Gladiator Sandals

History of Gladiator Shoes

Gladiator shoes were a popular style trend in Roman times. Back then they consisted of an open-toed leather sandal with a long lace and were typically worn by Roman professional fighters called Gladiators.

According to fashion watchers, today’s gladiator sandals were pioneered by the famous British fashion designer Alexander McQueen in 1996. Russell Crowe’s epic film Gladiator again created buzz around gladiator sandals in 2000. The trend re-emerged on runways in 2008, but only became popular this summer. Today, the Roman style footwear is very much in demand both on the high-street and the catwalk. According to many stylists, the gladiator sandals are fast making their way to mainstream basics and a here to stay for next few seasons.

Why Gladiator Sandals?

Strappy gladiator sandals are perfect for summers according to fashion designers. Besides, they gel perfectly well with a host of casual summer wear such as flirty dresses, shorts, capris, skirts and also evening wear. Going crazy over the trend of gladiators, shoe designers feel gladiator sandals are a fashionable alternative to flip-flops which until recently were the choicest summer wear.

Another reason why gladiators are hot this summer, much in contrast to last summer when they were considered the least flattering shoes, is that this year shoes designers have reinvented and transformed the very traditional look of gladiator sandals. While last year’s gladiators appeared to be tough bondage style sandals that only looked good on the models on runway, this season a very gentle and feminine look has been provided by making use of delicate straps, intricate detailing and embellishments. No wonder, some designers are predicting a full-scale invasion of gladiators this summer.

Styles in Gladiator Sandals

Gladiators for 2009 summers are practical, comfortable and at the same time extremely stylish. There are a plenty of designs so that even the most reserved of fashionistas will feel compelled to empower their shoe collection with a pair of gladiators that suit their style. And they should, because many stylists feel gladiators exude a charming boho appeal and no vacation look will be complete without a pair of gladiator this season.

Apart from having fun with colors and putting in tasteful embellishments and studding, this season shoe designers have experimented with the heel of the gladiator sandals – from flats to chunky, from platforms to wedges and stiletto heels. Besides, they are playing with a combination of leather and using a host of materials such as faux leather, satin, silk, suede and other synthetic materials. Flat knee high gladiator sandals in monotones are also quite a rage among fashionable women. Just visit the shoe shops or trawl the high fashion shoe websites and you will find gladiator sandals that suit the varying personalities of women from embellished metallic and bold war-like boots to modest flats and seductive sexy high heeled versions.

Dress for Gladiator Sandals

Here are some style must haves and don’ts when you wish to flaunt your latest pair of gladiators.

• A pedicure is absolutely essential as the gladiator sandals expose a lot of skin and of course your toes.
  
• For casual wear, gladiators look absolutely stunning when teamed with smart shorts.
  
• More feminine style gladiator sandals can be clubbed with long summer dresses and Capri’s or slim fit jeans, Grecian gowns, toga dresses and caftans for the beach.
  
• More masculine style high heel gladiator sandals look ravishingly hot with jeans, mini or just below knee length dresses, and shorts. But make sure you have a sexy pair of legs to do full justice to the style.
  
• Metallic and more intricately designed gladiator sandals can be reserved for dos and clubs.
  
• Women with short frames should avoid wearing heavy looking sandals and boots and opt for more feminine ones.
  
• Neutrals such as browns and blacks make legs look wider, opt for metallic’s to make them look slimmer.
  

Celebrities Sporting Gladiator Sandals

Some very famous shoe conscious celebs such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonce have been spotted wearing pairs of designer gladiator sandals. Other famous gladiator-toting celebrities include Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, Ashley Olsen, Kate Moss, Lucy Lui, Rachel Weiss, Jessica Alba, Fergie, Vanessa Willams and Hilary Duff.

According to fashion stylists, although wearing the bang-on-trend gladiator sandal may be a great way to show you keep up to date with the trends, it is imperative to choose your shoes wisely. Before you buy that groovy pair of gladiators that just hit the market make sure you buy a style that is flattering to your body shape and most importantly to your attitude.