4 Hot and Up and Coming 2010 Trends with the Gladiator Sandals

January 8th, 2010 by Erika

The gladiator sandal keeps resurrecting itself so it looks like we’ll still be seeing them this year in 2010.

One of the reasons why the gladiator sandal is still a hot item is because it’s always updated whenever a new trend is introduced. If you’re a fan of the gladiator sandal, then consider it lucky that they most always go with nearly every trend that has come up in recent fashion memory.

Let’s check out some of those trends that the gladiator sandal partnered with. Some of them worked out all right, while others… let’s just say they still need to be worked out.

#1: The Gladiator Sandal and the Fringe

Jeffrey Campbell Top Fringe Suede Sandal, $138.00 at Singer22.com

We saw fringe on everything from bags to sunglasses, so there was no way for the gladiator sandal to escape this trend. A little fringe here and there never hurt anyone but when it’s all over your foot like on these Jeffrey Campbell Top Fringe Suede Sandals, it kind of makes the wearer look like she’s got Hobbit feet (warning: link will take you to gross image of really hair feet).

The gladiator sandal and the fringe? Doesn’t work most of the time.

#2: The Gladiator Sandal and the Ankle Boot

Type Z Latika, on sale at $71.10 at Zappos.com

Who came up with the idea of putting an ankle cuff on the gladiator sandal and classifying them as ankle boots? We don’t really see any functional reason why the cuffs are even there. Are they there to keep your feet warm? Are they there for support? These Type Z Latika sandals even went as far as adding extra ties around the legs for god knows what.

The gladiator sandal and the ankle boot? Does not work.

#3: The Gladiator Sandal and Studs

Steven by Steve Madden Bliz Sandal, on sale at $79.99 at Heels.com

Studs have always been on gladiator sandals, but not like this. This extra-bedazzled Bliz Sandal from Steven by Steve Madden gets a more combative look and a tough warrior style from the stud trend. Other sandals have studs on the heels, studs on the straps, and studs pretty much all over them – and we find ourselves wanting more.

The gladiator sandal and studs? Totally works.

#4: The Gladiator Sandal and Juicy Colors

Vince Camuto Basso, on sale at $71.26 at Zappos.com

2009 was all about black and somber colors, but fashion editors are predicting that the optimism in 2010 will bring about the livelier hues. Gladiator sandals we see in stores are still mostly black or brown but sometimes, a happy juicy orange color like on these Vincent Camuto Bassos pops up. Wear your black clothes as much as you can right now because pretty soon, they’re going to take up much of the back of your closet.

The gladiator sandal and juicy colors? Totally works and can’t wait to see more of them.