The Best Gladiator Sandals to Wear This Summer, According to ELLE Editors

“I’m a sucker for an olive-suede combination, and this dreamy sandal is my new favorite summer essential. The velvety straps offer a comfortable fit, and the supportive, contoured footbed makes them ideal for a day spent strolling the city.”—Laura Tarafa, commerce writer

Sizes: 6-10

Colors: Matcha

Materials: Suede

“I require arch support, so sandals can be tricky for me. But I think this grommeted pair from Madewell might be up for the challenge. I love that the style maintains that thong or flip-flop look in front, too.”—Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: True Black, Tawny Khaki, Cherry Wood

Materials: Leather

“Without fail, black leather sandals have become my go-to choice for this summer. Jenni Kayne’s wraparound sandal features ultra-soft leather that’ll only get better with more wear. Plus, they go with everything from a more formal dress for a garden wedding to a casual T-shirt and denim shorts for those runs to the market.”—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor

Sizes: 36-41

Colors: Black

Materials: Leather

“I love Raye’s minimalist take on the gladiator sandal. They’re giving strappy sandals without the ‘fighting the Romans at 3 P.M.’ vibes that a lot of gladiator styles can lean toward.”—Madison Rexroat, assistant accessories editor

Sizes: 5.5-10

Colors: Black, Tan, White Bubble

Materials: Leather

A Veronica Beard customer flawlessly described this luxe ankle-strap style as “jewelry for your feet!” Pack this earth-toned, gemstone-adorned sandal for your next warm-weather getaway to pair with a flirty backless dress.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Gold Materials: Stone, Leather

“Zimmermann’s Goldie sandals are the ultimate summer staple—fresh off the brand’s spring/summer 2025 runway. The chunky straps add intrigue to everything from minidresses to a tank top and jorts, making them the versatile hero piece your warm-weather wardrobe didn’t know it needed.”—Claire Stern Milch, digital director

Sizes: 35-41

Colors: Brown

Materials: Leather

“Amanu is one of my go-to brands for summer sandals. What I love about their Serengeti style is that it offers a more modern, minimalist take on a classic gladiator sandal. I also love how thin the straps are from a comfort standpoint, so your legs don’t feel too constricted by having straps wrapped around them.”—Carson Stannard, fashion editor

Sizes: 6-12

Colors: Camel, Gold

Materials: Leather

“It’s hard to think of the iconic gladiator sandal without thinking of Ancient Greek Sandals—I mean, that just seems like a given, knowing the name of the footwear label. In my humble opinion, the Satira is the perfect option when you want that early-aughts boho look without feeling like you’re cosplaying someone from that era. Yes, they definitely fall into the return of the Bohemian aesthetic, but they feel more polished for 2025. I recommend taking these on your next European vacation.”—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor

Sizes: 35-42

Colors: 7 options

Materials: Leather

Amazon customers are raving about this strappy rubber shoe by the outdoor-forward footwear brand Teva, featuring a comfortable flatform sole that cushions the feet. Reviews highlight the sporty sandal’s versatility, making it perfect for summer travels. And did we mention a very similar version from the brand is also Olsen twin-approved?

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 6 options

Materials: Rubber

Want more oomph in your gladiator sandal? Look no further than this Tom Ford knee-high design—it’s sure to be the pièce de résistance of your outfit. A sleek minidress will complement this eye-catching shoe.

Sizes: 37-41

Colors: Black

Materials: Leather

A modern take on the toe ring trend, this brown crisscross sandal from the iconic New York line boasts brushed gold-tone hardware that subtly adds interest to a simple suede sandal.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Umber Suede

Materials: Suede, Leather

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“For a sleek take on the gladiator style with a dash of gilded toe jewelry, Tory Burch’s suede sandals are a go-to. The slight platform makes them a bit more comfortable than regular flat sandals, and the suede straps are a bit more forgiving than stiff leather.”—Madison Rexroat, assistant accessories editor

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Black, Silver

Materials: Leather