This Tkees x J.Crew Shoe Collaboration Makes the Jelly Sandal Trend Look Sophisticated and Expensive for Less Than $100
Stacia Datskovska
Senior Commerce Writer for WWD
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
In honor of the resurgence of ’90s-era jelly sandals and the start of spring, the footwear brand Tkees paired up with J.Crew on a reimagining of its Mariana sandal. The result? A sleek T-strap shoe that’ll treat your spring capsule wardrobe to a much-needed dose of color.
The made-in-Brazil Tkees x J.Crew Mariana sandal might resemble the typical Mariana silhouette to a tee, but it’s also singular in two key ways. First off, Tkees’ Mariana has never before seen so much radiance in the form of on-trend hues worn frequently during the warm weather season (the original style is offered only in white, black, and a range of subtle browns). Secondly, it features transparent jelly straps for a modern, sophisticated take on the summertime shoes of your youth.
Usually presenting itself as nostalgia-inducing fisherman sandals (launched to stardom in 1979 by the brand Melissa and worn by stars from Jennifer Lawrence to Blackpink’s Lisa to Lana Del Rey), the gummy, candy-colored jelly material — crafted out of synthetic polymer — has also graced recent runways, like Chloé’s spring 2025 one, where its new, heeled Jelly Sandal shone bright. Overall, brands like Rihanna’s Fenty, The Row, and more are rolling out iterations on a style that might have surfaced decades back but is presently taking over the world as a footwear choice that’s breathable, stylish, and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Watch on FN
Tkees x J.Crew’s Mariana Clears are shoes you’ll be able to don everywhere, from the office to happy-hour drinks to you upcoming beach vacation: They’re just that versatile, able to be packed in your carry-on or overnight bag without adding bulk. Nothing about the sandals reads as “quiet” in the color department, but this won’t provide a styling challenge at all. In fact, quite the opposite — you can wear the bright-blue “Mallorca Mirage” with your favorite blue jeans, for a colorway continuation of sorts that contrasts denim with leather and rubber; pair “Vintage Red” with a dark slip dress and a bold red lip, for your own version of the TikTok-approved “sandwich rule” clothing hack; or allow the more incognito “Sunbleached Coral” to round out your maxi skirt-plus-camisole getup. The shoes’ leather footbeds are supportive despite being thin, their rubber straps won’t dig into sensitive ankle skin, and the overall vibe here sits at the covetable intersection between polished and laid-back.
Whichever way you choose to implement the Tkees x J.Crew sandal in your life, know that it will change your spring aesthetic for the better, leading to an instant infusion of trendiness. The new shoes, after all, not only contribute to the jelly sandals moment making waves today but find themselves at home amongst elevated, luxe, material-forward takes on the classic flip-flop spearheaded by The Row, yet again, but also Toteme, Ancient Greek Sandals (what with their fit-for-goddesses picks), and beyond.
You’re also in good hands when shopping the Mariana Clear sandal based on the sheer popularity and staying power of the Tkees and J.Crew brands. The former launched in 2009 with its Lily flip-flop hero product — a barely there creation out of Brazilian leather that feels like a second skin — but has since then blown up in popularity, thanks to regular new releases which are gushed over on TikTok as well as fun collaborations the likes of its coquettish, pink-and-gold sandals drop with LoveShackFancy last year. Celebs are fans, too, including Jennifer Lawrence (who repurposes the metallic Lily in outfits punctuated by denim skirts, black jumpsuits, and striped polo shirts); Ivanka Trump (who’s worn a nude Tkees flip-flop with no shortage of the best spring dresses); and Alessandra Ambrosio (choosing the Gemma‘s two-strap silhouette for easy-breezy looks in the California sunshine).
As for J.Crew, you can count on this mega-brand to ideate apparel, shoes, and accessories that quickly become modern classics. Its footwear designs in particular are equal parts aspirational and accessible — with sandals that span the sporty, the preppy, the strappy, and the maximalist.
To set the stage for all your upcoming spring frolics through gardens, city streets, and everything in between, as well as to make your adorable outfit mashups even cuter, grab a pair (or all three) of the Tkees x J.Crew Mariana Clear sandals… but be prepared for “where’d you get those?” queries left and right.
Why Trust Footwear News
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD and FN. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on new footwear releases and trending, seasonal styles.
