Men's Short Hairstyles
Men's Mid-length Hairstyles
Men's Long Hairstyles
Men's Curly Hairstyles
Men's Black & Afro Hairstyles
Celebrity Hairstyles
Introduction
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; or more appropriately, your eyes. I bring to you a debate of epic proportions – the gladiator sandal and its presence on our feet.
Men and women have adorned the gladiator sandal, in its simplest form, before records began. Notables such as Julius Caesar, Pythagoras and even Jesus himself sporting the trend – dapper fellas. Fast-forward 2000 years and the gladiator sandal has re-emerged, albeit undoubtedly more popular with the females then us warriors of the wardrobe.
As is the norm with many modern fashion trends, gladiator sandals transcended genders and appeared last summer in what can only be described as a ‘minor trend’. However, with the summer fast approaching this year could well be time for the gladiator sandal.
Gladiator Sandals Lookbook
How to Wear
- Leave the socks in their draw. Socks and sandals are almost always an incomprehensible mix – to a similar effect of badly coordinated double denim.
- Wear the garment and not the other way around. If you are self-conscious about donning something such as gladiator sandals, leave them on the shelf in the store. Your reservations will undoubtedly show up and draw attention to your discomfort in wearing them. You will do nothing but leave what was originally a well put-together outfit looking a former shadow of its once stylish self.
- No overgrown toenails or un-kept feet please. Grooming shouldn’t be too alien to most I’d hope. If your phalanges are going to be on show lets have them looking tip-top; that goes for the rest of your exposed foot as well. Moisturise, clip and even polish if you feel it’s needing; I’m talking clear gloss here not red, pink or black.
FashionBeans Lookbook
Basics dusted off, (but by no means re-shelved) we can look in to putting together the type of look that will carry you and your gladiator attire through SS11.
One of the key strong points of bringing gladiator sandals in to your wardrobe is their ability to tie in with the urban bohemia trend. The past-season success of this trend means a lot of your wardrobe will pair exceptionally well with your new foot attire. Think structured blazers, neckerchiefs, chambray, linen, stripes and floral.
Look 1
Literally tailor a look around your sandals. When in your figurative Rome, be on trend with the ‘soft tailoring’ look. Linen is an absolute essential with this trend.
Accessorise appropriately with a pocket square, satchel or holdall and belt.
Look 2
Make use of those denim shorts and create a more casual vibe. Pair with a graphic tee and accessorise with leather cuffs and a straw trilby for that relaxed leisure look. Alternatively, use a preppy fit polo or check shirt and most definitely don’t be afraid to throw in some colour!
Look 3
Get really fashion-forward with a set of modern flares or boot cuts. Turn them up ever so slightly to show off your gladiators. Match your belt to your sandals, tuck-in your shirt any which way you like and grab a new season holdall for those additional details; which we all know are so crucial.
Gladiator Sandals
Conclusion
During the warmer months you’d be hard pressed not to notice the number of flip-flops, sandals and other toe baring footwear that the male population embrace. Gladiator sandals have yet to join any such list of what would be classed as the norm, and are likely to be met with a few questioning glances. Fashion however is no stranger to controversy; in fact it embraces it and swallows it whole.
Have your Say
Gladiator sorts will not appeal to everyone’s taste. Hopefully you’ll all have an opinion and as always we’d love to hear it in the comments below.
- Would they be best left to our female counterparts? Or even more drastically back in year 0 and ancient Rome?
- Are you on the other side of the fence and already own a pair? Or possibly purchasing a pair?
- What looks would you suggest? Are there any other trends or looks that you think these would look great with?
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Safari
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Ethnic Inspired
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Denim
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Statement Tailoring
Back To Top
I like ‘em! no qualms whatsoever :)
They are awful! They are the summer equivilent to mens Ugg boots!
Sandals just make you look like some kind of weird man-baby hybrid no matter how much they are rebranded as ‘gladiator’ sandals. Seeing a grown man in sandals makes me despair as much as seeing a student in flip flops and boardshorts in manchester city centre who thinks he’s on Bondai Beach.
No. As the expression goes, you can’t polish a turd.
I think the only it works is if the color is not feminine at all (hence not the white ones) and the laces are not thin. In the pictures above, to me, the only one to pull the look off is the guy with the denim jacket and black sandals (from the looks of it).
I remember I tried looking for this look about 8 years ago, but wasn’t successful. Still, not sure I’d pick this above other options…
I think they look amazing! I love the look,and will possibly purchase a pair. Some styles are utterly disgusting and I will steer clear of them. Maybe they will make me feel like a roman Emperor Demi God of some sorts
I think in the look above they actually work really well. But just for me personally, I’ve never been a fan of flip flops, sandals or whatever. In the summer, I wear boat shoes or canvas trainers because I prefer a bit more structure in my footwear.
