
The 9 Best Gladiator Sandals to Wear This Summer
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 trainers aren't cutting it or when we want to take a break from heels. Ahead, we've gathered 9 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 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
Materials: Leather
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
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
Colors: Black
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.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Umber Suede
Materials: Suede, Leather
'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
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
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