Gladiator sandals have made fashion history more than once. If you would like to know more about what they are, how to style them, and where to buy the best pairs, read on.
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What are Gladiator Sandals?
Gladiator sandals are distinguished by cross straps that run across the feet and up the ankles, with some even going up to the knees. They are comfortable to wear no matter the weather, and they have a classic aesthetic that can elevate an outfit. And the good news is: they are back in vogue in 2022.
History repeats itself, and so does fashion. These sandals were first worn on the battlefield for hundreds of years, long before they were sported on the runway. The sandals were named after the Roman warriors who wore them.
But how did they end up becoming part of women’s fashion?
Well, this is all thanks to the counterculture of the 1960s, which revived the trend of strappy footwear. And after several entries (and exits) in the fashion scene in the last few decades, they are back again, as one of the biggest footwear trends of the year.
Why are we back to wearing them? Because they are stylish and comfortable, especially in warm weather!
Gladiator sandals can amp up any look with ease.
Some gladiator sandals lace up quite high, giving an edge to that floral dress you want to wear. And many other gladiator sandals can easily elevate a casual jeans and tank top look.
Now that you know why you need gladiator sandals in your shoe rack, let’s explore their different styles.
Popular Styles of Gladiator Sandals
Here are five excellent gladiator sandal styles that will keep you and your feet happy and stylish.
Dressy Gladiator Sandals
If you want to add a bit of fun to your traditional evening look, you could pair dressy gladiator sandals with your cocktail dress. You could also add some glam to a casual jeans-and-tee look with these versatile sandals.
So what do dressy gladiator sandals look like? They are typically more elegant than the standard pair. Add dressy gold gladiator sandals or even bejeweled ones perfect for a beach wedding, adding a sparkle to your outfit. Some are made with a metallic sheen to go beautifully with an elegant evening dress.
Some dressy gladiator sandals lace up, adding an edge to your party dress. Ankle-high dressy gladiator sandals, on the other hand, could lend a feminine charm to a casual outfit.
Whether you are attending a soiree, wedding or beach cruise, dressy gladiator sandals will help you stand out.
Tall Gladiator Sandals
These strappy knee-high sandals have the power to elevate your look instantly. Tall gladiator sandals can add oomph to any outfit that stops above the knee. If you are thinking of wearing these sandals, ditch the jeans or maxi dress.
Tall sandals in the form of platforms or tall knee high straps will steal the show at any event. You can rock tall black gladiator sandals with heels at the next music festival you go to. You could also pair them with a little black dress and wear them on a fun night out.
These sandals are sure to be the piece de resistance of your outfit. Your whole look may go a bit overboard if you wear them with anything else that grabs attention, so it’s best to opt for a simple pair of shorts or a dress with a relatively high neckline.
Flat Gladiator Sandals
Flat gladiator sandals, as their name suggests, are characterized by their lack of heels. If you aren’t entirely sold on tall gladiator sandals, choose their flat counterparts if you want both glam and comfort. You could wear ankle-high flat gladiator sandals in brown or tan leather to add some zest to a casual look. Whether dressy or casual, these sandals will make you look and feel great. For everyday wear white or brown are the best choices to match any outfit.
They are a fantastic choice for a fun day out. These gladiator sandals will give you the comfort to be active, and you can walk a mile in them with no risk of distress, looking glamorous as you do!
Wedge Gladiator Sandals
These gladiator sandals come with a wedge heel. Similar to flat gladiator sandals, they could go up to the ankle or all the way up to the knees. These wedges can be worn with just about any outfit, for days when you want a bit of added height and elegance.
No matter what you wear, wedge gladiator sandals will elevate your look quite literally. They are ideal for evenings out or a fun night at the club, for a night look try a bold design like animal print or studded black wedges!
Gladiator Sandals Lace Up
These are probably the most iconic style of gladiator sandals. Gladiator sandals lace up will add glam to your outfit effortlessly.
Do not be intimidated by how they look! They are quite easy to put on and wear all night long. These sandals consist of cords that you can tie all the way up to your knee or just wind them around your ankle.
These flirty gladiator sandals can catch attention like no other. Tie them up high if you’re feeling adventurous. Or tie them low if you want to keep things casual.
One pair of sandals, endless possibilities!
What To Wear With Gladiator Sandals?
Gladiator sandals are incredibly versatile and can be paired with almost any outfit. And since there are different types of styles to choose from, it’s easy to find the best pair to suit your preferred aesthetic for any upcoming event.
You could team tall gladiator sandals with denim shorts and a crop top for a fun look. A pair of lace-up gladiators tied around your ankles will provide the right contrast for a floral dress that goes a bit below the knee.
If you want to steal the show at a nightclub, you could pair knee-high, dressy metallic gladiator sandals with a monochrome party dress. To add some fun to your jeans-and-tee look, you could slip into a pair of ankle-high wedge gladiator sandals.
A pair of gladiator sandals make for excellent footwear during the summer. You can opt for lace up gladiator sandals tied around your ankles with a flirty summer dress.
As you can see, these sandals offer a ton of opportunities for creativity. You can’t go wrong with footwear that goes with almost everything. Experiment with different looks, and enjoy the process!
Where To Buy Gladiator Sandals
We hope this gave you an idea about the different kinds of gladiator sandals and how you can pair them with your outfits. If you are sold on these beautiful sandals and want to buy the best ones, we have the best options for you—and we don’t just mean typing “gladiator sandals amazon” on a search engine!
Stuart Weitzman gladiator sandals
combine their signature LIFT lug sole with the classic gladiator silhouette. Check them out if you are into high fashion at an affordable price. The Kora Gladiator from Stuart Weitzman is a favorite and comes in black, tan, white.
Neiman Marcus
Neiman’s women’s shoe department offers a great range of gladiator sandals, from casual suede thongs to killer multi-strap heels.
DSW
You can’t go wrong with a pair of gladiator sandals from DSW. Perfect for those affordable pairs that might only last a season but will be a great addition to your summer shoe wardrobe. With so many brands to choose from you will be spoilt for choice!
Nordstrom
If you’re looking for avant-garde sandals, give Nordstrom a try. They have a unique range of high-fashion options to take your aesthetic to the next level.
Just Fab
If you would like something more simple and casual, you might like Just Fab. They offer affordable gladiator sandals along with any other style of trending shoe with their unique monthly shoe and clothing subscription club. Learn more about JustFab shoe subscription here!