This may sound outrageous, but I must speak my truth nonetheless: I’m not a big believer in sandals. If I’m being especially honest, it goes further than that—besides poolside vacation days, I have not worn sandals in years. In fact, when I mentioned to my coworkers that I was taken by and participating in the jelly fisherman sandal trend, one of them remarked, “Omg Tamim in sandals!! This is a story I need.”
Besides the comfort (which I will get into later), the thing I like about this style is that my foot does not feel completely exposed to the elements. The style is open but closed, my feet are getting some air, yet I’m not fearful of making contact with whatever pathogen New York City sidewalks are inventing.
At this moment in time, I only have one pair, the Melissa Possession Sandals, but that is temporary. By summer’s end, many of the below options will be gracing my feet, too.
Melissa Possession Jelly Fisherman Sandal
Nordstrom
A large part of my aversion to sandals is that they do not have enough support and comfort for a New York City lifestyle that involves walking 10,000 steps on an average day. I packed these for a vacation, and when I discovered how comfortable and supportive they were, I wore them past the perimeter of the hotel and for a day of full-on sightseeing. I had a backup pair of shoes in the car, but I did not need them. I spent an entire day walking through Renaissance-era churches and UNESCO heritage sites without the smallest tinge of pain.
That was enough information to know that these would be appropriate for my regular lifestyle, too. Time has proven this to be true; they are flexible and soft yet structured, and the clear style means they go with any and every outfit.
Crocs Stomp Fisherman Sandal
Crocs
It looks like this is the summer of firsts. Not only am I now a sandal person, but I’m also apparently a Crocs person. This platform style is made with a plastic that is perhaps not jelly but rather jelly-adjacent. They give me a little height boost, I always welcome (I’m 5-foot-2), and all three colors are on sale.
Luxinyu Jelly Sandals
Amazon
This $29 pair on Amazon sings to my heart—the clear jelly is zhuzhed with glitter specs, and there is a small heel. It’s just the size I can handle before I worry about ankles buckling under the immense pressure and pain. It comes in a dozen-plus colors and styles that are both raised and flat.
J.Crew Fisherman Jelly Sandals
J.Crew
Old Navy Jelly Fisherman Sandals
Old Navy
Bibi Lou Jelly Fisherman Sandals
Anthropologie
