The Triumphant Return of Gladiator Sandals

Have you seen them? They are everywhere! We're talking about gladiator sandals. A web search for “2009 sandals” inevitably brings gladiator sandal up in first place. Celebrity gossip magazines and websites have spotted this must-have accessory on virtually every female celebrity, including Kate Moss, Mary Kate Olsen, and Rihanna. The gladiator sandal is the 2009 alternative to tired, boring flip-flops.

Fortunately, this is one fashion trend that's easy to take to the streets. Gladiator sandals aren't just for Roman goddesses or high-profile celebrities. Gladiators come in styles to flatter every body type—and every budget. This season the gladiator sandal has moved past the leather soles and straps to a look that is more elegant, fun, delicate, and detailed. Gladiator sandals can be found in the traditional flat style, wedges, and even spiked heels that usually sport an open-toe style or post toe. There are even some styles with closed toes for those who want a little more coverage over their tootsies. To appreciate how many styles of Gladiator Sandals are available, check out Sam Edelman sandals.

Historically, sandals are thought to be the first form of footwear. They have been depicted in cave drawings, Egyptian paintings, and other ancient drawings. Roman gladiator sandals were open-toed shoes with a wide strap around the ankle and long laces that crisscrossed to hold to the foot securely. As is so often the case in all things Roman, these shoes were inspired by the Greek styles of the day.

Sandals were the most popular type of shoe in the warm, Mediterranean climates. They offered sufficient foot protection against the rocky roads of that era. Since the citizens and soldiers of Rome walked to their destinations most of the time, the materials of the footwear had to be strong, comfortable, and durable. Affluent Romans wore red-dyed sandals made of fine leather. The working class wore sandals that were plain in color and made of more affordable materials. It was not until the 20th century that sandals became a fashion statement in North America and Europe.

Today, the only thing to worry about gladiator sandals is what to wear with them. The answer is easy: a fabulous pedicure, light dresses that seem to float, Capri pants, or even a cute pair of short shorts. A dress worn with gladiator and accentuated with big sunglasses can give one the classic Jackie-O look. Check out our selection of sandals for the perfect pair. Most fashionistas agree that gladiator sandals look the best with shorts or skirts that are mini or fall just below the knee.

The trick to these sandals is to pick the pair that is most flattering to your figure. Look for Gladiator sandals that will give an elongated look to your legs. A figure with fuller legs may not benefit from gladiator sandals with laces that go high up the leg. Rather, a delicate and feminine style that does not have chunky straps would better accentuate juicy legs.

Some things set the gladiator above other styles of sandals. For example, woven Mexican huarache sandals may not provide the breathability needed during the hottest days of the summer. Cage heels, another strappy sandal, sometimes have so many straps they look more like pumps than sandals. Thongs or flip-flops stand out like a bad pimple at a formal event. And conventional slide sandals, whose chunky look is great for taking out the trash or doing housework, lack the feminine elegance that is easily found with the gladiator sandal.

Bottom line: the fastest, easiest way to be trendy this season is to nab a pair of gladiator sandals. Like their namesake, you're sure to triumph in all of your summer fashion conquests when you wear your gladiator sandals.

~Flora Richards-Gustafson, 2009