Gladiator Sandals Are Back—And They're Taking Over City Streets

Elle

11-07-2025

If you're looking to shake up your sandal lineup this summer, consider the resurgence of the gladiator sandal. Upgraded from the chunky, caged designs of the early 2000s, current iterations of the iconic Roman-inspired footwear read sleeker, more modern, and are easier to style with a variety of warm-weather ensembles. Just ask our ELLE editors.
From a minimalist, thin-strap design by Amanu to a bold, knee-high version from Tom Ford, our editors know the strappy sandal is a mainstay in their warm-weather wardrobes—especially when sneakers aren't cutting it or when we want to take a break from heels. Ahead, we've gathered 12 of the best gladiator sandals our fashion team is reaching for this season. You'll find a variety of designs, whether you're looking for a comfortable pair to wear during your upcoming travels or a style you can count on from day to night.
'I'm a sucker for an olive-suede combination, and this dreamy sandal is my new favorite summer essential. The velvety straps offer a comfortable fit, and the supportive, contoured footbed makes them ideal for a day spent strolling the city.'—Laura Tarafa, commerce writer
Sizes: 6-10
Colors: Matcha
Materials: Suede
'I require arch support, so sandals can be tricky for me. But I think this grommeted pair from Madewell might be up for the challenge. I love that the style maintains that thong or flip-flop look in front, too.'—Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: True Black, Tawny Khaki, Cherry Wood
Materials: Leather
'Without fail, black leather sandals have become my go-to choice for this summer. Jenni Kayne's wraparound sandal features ultra-soft leather that'll only get better with more wear. Plus, they go with everything from a more formal dress for a garden wedding to a casual T-shirt and denim shorts for those runs to the market.'—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor
Sizes: 36-41
Colors: Black
'I love Raye's minimalist take on the gladiator sandal. They're giving strappy sandals without the 'fighting the Romans at 3 P.M.' vibes that a lot of gladiator styles can lean toward.'—Madison Rexroat, assistant accessories editor
Sizes: 5.5-10
Colors: Black, Tan, White Bubble
A Veronica Beard customer flawlessly described this luxe ankle-strap style as 'jewelry for your feet!' Pack this earth-toned, gemstone-adorned sandal for your next warm-weather getaway to pair with a flirty backless dress.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Gold Materials: Stone, Leather
'Zimmermann's Goldie sandals are the ultimate summer staple—fresh off the brand's spring/summer 2025 runway. The chunky straps add intrigue to everything from minidresses to a tank top and jorts, making them the versatile hero piece your warm-weather wardrobe didn't know it needed.'—Claire Stern Milch, digital director
Sizes: 35-41
Colors: Brown
'Amanu is one of my go-to brands for summer sandals. What I love about their Serengeti style is that it offers a more modern, minimalist take on a classic gladiator sandal. I also love how thin the straps are from a comfort standpoint, so your legs don't feel too constricted by having straps wrapped around them.'—Carson Stannard, fashion editor
Sizes: 6-12
Colors: Camel, Gold
'It's hard to think of the iconic gladiator sandal without thinking of Ancient Greek Sandals—I mean, that just seems like a given, knowing the name of the footwear label. In my humble opinion, the Satira is the perfect option when you want that early-aughts boho look without feeling like you're cosplaying someone from that era. Yes, they definitely fall into the return of the Bohemian aesthetic, but they feel more polished for 2025. I recommend taking these on your next European vacation.'—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor
Sizes: 35-42
Colors: 7 options
Materials: Leather
Amazon customers are raving about this strappy rubber shoe by the outdoor-forward footwear brand Teva, featuring a comfortable flatform sole that cushions the feet. Reviews highlight the sporty sandal's versatility, making it perfect for summer travels. And did we mention a very similar version from the brand is also Olsen twin-approved?
Colors: 6 options
Materials: Rubber
Want more oomph in your gladiator sandal? Look no further than this Tom Ford knee-high design—it's sure to be the pièce de résistance of your outfit. A sleek minidress will complement this eye-catching shoe.
Sizes: 37-41
A modern take on the toe ring trend, this brown crisscross sandal from the iconic New York line boasts brushed gold-tone hardware that subtly adds interest to a simple suede sandal.
Colors: Umber Suede
Materials: Suede, Leather
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'For a sleek take on the gladiator style with a dash of gilded toe jewelry, Tory Burch's suede sandals are a go-to. The slight platform makes them a bit more comfortable than regular flat sandals, and the suede straps are a bit more forgiving than stiff leather.'—Madison Rexroat, assistant accessories editor
Colors: Black, Silver