Dos & Don'ts of Gladiator Sandals

This segment will appear on Mirror Mirror on the LivewellHD network in May 2009. Here is a link to the segment http://livewellhd.com/mirrormirror/story?id=6772753 It airs in 10 cities (NY, LA, Philadelphia, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Fresno, Raleigh/Durham, Flint, and Toledo). Check the website for local listings (http://www.livewellhd.com/).

The gladiator sandal reappeared in 2006. They are an update version of the shoe worn by ancient Roman soldiers. The shoe is characterized by lots of horizontal straps and laces that can go all the way to the knees. The modern gladiator sandal comes in ankle length and knee high styles, ranging from perfectly flat soles to high-heel platform interpretations.

The Dos Of Gladiator Sandals

1. Let them show – wear low gladiator sandals with longer dresses, jeans, shorts, and capri pants, wear tall gladiator sandals with above the knee skirts and shorts.



2. Choose metallics for a slim look (dark brown and black sandals with lots of straps can make legs and ankles look bigger.



3. Choose styles with a heel and thinner straps for a slimmer look.





4. Wear them with drapey, bohemian, feminine style clothing.



5. A pedicure is a must, these sandals will attract lots of attention to your pretty feet.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t wear them if you have wide/big feet, thick ankles and calves, or short legs. The horizontal straps will make you look even bigger.



2. Don’t wear styles with lots of thick horizontal straps, they will make your legs look bigger than they are.




3. Don’t wear them with socks or pantyhose.




4. Don’t wear them to formal affairs, this is a casual shoe.



5. Don’t splurge on them, This trend is in it’s third year and won’t last much longer.

Have you tried Gladiators? What do you like/don't like about them? What is your fav style? What fashion item do you love best or gives you them most angst?