Yes, as hard as it is to imagine, it seems like the trend is going for more straps on this already strappy enough sandal. It sounds like that that would ...Read more »]]> Continuing on with the straps obsession, we’ve observed another new direction that the gladiator sandal could take in the year 2010. That direction is: more straps.

Yes, as hard as it is to imagine, it seems like the trend is going for more straps on this already strappy enough sandal. It sounds like that that would be an overwhelming amount of straps, but there’s no limit to a creative shoe designer’s mind.

Check out what Candela did to these gladiator booties:

Five Strap Open Toe Flat Booties by Candela

Who knew that leather mesh together with 5 buckled straps would look good on one shoe? The mesh style gives it a sporty kick and the thick buckle straps are its way of paying hommage to the gladiator sandal. Priced at $230.00.

Here is another extra strappy version from Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent:

Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Toni Suede Cutout Booties

Okay, they’re not entirely all straps, but cutouts. However, they do give an effect of having a lot of interwoven straps, don’t they? The lace-up corset style we’ve been noticing are also on these sandals. Keep an eye out for those cutouts – they’re going to be big next year. These sandals go for $250.00.

Also in the optical illusion category are these gladiator sandals from Sigerson Morrison:

Sigerson Morrison Slash Flat Booties

At first glance, it looks like you have at least 20 straps going across your foot. Upon closer inspection, those straps are only an illusion made by strategically placed cutouts. As we were saying, cutting out bits here and there is going to be a hot trend for 2010. These are now $315, 30% from its original price.

Shop for these gladiator sandals at Shopbop.com.