Plastic Sandal

Why We Love the Plastic Sandal

First of all, there's the versatility. You can get the traditional jelly shoe type if you'd like. However, the possibilities are endless. You can find thongs, gladiators, heels, flats, opaque material, sheer material, and more.

Not only that, but you can wear them with almost anything in the summer. From shorts to dresses, and maybe even casual pants depending on the styles you choose, plastic sandals are fun and trendy.

What's New

Mostly, what's new has to do with the styles available. Plastic sandals are no longer limited to flat, wide, sheer, fisherman style shoes. As mentioned above, there's a plastic sandal in almost every style and color imaginable. Here are a few combinations you'll love:

• See-through plastic flats with cut-outs, a more delicate look than traditional jelly shoes—inspired by ballet flats
• Opaque gladiator styles—in pink, of course!
• Slip-ons in bold colors that can take you to the mailbox, around the house, or even out to run errands
• Heels, sometimes even combined with the brights that make summer so delightful

Brands to Consider

You can look for these types of sandals in everything from designer brands like Givenchy to no-names you find at your local mall boutiques and kiosks. Everybody's hopping on the plastic shoe bandwagon.

• Givenchy
• Xhilaration®
• Tod
• Sergio Rossi

Find Your Shoes

Zappos

Zappos could easily be one of the best resources out there for guys and gals in search of any style of shoe, fast. When it comes to plastic styles, they have plenty of options. Try:

• Givenchy's Plastic Gladiator: These come in black, pink, yellow, or white plastic for $169. As the site suggests, don't be alarmed when you see a different size than the one you ordered on the outside of the box. These sandals are made in Italy and have an adjustable ankle strap.

Bluefly

At Bluefly, you'll find Tod's white leather Matis style with plastic chains. They're flat, casual, sophisticated, and perfect for everything from shopping in shorts to summer evening barbecues that call for a dress. These will be a splurge for most people at $396. Keep in mind, these aren't plastic all over; there is a large section of the shoe that is plastic, but it is there as an accent piece. The majority of the shoe is leather.

Target

For the more budget-conscious, Target saves the day. Their Xhilaration® Gasha Jelly Flats are a throwback to those childhood days. Don't worry, they still have grown-up flair. They're available in smoke, pink, and clear.

Ravin Style

Ravin Style has plastic styles in the hottest colors you'll see.

• The Hoki Swirl Sandal is a slip-on that comes in turquoise, yellow, purple, and metallic blue. A pair will cost you $42. They have a wedge heel, so if you prefer a bit of lift to make your legs look longer and more fit when you wear shorts and minis, these are worth a look. Be sure to order a size larger than your normal shoe size.
• The Hoki X Sandal is also a slip-on. These are the same price as the Hoki Swirl Sandal, and they're available in white, purple, and red.

Polyvore

Polyvore isn't a site where you'll find shoes for sale. It is, however, a place to get inspiration. If you visit the site and type "plastic sandal" into the search box, it will give you all the eye candy one page can handle.

You'll see the turquoise standout heeled sandal from Sergio Rossi, the pink Givenchy gladiator sandals, the KORS Jupiter sandal, and more. While Polyvore doesn’t sell the sandals, they do usually point you in the right direction if you're interested in purchasing something you see there.

The Bottom Line

Plastic shoes are not to be ignored during the warmer months. They're no longer the cause of pools of sweat under and around your feet, nor are they always too wide, too slick, too uncomfortable...the list goes on. They're worth a shot; they could be the funky accessory your summer wardrobe's looking for.