Of course grown men shouldn’t be caught dead in one of these!
Other than that, I sorta love/hate them. In the summer, all the trendy males would just be sporting them outside like they’re getting ready to the run the Greek Olympics or something of that manner.
I prefer a much more toned down version like ones with very little straps to add a bit more interest than a regular sandal, but not being too on trend.
I found this kind of cloths very daring and not to be worn by anyone. If I had to recommend how to wear it I would say that they would match better with classical cloths because if you put them on with shorts and t-shirts you are going to look like the typical English giry travelling to Spain to have sunbaths till being red like a crab. I’d put them on with jeans and shirts (with long sleeves, of course)
I quite like like them, emphasis on ‘quite’ though… and i’m not sure if the inevitable sledging from people would be worth it for an item i only quite like.
I would be willing to give it a go though it i could find a pair like the one’s shown in the very first lookbook photo. All of the individual items seem to have heavy horizontal straps rather than the thin & sparse approach which i think looks ALOT more stylish.
I like the idea and I quite like the style, but as you’ve said – you have to have the confidence to wear THEM, not the other way round. I just wouldn’t be sure enough in any look, it’ll be loafers, canvas or bare feet for me.
I agree with Adam, its going to be the same situation as the M-Ugg boot. They just look out of place with any outfit…
who’s the guy in the top left lookbook picture I would love a pair of harems just like his but I’m finding it impossible to get some. It might be due to the fact that I’m currently living in Norwich….. but i could also be blind XD
Sorry but i hate them.
I find them a lot more easy on the eyes than regular sandals, especially when they’re done with minimal ornamentation. Definitely with James on “thin and sparse” for it to look good. Just don’t pair them with jeans…shorts would be a must for me, plus it would get quite sweaty if you wore jeans in sandal weather!
Still, I think I’ll stick to tan brogue boots for now.
I bought myself a pair of these last year and I’ll be wearing them again this year. I like the top right – Skinny grey jeans and white t-shirt. I think I’ll be giving that look a go at some point in the Summer
I’m with Matt and Will; I much prefer canvas shoes for summer, especially if I’ll be wearing non-denim shorts. However, if I was to go with sandals, I’d rather take multi-strapped ones like gladiators over the standard flip-flop. I just hate stuffing a thin strip between my toes, irritating them, and having the rear end of the sandal flapping about because it lacks any support whatsoever.
I know it’s a bit off-topic, but I found an interesting pair at River Island, which kind of crosses plimsolls with espadrilles: http://www.riverisland.com/Online/men/shoes/high-tops-plimsolls/blue-acid-wash-plimsolls-251234 There’s a dark grey version too. I’m quite tempted to try them, and get away from the standard sports type plimsolls without having to wear sandals.
I have to say I dislike them. Not one of the boys wearing them looks like a man, but boys. So if you’re under 21 maybe, but if you’re over 21 and want to actually look good….just no. Wear some canvas or driving shoes, or boat shoes if you want to look like you’ve thought about it and then copied people.
I find it hard to understand all the negativity about these gladiator sandals. Men’s shoes are almost universally ugly when it comes to the sandals that are available.
The problem is not that men have ugly feet, though of course some do (and so do many women) but that many men don’t bother taking care of thier feet. Good heygene and taking care of one’s hand and toe nails should be the norm. Giving men footwear to wear that isn’t so ugly is a great step in the right direction. Men should be allowed to be comfortable, and they should encouraged to take care of their appearance.
last year
I believe a succesful trend depends on how you wear it. I like those sandals; with a simple combination of clothes I believe a man can look sexy, manly, polished and chic’. I must say that also is embrased by self confidence an a general vision of your own look.
First saw mens gladiators in River Is. start of last summer and thought i would give them a try. Bought a pair of black leather ones and found them so cool and comfy,will be wearing again this summer.Agree with Peter above ,would never consider a pair with the very thin straps or pale colours – they look too feminine. Go for a pair of black or dark brown.Look good with skinny jeans or boot cuts in greys or blacks never with traditional denim blue.got a second pair in dark brown with single ankle strap and toe post which keeps the foot firm,these look good with 3/4 cargo’s.
Don’t know how anyone can go through the hotter if short summers we seem to be having wearing a full shoe.
Gladiators look a lot better than the rubber flip-flop or those ugly sport sandals you see men wearing in the summer.
Give gladiators a go!
YESYESYES. I know what my birthday present is.
where are them khaki green shorts from at the top left, if anyone knows, would really be apreciated, reply ASAP! please
Add this to your collection, it’s a must have sandal: http://www.oki-ni.com/mens-sandals/acne-men+39s-leather-agra-sandals/invt/acn0834brw/&temp=images
I’ve worn gladiator sandals for years I think guys look great in them. Lets hope that the fashion will grow