Embrace Classic Chic: How Gladiator Sandals Elevate Your Summer Wardrobe

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Summer is right on the horizon. It’s the perfect time to refresh your shoe collection and invest in a classic style to see you through autumn.

Nothing screams summer more than a pair of gladiator sandals. What we love about this chic bohemian style is that it offers something for everyone – whether you’re a fan of flats or knee-high strappy heels.

The Quintessential Summer Staple: Gladiator sandals, with roots tracing back to ancient Rome, epitomize timeless summer fashionThe Quintessential Summer Staple: Gladiator sandals, with roots tracing back to ancient Rome, epitomize timeless summer fashion (Credit: Andre Silva Pinto / Shutterstock)

But are gladiator sandals in style? They’re a classic that comes back in style as soon as temperatures rise. You’ll want to buy these shoes before your next tropical vacation or as your go-to summer shoes.

These shoes are some of the oldest in fashion, maintaining the same style and silhouette from ancient Greece. We’re looking at these classic shoes that have stood the test of time.

Eternal Elegance: The Ageless Allure of Gladiator Sandals

Gladiator sandals are a style of shoe that features wide cross straps and a stiff sole, often incorporating braiding or leather cords.

The name ‘gladiator sandals’ came about as the shoes were associated with the gladiators of Ancient Greece and Rome.

Gladiators would wear these shoes into battle to keep their feet cool and protected on the battlefield. Thick leather would be used on the sole, while softer and more supple leather was used on the straps to make the shoes easier to wear for extended periods.

Battle-Tested Elegance: Gladiator sandals, originally designed for the ancient battlefields of Greece and Rome, blend practicality with timeless style, keeping feet cool and stylish through the agesBattle-Tested Elegance: Gladiator sandals, originally designed for the ancient battlefields of Greece and Rome, blend practicality with timeless style, keeping feet cool and stylish through the ages (Credit: Roibu / Shutterstock)

While we may think of gladiator sandals as a timeless style, they only recently returned to mainstream fashion. We can thank Hollywood’s love of Ancient Greek and Roman film plots for helping to turn these centuries-old shoes into a fashion trend.

While these shoes have been worn in Greece and Italy for generations, they only entered the public consciousness in the 1960s.

Gladiator sandals also have a mythological connection. The Greek God Hermes is depicted as wearing gladiator sandals with wings on the back, while these sandals also appear frequently in ancient Greek architecture, including at the Parthenon.

Beyond the Basics: The Diverse World of Gladiator Sandals

The term ‘gladiator sandals’ covers a range of shoes – including ones that don’t look like traditional sandals! Any shoe with a synonymous cross-strap design can fall into the gladiator sandal category.

They’re called ‘strappy heels’ and often feature an ankle strap or carry the cross strap silhouette up through the lower calf.

The most common type of gladiator sandals that you’ll find are ones that resemble the classic style. They’ll usually have flat soles with an open-toe silhouette, cross straps, and an ankle strap.

These shoes are a chic alternative to sneakers or slides and the perfect way to show off a fresh pedicure.

Chic Versatility Unleashed: 1. Ann Demeulemeester's sleek flat design; 2. Bed Stu Claire's woven elegance; 3. Vince Kenna's sophisticated ankle-tie allureChic Versatility Unleashed: 1. Ann Demeulemeester’s sleek flat design; 2. Bed Stu Claire’s woven elegance; 3. Vince Kenna’s sophisticated ankle-tie allure

You’re in luck if you want a little extra height without going for a traditional heel!

As trends have evolved, designers have reimagined gladiator sandals. One of our favorite styles is flat gladiator sandals with a platform sole.

Elevating Summer Footwear: 1. Sandro Eliane's refined craftsmanship; 2. Sorel Cameron's bold platform twist; 3. Dr. Martens Blaire's rugged charmElevating Summer Footwear: 1. Sandro Eliane’s refined craftsmanship; 2. Sorel Cameron’s bold platform twist; 3. Dr. Martens Blaire’s rugged charm

Most of the quirky gladiator sandals feature a ‘tie-up’ design. They take the cross-strap motif and carry it up the calf – similar to how gladiators would have worn the shoes into battle.

Today, these silhouettes have a more seductive feel. You can find them with flat soles or stiletto heels for a sexier look.

From Timeless to Trendsetting: 1. Valentino's Rockstud finesse; 2. Ancient Greek Sandals' wraparound flatforms; 3. Black Suede Studio's Lana elegance; 4. Staud's Nicola heelsFrom Timeless to Trendsetting: 1. Valentino’s Rockstud finesse; 2. Ancient Greek Sandals’ wraparound flatforms; 3. Black Suede Studio’s Lana elegance; 4. Staud’s Nicola heels

Another way the style has evolved is gladiator sandals with thin heels and leather straps wrapped around in place of the traditional ankle strap.

