Gladiator heels are a variation of the gladiator sandal with a prominent heel, often decorated with metal or bohemian accents. They have been popularized by celebrities and fashion designers and are often worn with skirts or shorts.
Gladiator heels are gladiator sandals that feature a prominent heel, either in the form of a kitten heel, stiletto, platform, or wedge heel. The heel resembles the gladiator sandal in all other respects except the heel, and features the same design first popularized by the ancient Greco-Roman warriors for whom the shoe is named. This design resembles a regular T-strap sandal with additional straps that wrap around the foot and fasten at the ankle or higher. The straps on this shoe are usually made of rattan, leather, or suede, but can also be made of plastic or other synthetic materials. Gladiator heels are often decorated with “punk” metal accents, such as studs, chains, and additional buckles, as well as more bohemian accents such as beads, leather prints, and embroidery.
Although the gladiator sandal has gone out of style over the years, gladiator heels are a relatively unique variation on the gladiator shoe. In the 2008 film, Sex and the City, Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw is seen sporting a pair of “Dior Extreme” peep toe gladiator heels as part of over 80 different outfits. The film is said to have started the gladiator heel trend for the new millennium, and Sex and the City wardrobe stylist Patricia Field is credited with selecting the shoes for the film. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Mary-Kate Olsen, Hilary Duff, and Vanessa Hudgens have been seen wearing these heels.
Several of the world’s top fashion designers have included gladiator heels in their collections. They are also sold at various outlets for a fraction of the cost of their designer counterparts. This heel is most often worn with skirts or shorts that are above the knee or shorter, to allow ample room to show off the shoe’s unique style. However, the gladiator heel also pairs well with pants and a variety of formal and informal outfits. Certain styles of stiletto or stiletto gladiator heels are considered fetish items, due to the combination of the heel and various leather straps.
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