You know what’s been killing me lately? The whole gladiator sandal trend. It has the potential to be cute, true. And every designer has their own version. (Yes, I guess that is what they would define a “trend.”)
But they also have the potential to be extremely ugly. Some don’t even look half-feminine. Now don’t get me wrong, my style is definitely not the most girly-girl of all styles, but this time when I’m saying something isn’t feminine, I’m talking negative points here.
Especially when it goes up the shin. I mean, I would buy these to go with my toga but all 5 of mine were obliterated when the dry cleaners burnt down. Good thing I still have my Halloween Spartan costume when “500″ came out last year – so I can wear that out in the club along with a pair of gladiator sandals of my choosing.
I’m not quite understanding what tops and dresses are being worn with these. Or is it only jeans? If you pick a pair that is so quintessentially and committedly Roman, I can maybe see it brings a bit of an edge to your outfit?
Yes, it may be fierce. But by next year it just may well be “So 2008.”
I’ve seen some variations on the gladiator which, to me, just look like another T-strap. T-straps have been popular for at least the past couple springs. There are striking similarities, of course: 1) Strap across the toes and/or bridge of the foot (duh), and 2) Strap traveling up the length of the foot. Bingo!
But they are decidedly more feminine. You know, not so over-the-top with the straps everywhere evoking bondage, begging the question, “Is your foot secure inside this sandal yet??” A plus, IMHO, leaning towards the T-strap. The only thing here may just be that the height that’s “in” right now is the flat.
So, I figure, if you pick out a variation that is at least a tad feminine, your pair may last quite a bit longer than the rest. I picked these (oh, come now – you wouldn’t think I’d completely pass this one up did you?):
Now let me qualify this one by saying that I wouldn’t have given in to these had I not found a pair that I thought reasonable and likely to last way longer than just this summer. Plus, they are super comfy and lots of fun. What’s not to like?
Crocs, on the other hand, are another matter… (seriously, are they really that comfy?)
All sandals in this post (except mine) can be found at Nordstrom.
Mine were found at Anthropologie.
5 Comments
i’m all for the trend if the women have to go bare-chested and wear red capes. helmets optional.
Spartaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!
I just saw an ad for Crocs HEELS. You seriously need to look it up. http://shop.crocs.com/pc-1174-4-cyprus.aspx?reqid=1174&reqProdTypeId=41p&subsectionname=footwear§ion=products
I may just have to blog about this. No, wait, the picture says enough.
seriously. there is nothing attractive about that “style”. this post reminded me of something i saw in a catalog the other day. i posted about it here: http://steamingpile.tumblr.com/post/32802063
Dear, Gladiator sandals are just not…..what’s the word? Fetching. I like the sandals you got. Don’t even get me started with Crocs. That trend needs to die. I will NEVER wear a pair. I have heard people tell me how comfy they are, but f-ing seriously people, style over comfort! Die Crocs!
@big league: You know those moments where you bust out a really extensive, cohesive commentary on a post I’ve made while suprisingly showing an eloquent, profound side of yourself? This is not one of those moments.
I still appreciate your input however, Mike. Your presence is always welcome here.
@twolims: SAY it ain’t so. I was in disbelief when I clicked on your link. Geez. I mean I guess that’s what happens when your product becomes freakishly successful that you end up attempting to bridge the gap, per se, to justify that wide appeal??
@roycifer: I may shop at Anthropologie and Free People but at least I don’t shop at Urban Outfitters? Then again, there really is no difference… (take the quiz)
@wehoroy: I died when you told me everyone in O.C. wears them…down to the matching pairs for kids. I dunno, man. I just don’t know.