Last Updated on February 27, 2026 by Eve Dawes
The shoe trend of the season is here! The trending Gladiator sandals to women to wear this Summer
Gladiator sandals for women are still in style and set to be the shoe star of the season. Giving ballet flats a run for their money. It’s another summer shoe trend I’m happy to see again as I love the Grecian aesthetic. I got mine knee high leather pair years ago in Greece and have been waiting for them to come back in fashion. Although it might be time for a new pair or 3 of more low profile styles. Whether they’re neutral or black gladiator sandals, flats or heels, this strappy sandal and statement shoe is back. Plus they’re comfy, let your feet breathe and add a little Greek Goddess, edgy touch to your outfits. Mine are knee high but I’m currently scouting out a lower ankle wrap style that will take up less room in my case for Europe. Here’s the best gladiator sandals to wear this year from designer to cheap but fashion forward styles.
This best women’s gladiator sandals post contains affiliate links.
Are gladiator sandals still in style
Yes gladiator sandals are very much in style and a major shoe trend! As seen at Rabanne, Rick Owen, Emporio Armani, Jason Wu and Giambattista Valli Spring runway shows.
Valentino has had the most stunning gold studded gladiator sandals in their roman stud collections for years from ankle to knee high iterations. Their classic ankle style you don’t have to worry about going out of style as much as some others. They also don’t take hours to put on, cut off your circulation or fall down like some styles do.
It’s not just designer gladiator sandals that are in style. I’ve rounded up the best of them below from designer to luxe for less gladiator sandals under $50, ankle to knee high versions.
Best women’s Gladiator sandals under $100 | Tan thong flats
These leather sandals are made in Brazil and are under $100. They’re a low key, casual way to embrace this summer shoe trend. So if you’re worried about this trend going out of fashion, this style is more classic than some of the others.
Top pick for trending gladiator sandals for women | Studded black gladiator sandals
Valentino has so many rock stud gold studded sandals in their collection it was hard to know which to feature. I’m more of a classic rock stud girl but if you’re looking to rock 2 trends in 1 it doesn’t get much for fashion forward than Valentino’s rockstud ballerina flats, a ballet pump meets black gladiator flats hybrid.
Tan leather women’s gladiator sandals
Tan wrap sandals $158. A great lightweight pair for packing.
Best gladiator sandals for making a statement
The Attico has exploded In popularity and these statement red strappy sandals are a total head turner. If you’re looking for designer gladiator sandals that make a statement, I haven’t seen any that do more so than the THE ATTICO Grace Multi Strap Sandal!
They might not leave the cutest tan lines but they definitely add the edgiest touch to your Summer outfits.
Best brand for classic style | Ancient Greek Sandals
If you’re not sure about the whole ankle straps and full on Gladiator style, these simple gold, Gladiator sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals are a classic style but in trending metallic gold for a glam look that’s less likely to date.
Shop the best Gladiator sandals for women trending now
From tan to black gladiator sandals, flats, flatforms, stiletto heels and platforms are the shoes to be seen in this Summer. For the most on trend gladiator sandals for women look for:
- Crystal embellished and metallic styles to take your look from day to night.
- Platform, knee high and unusual head turning, statement making styles.
- Chunky soles for Fall/Winter as seen at Jason Wu and Adeam.
- Pretty pastels.
- Bold reds.
There’s lots of sale finds right now, so it definitely pays to shop ahead of the season. If you’ve been wanting a pair of Valentino studded designer gladiator sandals, metallic Jimmy Choo flats or sculptural heel Cult Gaia sandals I’ve found lots on sale on right now that I’ve linked below.
Sophia Webster’s Vanessa Butterfly Ankle-Wrap Sandals are probably the prettiest pair you’ll find. Since my name’s Eve, I should probably get Bottega Veneta’s Garden of Eden inspired Adam Flat Sandal with it’s gold finished apple and snakeheads embellishments. It does’t get more apt!
For a brand that specializes in these it doesn’t get much better than Ancient Greek Sandals. Whose gladiator sandals are handmade locally by skilled craftsmen using traditional techniques that have existed for centuries.
From affordable styles to designer gladiator sandals, I spent hours scouting out the best styles to share with you here.
Not a fan of gladiator sandals? Slide sandals are an equally on comfortable alternative.
How to style women’s gladiator sandals
When it comes to how to style gladiator sandals for women you can make your gladiator sandals outfit as minimalistic or as intricate as you like. Here’s some styling ideas on how to wear them from casual to full out glam:
Take styling inspiration from the Rabanne runway show and wear your metallic gladiator sandals for women with metallic dresses or skirt sets for a full on, head turning, golden Greek goddess aesthetic.
Create a soft summer look in head to toe pastel pinks, blues, greens and buttery yellows.
For everyday casual, style your flat gladiator sandals with tailored pants, a bralette top or cami and a flowing button down shirt worn as a jacket.
For a truly statement making style, embrace this years red color trend and style some more unusual platform red gladiator sandals (or more classic style) with a red dress.
A matching blazer and shorts set with a cute top, top handle bag and coordinating or contrasting shoes looks fresh for Spring/Summer.
Don’t be afraid of juxtapositioning. A tulle dress and women’s gladiator sandals as seen at Adeam is a welcome and comfortable change from more expected delicate shoe choices.
Add a Grecian flair to your summer boho dresses for an instant style update.
Sarah Flint womens designer gladiator sandals review
If you’re not familiar with Sarah Flint, I reviewed 6 of her most popular styles in this YouTube review.
These Sarah Flint women’s gladiator flats run true to size but slightly narrow and come in a couple of colors including gold and cream, and black.
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