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We never thought we would see the day when ’90s-inspired clear shoes would become popular again, and yet that’s exactly what happened in 2016. Designers like Christian Louboutin and celebrities like Kim Kardashian brought this jellies-inspired shoe out of the archives and back into your closet–for good.
It’s now 2019 and the steamy shoe trend is showing no sign of stopping. From PVC pumps to clear strap sandals, these plastic-y shoes are everywhere. Kim’s own husband Kanye West makes them as apart of his Yeezy collection for Adidas. What a time to be alive.
Also known as the “naked shoe,” these trendy shoes are sometimes made with PVC, acrylic or some other mystery plastic. Who would have thought that these transparent styles, formerly reserved for the strip club, would become so mainstream?
(We couldn’t have, just like we couldn’t have guessed that the fanny pack or mock neck would return, either.)
If you’ve shied away from the trend until now, there’s no better season to dip your toe in it than summer. We found several subtle pairs that retail for $60 or less, so you can safely try the trend without breaking the bank. Plus, you don’t have to match them to your outfit! Shop now:
Amazon
Regular lace-up gladiators are so yesterday. Everyone and their mother has a pair of these in gold, black, brown—you name it. But have you ever seen anyone strutting their stuff in clear gladiators? We think not. Step out ahead of the crowd in these super affordable and recyclable clear shoes.
Zaxy Women’s Nuar Glass Jelly Sandal ($25)
Urban Outfitters
Two nineties trends–jelly straps and square toes–marry perfectly in this affordable shoe sold at Urban Outfitters.
UO Veronica Jelly Strap Sandal ($34, down from $39)
Steve Madden
Steve Madden always has us covered in terms of cheap, trendy footwear, and the clear shoe phenomenon has proved no exception. Their bestselling Bev slide comes in tons of colorways–the best of which just might be the clear version:
Steve Madden Bev Clear ($59.95)
Nordstrom
Nordstrom carries the trendy and affordable shoe brand Chinese Laundry. We are living for these metallic and clear ankle strap sandals. Perfect for wearing to all those wedding this summer!
Chinese Laundry Reggie Ankle Strap Sandal ($49.95)
Toss your everyday summer sandals to make room for this metallic naked shoe. Sandals with large straps can overwhelm small feet, so wear this pair to get the comfort and support of sandals minus the chunky-looking straps.
Shopbop
This ankle-strap Sam Edelman pair is 50% off–hurry!
Sam Edelman Yaro Sandals ($60, down from $120)
ASOS
The UK retailer has a special pair: not only are the straps clear, but so is the heel. So cool!
Public Desire Alia Clear Perspex Heeled Sandals ($42)
[Photo: ImaxTree]
