable difference compared to older, flat jelly shoe designs.
Most of them run true to size, but they can be worn a little wide, so if you have narrow feet, you might want to size down a little. Always read the user reviews on Melissa’s website for sizing for the style you’re interested in.
Choose neutral colors, black, clear and nude that go well with anything, choose a kitten heel style for a more luxurious look, or choose a bold color to show off the playful side of the trend.
Yes, between comfort, sustainability practices, and Melissa’s reputation as the most trusted original brand in the jelly shoe category, these are a solid investment, whether you’re new to the trend or already a fan.
Jelly shoes are more than just a beach vacation. If you’re looking for styling ideas, check out all of our jelly shoe outfit ideas.
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