Gladiator Sandals Make a Comeback
I was watching the news this morning and saw a teaser about spring fashions. Apparently gladiator sandals are making a comeback again this spring.
But I have to admit one thing. I just don’t get it.

I mean, there are a few really cute strappy styles with intricate designs and colorful leather work, but these atrocities that crawl up your leg towards your shorts or skirt as if they’re a vine growing out of the ground? Are they really h-o-t?

I admit to being at a loss for words. I mean – are you looking at these pictures?

So today I will refrain from insulting those who do love the shoes I apparently don’t understand and instead I will pose a question to all of my fabulous Smarter Fashion Blog readers. What do you think of gladiator sandals? Are they hot or not? If you love them, tell us why and please do tell me how you choose to wear them (casual, formal, etc). I’m dying to know.
Check out some more gladiator sandals here.
See also:
- Personal Pick of the Week: An American Gladiator
- The Stuart Weitzman Gladiator
- Teal Deal: Tory Burch Women’s “Ali”Leather Flat Sandals
- Designer Shoe Style: Nappy & Strappy, Tights & Sandals
- Sandals: New Arrivals at Piperlime.com
- Silver & Gold: Hot Deals on Women’s Sandals
- Top 3 Sandals for Summer
- Sandal Deal: Joan and David ‘Valailee’ Sandals
- Sling Back Thong Sandals
Comments
Comment from Kuuzak
The ones in the last are absolutely horrible!
Comment from Chris Lance
Those are some weird shoes
Comment from tBeauty
I’ve seen these gladiator sandals worn with colorful summer dresses and with a slight heal used with casual office wear. When seen with a whole outfit they actually looked good.
Comment from Danielle
Ugly. I have short, muscular legs. These shoes just make you look shorter and squatter – and who wants that?
Comment from Cecily
Thanks
Comment from Jasmine
Gladiator sandals are just nasty. I don’t think anyone should subject themselves to those shoes. The straps are big and clunky looking and they make your legs look weird. If you’re around 5′7 or 5′8, you might be able to pull them off, but you have to draw the line somewhere. I draw it at ugly gladiator sandals.
Comment from Sofie
I really like the gladiator sandal look! This summer I’m going to live in my newly bought gladiator sandals from http://www.romanofirenze.com and long dresses or tunics! Let’s go greek/roman
Comment from Courtney
I think it’s great that they’re coming back, just as long as they’re coming back with the right outfit. Worn with the wrong outfit can easily make gladiator sandals look horrible!
Comment from courtney
i love these! im glad i kept mine from last season!! they are soo comfortable yet very “in”
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[...] Fashion wants to know what you really think about gladiator sandals! Hot or [...]
Comment from Sofie
I totally agree! I also bought a pair of gladiators last year, and I didn’t except that they would be fashionable this summer aswell…but I was wrong and Im happy for that! But then ofcourse it didnt stop me from buying these lovely pairs
http://www.romanofirenze.com/ecnew/Collections/SchedaProd.aspx?Outlet=False&CodStagione=09C&CodCollezione=IG2&CodArticolo=4&CodCategoria=09
Immagine these with a pair of harem trousers…
Aren’t they just adorable?
Comment from Jean
OMG! gladiator sandals are so H O T ! it is a summer must and looks absolutely awesome teamed with shorts that show a bit of leg or even a cute little dress!
embrace and enjoy girls!
Comment from cheshiresmile
I think some of the more delicate pairs are cute, but I do agree that you need the legs for them, and my requirement is that they need a little heel and to be delicate so you don’t stray into manly roman gladiator territory. I dunno, I’m kind of on the fence about this trend.
Comment from nah
The ones you posted are really awful examples of gladiator shoes. Some others look gorgeous, esp with the right outfit, but I feel like you really have to look around and plan out what to wear with them before getting them.
i wear mine casually; I’m usually outside adventuring and getting messy, and gladiator sandals stay on my feet, keep me cool, and look awesome :}
Comment from Jill
I dont generally like gladiator sandals either but charlotte ronson made a cute pair!! Very native american
Comment from ShannyP
One word for this look: fugly. I really hope this is not the big trend of the summer. Not very feminine looking.
Comment from beckette
I’m 5′11″ ,on the thin/athletic side and pretty much wear most anything.
I ADORE the gladiators as my ankles are not the best and the straps cover them and give me confidence! But even my long athletic legs can be challenged by this shoe- its all about the design. If I were a designer, I would ALWAYS make the front shorter than the back to “V” the straps down the leg/foot for lengthening. A bit of a heel makes for a good difference too. I must admit, I think the heeled versions are far far hotter than the flats but then again there are some great flats. I ‘ve been wearing these for about five years now and see the trend on the way out- but hopefully not all the way. There is something fierce about having your ankle wrapped and your foot somewhat exposed. My boyfriend LOVES my gladi kitten heels _ oh my goodness- can’t print it here but for those narrow minded that just call the trend fugly- fine- go shop at Rockport and spend your lives in sensible shoes.
Fashion is meant to be fun, controversial , fresh and exciting. Go all the way or go home and bitch about all those that dare to be different.
VIVA LE DIFFERENCE!
Comment from beckette
oh and i forgot- i think the last pair with the beading and the fringe and absolutely ADORABLE
If you don’t like that pair all your taste may be in your mouth!
Comment from Digital
I think this is the hottest thing on earth. At first, I was like woa…now, as a man, I can’t think of a hotter sandal than gladiators….they drive me crazy!
Comment from Gail
Can anyone tell me who the ones were by that were shown with the white lace dress????
Comment from manda
i am a lover of gladiator sandals. i have a tall pair, like the one in the first picture, that i wear with shorter (but not clingy/tight) skirts and dresses, and i just bought this flat pair from a site called artfulwears named ‘georgie’ that i intend to wear with this spring’s maxi style dresses. i can see how they aren’t for everyone, but i love them!
Comment from ChickDowntown Robin
I do have to say that gladiators definitely had to grow on me. I was so reluctant to buy them and I honestly thought they looked weird on my feet. But I walked around the store a bit, put some outfits together and my head, and i love them!




















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