These Steven Madden gladiator sandals aren’t even out yet, but Kate Hudson has been seen wearing them for grocery shopping, running errands, and walking with her son Ryder like she’s had them for years:

May 6, 2010 – Kate Hudson wearing Steve Madden gladiator sandals

Getting first dibs on the latest stuff has got to be one of the best perks of being a celebrity. You get to try out things before anyone else!

Here’s a close-up of Kate Hudson’s gladiator sandals:

Even though the straps are thick, these sandals are actually quite flattering to the feet. The thinner straps balance out the thicker ones and the way they are gathered away from the center t-strap makes the sandal look less boxy.

Kate Hudson also made the right choice in picking the grey color of these sandals as a darker color like black or brown would be a lot harder to work with. The light grey color looks more slimming and it doesn’t “cut” the feet like a dark color would.

These exact sandals may not be available yet, but I did find the platform wedge version. They’re the Tuscaan wedge sandals from Steve Madden with a staggering 3 1/4″ heel plus a 1″ platform:

Steve Madden Tuscaan

I think I prefer Kate Hudson’s flats over these wedges. That huge platform wedge coupled with the thick straps are too overwhelming. Which one do you prefer?

The Steve Madden Tuscaan platform wedges are $89.95 at Zappos.com. Aside from the grey, they’re also available in black, blue, cognac, natural, and white.

Now here’s a gladiator sandal trend that’ll really gear us up for the battlefield: gladiators with shields.

Of course the “shields” are really extra wide or extra long leather panels that cover the foot, but it just goes so much better with the whole warrior theme that gladiators have got going on, doesn’t it? And besides, if you want to be the best-looking fashion warrior out there, you’ve got to be completely armored from head to sword to shield.

Here are the AllGladiatorSandals’ top 5 picks for the most “fightingest” gladiators:

1. Calvin Klein Stasia

These Calvin Klein Stasias are a staggering 4 inches high, but the platform sole and the wedge heel make them a breeze to walk in. $93.00 down from $135.00.

2. BCBGeneration Uma

Yes, we’ve seen this style on a lot of other gladiator sandals before, but these BCBGeneration Umas have got one of the widest leather panels out there. Plus they sparkle and shine too. Now only $63.16, originally $78.95.

3. Robert Clergerie Sindian

I am loving the mirrored silver leather color on these sandals and the way the straps are sewn on top of each other so they resemble actual armor. Robert Clergerie Sindian, $665.00 marked down to $320.00.

4. Vera Wang Lavender Label Heidi Shield Platform Sandals

Vera Wang really named these gladiator sandals under her Lavender Label the Heidi Shield Platform Sandal. Click on the link or the picture above to check out the interesting distress treatment done to the stacked heel. $295.00, also available in “Nakid” (obviously a nude color).

5. Report Signature Randolph Pebbled Leather Platform Sandal

Seen on the feet of young Hollywood trendsetter Vanessa Hudgens, these Report Signature Randolph Paneled Platform Sandals are surprisingly affordable. These lovelies are available for purchase for just $185.00.

Whenever we’re looking for the trendiest, most up-to-the-minute shoes, we always go to Heels.com. They have the best selection of fashionable footwear and we love that they carry a wide range of brands from affordable Steve Madden, to celebrity lines like Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B., to high fashion Christian Lacroix (which is getting extremely hard to find after the brand shut its doors due to bankruptcy).

Check out some of our top picks for gladiator sandals from Heels.com – each and every single one of them on sale!

DV by Dolce Vita Carly Heel

We’re suckers for gladiator sandals that lace up in the middle and the stiletto boot style gives these Carly Heels an awesome kick. These are now only $89.09.

BCBGirls Cras

Didn’t we say cutouts were going to be the next big trend in gladiator sandals and pretty much in all footwear? The fact that these strappy gladiator wedges from BCBGirls are right on trend AND are on sale makes it a dream purchase. Now only $90.39.

Dereon Cross Me Sandal

Who said gladiator sandals have to be leather? The green crisscross elastic straps on these Cross Me Sandals has got us in a bind. Now only $59.99.

Naughty Monkey Exhibit A

Check out the heavy hardwear on these! Now these are gladiator sandals are ready for battle – or maybe just for a really intense shopping spree. Now $63.99.

Rocawear Daina Thong

Even without the gold and the crystals at the center, the narrow lines and the slim silhouette on these sandals make it look posh and elegant. The straps around the ankles instead of across the foot draw the eyes up, so if you want to avoid looking stumpy and short in gladiator sandals, these thongs from Rocawear are for you. Now only $34.99.