We’ve just officially hit summer but it’s already clear what this season’s fashion winner is–the gladiator sandal. Last year I couldn’t walk two steps without seeing a Tory Burch flat, but those have since fallen to the wayside. Which leads me to wonder if this new trend (which I call the Roman Redux) is worth buying into? I must say, my first thought was that these were pretty hideous, I couldn’t shake the mental images of the twelve disciples. Then I began seeing different versions of the shoe that were more my style, and there I found myself, sucked in. The key to keeping this style around for more one summer, is versatility.
I can pretty much tell straight off the bat that the versions of these sandals that strap all the way up to calf (I saw a girl with these silver, YIKES) or the ones that are just a plethora of straps across the top of the foot; or worst of all, the style that makes me for some reason cringe, with the separated strap for the big toe (I just don’t get it), these should just be skipped altogether.
Here’s how to tell if a summer sandal is the next staple in your collection:
Comfort - if forced to live in them, you could survive for months.
Solo stunners - you can walk down one full block without hissing at a girl with the same pair.
Practicality - on those groggy indecisive mornings, when you can’t focus on what to pair with that sundress or shorts, these are ALWAYS the sure shot.
If your gladiators hit these marks, then hang on to them. The last thing you need is more one seasoners tossed to the back of the closet.
What’s your summer staple?
June 27th, 2008 at 10:52 am
I must admit after seeing gladiator sandals in every store and in every mag I was a bit intrigued so I finally got a pair……the concept is cute but the reality is these sandals are not very functional. During the two times I wore them I spent most of the day trying to get the straps to stay up (maybe its because my calf muscles are non-existent lol), I also found them extremely uncomfortable because of how flat they are. To make a long story short I pass on this trend…. Comfort No! just think of the friction of tiny leather straps ….Solo stunners Not!…u can find them @ Old navy …there goes your answer….Practicality Hardly!.. you may have to add 10 min to your daily prep time because you can have about 7 buckles to fasten!
June 27th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I still have yet to purchase a pair of these trendy sandals, but I must admit I like some that I have seen and wouldnt mind struting around town with a cute pair. Will these sandals stand the test of fashion time??? I’m sure not but I think that they are stylish, flirty and can look cute if you wear them well…
June 28th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Uggghhh…I have not been feeling most styles of this trend at all and it’s nice to know I wasn’t too far off the inspiration for it in thinking of them as “Spartan sandals”. I am not Spartacus so I’ll pass, but if/when I do warm up to this look I will officially be bleating. …nice to see this trend being written about :)!
July 1st, 2008 at 12:32 pm
I think these sandals are adorable! Especially, now they’re being made in different styles, colors etc…although they may look comfortable…I’m pretty sure they aren’t. Anything made for the feet THAT flat w/o any support…are bound to be a nightmare after 5-6 hours. I don’t own a pair, but what I do own are sandals that are just as flat…I probably will end up purchasing a pair by the end of the summer, just to have…but I guarentee by next summer…like most “extremely popular” sandal/shoe…will be completely forgotten.
July 4th, 2008 at 11:34 am
That is hilarious but so true Felicia. I didn’t really think about all of the straps that you have to buckle, that is why I’m not really a fan of the ones that go up the leg. I like the simpler styles that only have one buckle. I do also agree with everyone else, they are cute but I can see the flatness being an issue, nonetheless I do think that they are a nice casual staple to keep on hand.