This style of gladiator sandals is universally flattering and the perfect way to show off a summer tan. As you wrap the straps around yourself, it’s ideal for those with wider feet or who find traditional gladiator sandals uncomfortable.

Elegance Wrapped Up: 1. Gianvito Rossi's Giza Nappa sophistication; 2. Ribbon Gladiator's delicate balance; 3. Dolce & Gabbana's stiletto statementElegance Wrapped Up: 1. Gianvito Rossi’s Giza Nappa sophistication; 2. Ribbon Gladiator’s delicate balance; 3. Dolce & Gabbana’s stiletto statement

In Vogue or Timeless? The Enduring Fashion of Gladiator Sandals

Yes! Gladiator sandals are a style that comes back every spring and summer. You’ll find gladiator sandals from our favorite high-street brands like & Other Stories and Reiss.

Luxury designer brands like Giuseppe Zanotti, Valentino, and Jimmy Choo have all put their twist on the classic style.

Gladiator sandals, as we know them today, first came into mainstream fashion in the 1960s. We can thank style icons like Sofia Loren, Jackie Kennedy, and Barbra Streisand for making gladiator sandals the timeless trend they are today.

During this time, gladiator sandals were styled with miniskirts and a patterned shirt for a quirky, feminine look.

Perrie Edwards, Bella Thorne, Irina Shayk, Maria Sharapova, and Rita Ora show how to wear gladiator sandalsPerrie Edwards, Bella Thorne, Irina Shayk, Maria Sharapova, and Rita Ora show how to wear gladiator sandals (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)

Another time when gladiator sandals were the go-to style was the mid-2000s. With Y2K fashion dominating trends, it’s no surprise that these shoes appear again on runways.

Zendaya recently wore a pair for a Valentino photoshoot, while Balmain put gladiator sandals at the heart of their recent runway collection.

Zendaya's Fashion Forward Footwear: In Valentino's Spring 2022 Rendez-Vous campaign, Zendaya effortlessly showcases the enduring appeal of brown gladiator sandalsZendaya’s Fashion Forward Footwear: In Valentino’s Spring 2022 Rendez-Vous campaign, Zendaya effortlessly showcases the enduring appeal of brown gladiator sandals (Credit: Zendaya’s Instagram)

Another designer who’s made us fall back in love with gladiator sandals is Amina Muaddi. The cult-favorite footwear designer has leaned heavily into the silhouette, creating several shoes that reimagine the classic style.

The recent Amina Muaddi x AWGE collaboration featured a pair of crystal-embellished gladiator knee-high heels.

A Dazzling Collaboration: The Amina Muaddi x AWGE LSD sandals, with their exquisite crystal embellishments, capture the essence of modern luxury, merging traditional gladiator designs with contemporary glamourA Dazzling Collaboration: The Amina Muaddi x AWGE LSD sandals, with their exquisite crystal embellishments, capture the essence of modern luxury, merging traditional gladiator designs with contemporary glamour

Whether you’re on a budget or want to splurge, there’s a pair of gladiator sandals for everyone. These shoes are the perfect way to experiment with something new or invest in a style that will add a classic feel to any outfit.

Styling Gladiator Sandals: From Daytime Chic to Evening Glam

In summer fashion, gladiator sandals work with almost every outfit. The easiest way to style these shoes is with a chic mini dress with a pop of color.

Style this outfit with gladiator flats or a stiletto style to take your look from day to night.

A Symphony in Style: Pairing Anaak's Sofia dip-dyed cotton dress with Staud's Nicola leather gladiator sandals illustrates the effortless elegance and versatility of blending classic footwear with modern fashionA Symphony in Style: Pairing Anaak’s Sofia dip-dyed cotton dress with Staud’s Nicola leather gladiator sandals illustrates the effortless elegance and versatility of blending classic footwear with modern fashion

Gladiator sandals are also the perfect match for another fashion staple – denim shorts. If you’re heading off on vacation, pack a white shirt, denim shorts, and gladiator sandals as your go-to look for sightseeing.

If heading from the beach to the poolside bar, slip into your gladiator sandals and add a chic cover-up to elevate your look.

Casual Chic Redefined: The combination of Lilla P's comfy tee, Madewell's denim shorts, and Giuseppe Zanotti's Danse Du Feu gladiator sandals offers a flawless formula for laid-back summer eleganceCasual Chic Redefined: The combination of Lilla P’s comfy tee, Madewell’s denim shorts, and Giuseppe Zanotti’s Danse Du Feu gladiator sandals offers a flawless formula for laid-back summer elegance

What do you think of gladiator sandals? Are they a staple in your summer closet?