Suddenly it seems that everyone is wearing gladiator footwear. From sandals to boots to wedges, gladiators are set to be the hottest shoe trend of Summer 2008.
Whilst I am a big fan of this year’s elegant and feminine Greco Roman Goddess gowns, I must admit that I initially loathed the masculine Romanesque gladiator sandals that came to the fore last season. This black/brown bondage footwear looked as though it would be more at home on the set of Ridely Scott’s Gladiator than in the park or the high street.
However, I have since (almost) been converted by the variation on the trend for this spring and summer. Shoe designers have come up with more feminine, ornate sandals which are infinitely more flattering to legs and can be teamed with many more outfits.
There are smaller strapped metallic versions and ornate bejeweled sandals perfect for a beach party or evening wear. These replace the strappy thong, and are definitely more practical. I even invested in a pair of Sci Fi looking silver metallic gladiators, which my husband jokingly refers to as my “martian shoes.”
The new trend in gladiator boots however, is definitely not for me. These should be filed under the “only if you are a willowy waif with long-limbs” category, and I can’t imagine too many oversized fashionistas rushing to buy them.
Whatever your preference, women’s magazines and fashion blogs are touting the gladiator sandal as the shoe of the season. This is largely due to the vast amount of Hollywood celebrities like Mary-Kate Olsen and Vanessa Hudgens who have favored the look.
If you intend to dip your toe into the trend then be aware that wide-strapped gladiators can shorten your silhouette and make legs look chunkier than they really are. So unless you intend hiding yours under a pair of skinny jeans, choose a style that has a low ankle strap to show more expanse of leg.
