Kmart announces shock revival of 90s must-have for just $8 – and it’s a ‘dupe’ of $1450 designer buy
The jelly flat was a wardrobe staple in the 90s – and it has made an unlikely comeback.
Last year, the divisive statement shoe roared back onto the fashion scene after luxury designer brand The Row produced an elevated take on the PVC netted sandal.
Celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Lana Del Rey were then quick to embrace the plastic footwear trend.
Multiple upmarket brands then quickly followed suit with their own version of the shoe.
Now, Kmart Australia shoppers can jump on board the jelly flat bandwagon after the mass-retailer recently launched their own budget take of the trendy item – and it’s just $8.
Online style watchers were quick to spot that Kmart’s Ballet Shoes bore similarities to the ones originated by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen’s luxury label, The Row.
The Row’s ‘Mara’ netted jelly sandal were released as part of their Summer 2024 range and retailed for US$890, approximately equivalent to AUD$1450.
The ‘Mara’ shoe quickly became a must-have among designer brand lovers and sold out instantly.
Kmart Australia have released their take on the jelly flat shoe trend, which retails at just $8
Lana Del Rey (left) is one of several celebrities who embraced designer versions of the jelly flats, like The Row’s Mara netted jelly sandal (right), which sold for US$890 (AUD$1450)
Just like The Row’s version of the jelly flat, the Kmart dupe is similarly available in an array of shades, including a clear white and a fiery red.
Normally, a high-end designer dupe available at Kmart is met with a flurry of excitement among fashion-conscious Aussie shoppers.
But surprisingly, not everyone was thrilled about a recent Instagram post spruiking the budget retailer’s affordable version of the jelly shoe.
‘They were fowl [sic] in the 80s and they are once again,’ read one reply.
‘OMG why bring these back?? They were horrible back then,’ wrote another alongside a face-palm emoji.
Other comments were written by people who’d previously worn jelly flats in its 90s heyday – recalling the dire consequences of wearing the plastic shoe.
‘I can already feel the blisters,’ read one reply.
‘Do not wear without socks, in the sun,’ cautioned another person.
A third person chimed in that the friction caused by the tight plastic will make ‘fart’ noises as you walk, while also making ‘your feet look like a strung up pork roll [that’s] ready for roasting in the air fryer!!’
Kmart’s Ballet Shoes cost $8 and come in two colours: Clear and Red Fiery
Kmart’s take on the jelly flat comes on the back of the budget retailer previously releasing an updated version of the jelly sandal in December 2024.
Last summer, Kmart released a women’s version of the PVC fisherman’s sandal, which has long-been a popular style of children’s footwear.
At that time the grown-up version of the childhood staple was heralded by shoppers, with one thrilled person writing: ‘Finally, jelly sandals. I have been waiting for these.’
The jelly flat isn’t the only fashion item to suddenly experience an unexpected resurgence in 2025.
Last week, iconic early 2000s fashion staple jeggings also made a surprising return to stores.
The comfy yet controversial pants were recently spotted among the new-season winter clothing range at cult Japanese retailer, Uniqlo.
The brand’s EZY Ultra Stretch Jeans, which retail for $59.90, are described as ‘timeless denim sweatpants that are sleek, comfy, and effortless.’
‘So jeggings are back, cool,’ one style-watcher noted on Instagram.
‘Is it 2017 again?’ Another fashion fan joked.
