Gladiator sandals are back this season and are more popular than ever before! The great thing about a style coming back for another season is it will be more readily available in stores. Gladiators can be found at almost any shoe store with many inexpensive options.


Before discussing the different types of gladiators, let’s gather some inspiration from the celebrities who helped make the trend so popular.

Celebrities Wearing Gladiator Sandals

Shown: Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City, Rachel Bilson (Sugar.com), Mary-Kate Olsen (ET Online)


Though Sarah Jessica Parker had over 80 wardrobe changes in Sex and the City, she wore the same pair of ASOS gladiators with many of the outfits. This is a great example of how versatile gladiators are (more discussion of this below).


Rachel Bilson was spotted in gladiators multiple times last Summer, mostly while wearing casual attire.


And, we can’t forget Mary-Kate when discussing the rise of the gladiator sandal. Mary-Kate had a huge hand in making this style popular. She’s been spotted wearing a variety of different types of gladiators with a variety of outfits.

How To Wear Gladiator Sandals

Gladiator Sandals are very versatile. They can be worn with dresses, skirts, shorts or pants. They can be worn with dressy outfits or relaxed, weekend attire. Gladiators can dress an outfit up or down. Cropped pants or carrot pants with heeled gladiators is a very on-trend look. Or, wear a flat pair of uniquely adorned gladiators with a summer dress. Pretty much anything goes. Be creative!


Not feeling so daring? Follow the general rule of thumb: flats with shorts and pants, heels with dresses and skirts. Like I said before though, anything goes.

Types of Gladiator Sandals

If you have a pair of gladiator sandals from last Spring/Summer, you’re in luck. There isn’t a previous type of gladiator that’s no longer in style. In fact, it’s a good idea to have a pair of basic gladiator sandals since they can be worn with pretty much anything. Then, you can add a pair to your collection that’s a different style. Maybe a heeled pair or a uniquely adorned pair…

Heeled Gladiator Sandals

Shown: Rampage ($50), Nine West ($89), Tahari ($120)

Ankle Wrap

Shown: Mia ($65), Sam Edelman ($88.95), Dolce Vita ($140)

Colored Gladiator Sandals

Shown: Vince Camuto ($124.95), Industry ($105), Mia ($70)

Unique Gladiator Sandals

Shown: Industry ($90), Groove ($55), Fergie ($129)

Gladiator Sandals with Metal Accents

Shown: Industry ($105), Lovely People ($110), Nine West ($89)

Basic Gladiator Sandals

Shown: Boutique 9 ($130), BP ($59.95), Callisto ($74.95)

Do you already own a pair of gladiator sandals from last Spring/Summer? Which of these new styles is your favorite?