Step up your style: Gladiator sandals and ballerina pumps are the must-have trends of 2025

IOL News

6 days ago

Gladiator sandals and ballerina pumps are taking centre stage in 2025's fashion landscape.
Image: Instagram
Like any other iconic fashion piece, Gladiator sandals and pumps have stomped their way back into the fashion scene, and this time, they are trendier than ever.
This year's fashion scene has seen trends like flared jeans and bandage dresses make a comeback, and millennials are rocking these items most fashionably.
If you've ever owned a pair of Gladiator sandals or pumps, consider yourself an iconic fashionista because you have likely braved the fashion trenches and emerged victorious.
These shoes were once very much criticised by many the same way they have been admired. You were either so daring and fashion forward for sporting them, or your fashion sense was definitely questioned.
Gladiator sandals
Gladiator sandals have their roots in ancient Rome, where they were worn by gladiators, hence the name. These strappy sandals were designed for functionality, providing support and protection for the feet during battles.
Fast forward to the present time, and they have become trendier and more stylish. Not only can they be worn as sandals, but they also come in heels. They have also been making a comeback on the fashion runways because that's where most trends start, right?
This time around, they are trendier than ever, with designers incorporating less bold buckles and less chunky straps compared to the early 2000s statement-making details. They come in different styles, such as the mid-calf designs and the ankle strap design.
The strappy shoes strutted their way down several Spring/Summer 2025 runways, making appearances at Dior, Isabel Marant, and Alberta Ferretti, among others.
Celebrities like Tyla have taken gladiator shoes from the runway shows to street style. She has been spotted wearing stylish knee-high gladiator heels in most of her music videos and on red carpets.
Ballerina pumps
Ballerina pumps, on the other hand, have a more delicate history. They originated from the ballet world, where dancers wore lightweight, minimalist shoes that allowed for flexibility and movement.
Over time, designers adapted this style for the fashion world, creating dainty, delicate shoes that added a touch of elegance to any outfit.
We used to have jelly ballet pumps, and those were trendy; if you did not have a pair, you definitely felt the FOMO. As they return to the fashion scene, they have become trendier and versatile, from mesh designs to satin.
Today, ballet flats are the ultimate winter and summer work shoe, striking the perfect balance between comfort and professionalism. They are also easy to style and can pair surprisingly well with pants or dresses.