Summer is finally here and while there are many warm-weather joys I'm excited to experience again, I'd be lying if I told you that wearing sandals for three months straight wasn't at the top of the list. Though I've fallen for the chunky fisherman sandals and barely-there pairs that have dominated over the past few summers, this year, I'm freshly inspired by the boho aesthetic that's swiftly growing in popularity to shop the "dated" sandal trend that I hadn't seen much of since the early '10s. That was until now.
Lining the runways at Christian Dior and Alberta Ferretti's, gladiator sandals were brought back to the footwear fore. Once heralded as the most stylish sandals around—and a favourite of boho queens like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen circa 2007—recent years have seen the sandals fall out of favour as designers began to experiment with different styles.
ARE GLADIATOR SANDALS IN STYLE FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2025?
Now, on the cusp of pleasant weather, designers are following through with the gladiator sandals they showcased during fashion month with key pairs available to buy ahead of their big spring revival, and there are more options than ever; from the calf-high pairs that we spotted at Dior and the shorter, chunkier styles beginning to saturate the high street. After Chloé's iconic show last season which saw showgoers proudly don the brand's gladiators, I wouldn't be surprised if these throwback sandals are back at the top of everybody's wish lists very soon.
Whilst some designers lent into bohemian styling, Tom Ford's runway show in Milan saw the chunky sandal styled with skin-tight outfits, transparent jumpsuits and draped evening dresses, speaking to the versatility of the newly-trending style.
Wearing well with the poplin dresses (see Sofia Richie Grainge on her honeymoon) and denim staples that often populate a summer wardrobe, this new-season shoe is set to work its way into the footwear collections of fashion people at speed this summer.
Scroll on to discover our pick of gladiator sandals with a 2025 update to shop for summer.
SHOP THE BEST GLADIATOR SANDALS:
Winding up the leg, these will add a boho touch to any relaxed outfit.
These tan sandals are one of my favourites.
These barley-there sandals are ideal for hot summer days.
With a 100% leather composition, these will last you for summers to come.
Ring accents are trending this season, and these leather sandals offer a playful take.
These brown suede sandals will style well with light denim and cotton dresses.
This mustard shade looks so chic with deep tones.
The knot strap detail adds a utilitarian edge.
Studs are back this season, and this is how I'll be jumping on the trend.
Wear with linen trousers or a draped skirt.
An editor favourite.
I'll always come back to A.Emery for its chic summer sandals.
These also come in two other shades.
Opening Image: @smythsisters
-
This Elegant Sandal Trend Is Rarely Worn With Baggy Jeans, But It Makes Them Look So ChicUncommon? Yes. Highly chic? Also yes.
-
This Rich-Looking Shoe Colour Instantly Makes Plain White Summer Outfits So ElegantI'm recommending it to everyone.
-
Sofia Richie Just Wore the Anti-Boring Trouser and Sandal Trends Set to Rule SummerYour black trousers and tan sliders will never forgive you.
-
Hear Me Out: Flip-Flops Are Undeniably Elegant in This Specific Colour TrendIt's a simple truth.
-
Put Down the Skinny Jeans—*This* Is the Denim Trend Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing With SandalsThey're not straight-leg jeans either.
-
The Classic Closed-Toe Shoe Fashion People Who Just Aren't Into Flip-Flops Wear InsteadThe perfect alternative.
-
From L.A. to London, I Just Know This Chic Flat Shoe Will Be in Every It Girl’s WardrobeThey have the Midas touch.
-
Forget Trends, I Always Prioritise These “Dated” DressesPlus, sandals you can walk for miles in.
