Still Hot: Gladiator Sandals

UPDATED:  Added Links to Sandals

If there is a shoe style that has outlasted its expected longevity on both the catwalk and the street, it’s gladiator sandals.

It is a trend that has not only straddled the seasons, but the centuries; given to us thousands of years ago by the Greeks and Romans, as Russell Crowe fans have most likely seen in the movie Gladiator (or perhaps, if you are more of a Gerard Butler fan, then in the movie 300). Whatever your favorite ancient flick is, if you haven’t already taken a cue from these bronzed beauties, then its time to go pick up a pair of your own gladiator sandals for summer.

These sandals continue to hold a timeless allure and have an edgy peek-a-boo sex appeal. Not only can fashionistas not get enough them, but designers cant seem to get enough of playing with their possibilities, putting new spins on the old basic.

From Versace to Altuzarra, they were seen all over the catwalks. While this is no surprise – we have seen gladiators for most spring/summer seasons since, well, ancient times – designers have elevated the trend to new heights (quite literally) this season with an assortment of calf-covering, knee-grazing styles.

Breaking all the boundaries, the knee-high sandals come in as many designs and textures as the basic ankle versions, but they take them to a whole new level: high heels, knee high straps, metal buckles, printed leather, futuristic cuts. They are a tad retro, mixed with some futuristic elegance and some S&M bondage here and there.

Although this sandal can be a bit tricky and intimidating to transfer from the runway to the streets and in your wardrobe, FINE is here to show that, when styled correctly, a look can be created that is not only polished and chic, but that is also fit for a number of occasions.

On the runways:

Black and brown are typical colors for gladiators, and while Alexander Wang offered his own adaptations of these customary colors, he also went out of the box with these white gladiator heels that slink up the leg in an alluring way.

This knee-high version from Altazurra shows gorgeous attention to detail and construction, and almost fully covers the leg. They offer a sexy way to style skirts and dresses without exposing too much skin.

Versace is always the source to look for what’s new and sexy in fashion and these nude gladiators definitely don’t disappoint (they are my favorite in fact). They will keep your legs looking long and lean, as well as cool and trendy.

On the streets:

As the temperature continue to rise, so too are knee-high gladiators on the rise in Hollywood. Check out how celebs like Ciara, The Olsen Twins, Kourtney Kardashian and Rihanna have tackled this new footwear fashion.

Keep in mind, gladiator sandals are a statement piece, so don’t over accessorize. Less is definitely more in this case. It is best to leave the leg bare – wearing short skirts, dresses or shorts – and make the sandal the focal point.

You can also balance the toughness of a knee-high gladiator sandal with feminity on top (like a girly dress or a chiffon blouse), but avoid frills such as ruffles, embroidery, or sequins that will clash with the sandals.