My dislike for gladiator sandals has been well-documented over the years. In fact, when I named my
least favorite shoe trends of all time, I stopped just short of calling them one of the signs of the Apocalypse.
But now that they've become a full-fledged trend, and there are so many Roman-inspired shoes to choose from, I've actually found a few styles that I don't totally hate.
Here are some of my favorite gladiator sandals.
Cuff sandals are kind of like this season's spinoff of gladiator sandals, and they're popping up everywhere. At first, I really didn't care for the style, and honestly, I still think it's pretty unflattering for most women -- not to mention a little bit odd. But be that as it may, I still like these flat cuff sandals from Boutique 9, and think they'd look great paired with short and casual skirts, dresses or shorts.
For going casual with trendy style, check out these low-heed gladiator sandals from Nine West. They come in a wide selection of colors, and feature skimpy straps and ankle ties, making them ideal for pairing with shorts or casual skirts.
Despite the fact that they're one of the more 'gladiator-esque' styles on this list, these sandals are also one of my favorites. I love that they're flat, I adore the lush suede uppers, and the look just really appeals to me. They come in black or chartreuse -- both are very dynamic, but it's the black version that won me over.
Available in yellow, tan or black, these gladiator sandals feature 3.75" stacked heels, and sex appeal to spare. I particularly like the wide, perforated ankle straps, and the studs play perfectly into this season's hardware trend.
Combining 3.75" wooden heels and triple ankle straps, these sandals say gladiator with a capital "G." Personally, I prefer the black patent verson of these shoes, but you can't go wrong with the bronze or pewter versions either. Whichever color you prefer, these shoes would look great with casual mid-length or shorter skirts and dresses.
While most gladiator sandals come in shades of browns, blacks and metallics, these platform shoes from Chinese Laundry come in eye-popping brights, and feature a hint of gladiator style to boot. Not for the faint of heart, these sandals feature 4.5" heels, thick platform soles, and wide t-straps. I'm a bit obsessed with the berry red, but they're also fun in turquoise, or the more traditional black.
Who said gladiator sandals can't have a bit of bling? These flat, strappy wonders feature large gems and rhinestones and come in four versatile shades. I love sandals like these because they're dynamic while still being easy to pair with everything from longer flowing skirts to denim shorts.
