Why Gladiator Sandals Are The Eternal Summer Shoes

Surely your summer travel plans have been sorted by now, but what about your summer sandals? Mules, slides, elevated flip-flops, and strappy heels—warm-weather footwear options are abundant. This season, we’re bringing back the tried-and-true gladiator sandal. The style is as associated with valiant warriors as it is with the boho sensibilities of yesteryear. But, the season’s best gladiator sandals are anything but passé.

The gladiator sandal as we know it today got the maximum fashion treatment when miniskirts debuted in the sixties—the better to accentuate rising hemlines and bare summer legs. This summer’s versions are imbued with a neoclassical vibe and offer immense comfort on any warm-weather occasion. (Read: They’re some of the most stylish comfortable walking sandals on the market.) Footwear designer Emme Parsons finds ease essential to her label’s DNA, including her twist on the gladiator silhouette. “Effortless flats are easy to walk in and can allow women to feel their best as they move through life,” she says.

Move through summer easily with the 15 best gladiator sandals for women ahead, from chunky caged iterations to slender strapped silhouettes.

Related article: Why Don’t You… Try A Pair Of Gladiator Sandals? 

Our Favorite Gladiator Sandals of 2023

A REFINED GLADIATOR SANDAL

Emme Parsons Susan Sandal

For all-day comfort, this sandal features a lightly padded insole, smooth leather lining, and a 2mm leather sole. Pack these sandals for your next holiday, or sport them around the city with billowy maxi skirts or wide-leg trousers.

Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Nappa, metal hardware

A CHUNKY GLADIATOR SANDAL

Celine Clea Triomphe Gladiator Sandal

For those who prefer a thicker, sturdier gladiator sandal, opt for Celine’s luxe version. Their platform soles and Italian leather straps will look just as good with classic denim shorts as with a crochet dress.

Sizes: 4–12
Materials: Calfskin

A WOVEN GLADIATOR SANDAL

Hereu Serra Woven Leather Ankle-Strap Sandals

Have you ever seen a shoe like this? Me neither, and it instantly made the list for its woven details. Hereu is known for crafting wearable yet statement-making pieces, and the Serra is no different.

Sizes: 6–11
Materials: Leather

A SLINGBACK GLADIATOR SANDAL

Marni Fussbett Gladiator Leather Sandals

These Marni sandals feature two of our favorite footwear details: wide, comfortable straps and a slingback silhouette. Play off the gold-tone hardware with golden rings and earrings.

Sizes: 6–11
Materials: Black calf leather

AN ANKLE-WRAP GLADIATOR SANDAL

A.Emery Finch Sandal

The Finch sandal’s barely-there silhouette is crafted from thin ribbons of leather that wrap around the foot and ankle. Cushioned soles provide unparalleled comfort.

Sizes: 5–11
Materials: Leather

A STRAPPY GLADIATOR SANDAL

Larroudé Naomi Strappy Leather Sandals

Strappy, flat, and elevated, Larroudé’s gladiator sandals will surely become the shoe you wear for the rest of summer. Pair them with oversize maxi dresses and cream-colored denim.

Sizes: 5–9.5
Materials: Leather

A TRUE GLADIATOR SANDAL

Valentino Garavani Rockstud Lace-Up Gladiator Sandals

Inspired by the pyramidal hardware on traditional Roman palazzo doors, Valentino Garavani’s sandals feature the brand’s trademark embellishments and classic gladiator details.

Sizes: 6–12

Materials: Leather, polyester, polyurethane

A WHITE GLADIATOR SANDAL

Brother Vellies Tyla Sandal in Dove

Doesn’t this sandal just epitomize the feeling of summer? White, strappy, and croc-embossed, the Tyla shoe will carry you from breakfast dates to pool parties.

Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Leather

A NEUTRAL GLADIATOR SANDAL

A.L.C. Amanu Serengetti Sandal

Neutral lovers, look no further than A.L.C.’s Amanu sandals. This pair is designed to wrap elegantly around the ankle and is finished with a nude padded sole for extra comfort. Wears yours with everything—including swimwear.

Sizes: 5–11
Materials: Leather

A MODERN GLADIATOR SANDAL

The Row Off-White Beach Sandals

The Row has a way of reinventing classics that feels fresh and nuanced—just take in the unique lines of these off-white beach sandals. Will they turn heads? Absolutely.

Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Leather

AN AFFORDABLE GLADIATOR SANDAL

Tkees Lilu Sandal in Black

The minimalist Lilu sandal, made in Brazil from soft black leather, is an effortless addition to any summer look. The thong style and understated silhouette are ideal for mixing and matching.

Sizes: 5–10
Materials: Leather, rubber

A BRIGHT PAIR OF GLADIATOR SANDALS

The Attico Beth Lace-Up Sandals

For those who prefer a little pop of color in their summer wardrobes, look no further than the Attico’s gladiator sandals. The label, helmed by Italian designers Giorgia Tordini and Gilda Ambrosio, pays homage to the freedom of fashion expression—as evident in the Beth sandals’ bright green suede.

Sizes: 6.5–10
Materials: Calf and lamb leather

A GLOSSY GLADIATOR SANDAL

All Saints Lore Leather Gladiator Sandals

Made from glossy patent leather, the Lore sandals are further detailed with classic metal buckles and a square footbed that look great poking out from beneath a linen dress.

Sizes: 6–11
Materials: 100% leather

A GLADIATOR WITH A METALLIC TRIM

Isabel Marant Jeiro Leather Sandals

Made of soft goatskin, these Isabel Marant sandals are exactly what we want in a summer sandal. Subtle details make all the difference, including the metallic trim, open square toe, and slight heel.

Sizes: 6–11
Materials: Leather

A GLADIATOR SANDAL WITH A KITTEN HEEL

Johanna Ortiz Tales of Time Leather Sandals

These sandals are so aptly named. The “Tales Of Time” sandals will last thanks to their walkable heel height and caged, wraparound design made from two-tone metallic leather. Wear them into the fall season.

Sizes: 6–11
Materials: Leather

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This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.