There are certain wardrobe staples which make an appearance every summer, without fail. Denim cut offs, pretty lace dresses, maxi dresses are all perennial favourites, especially when paired with a pair of gladiator sandals. From traditional ankle and knee high Romanesque varieties to sassy heeled versions, I’m pretty sure every iteration has been done to death, perhaps with the exception of knee high or OTK heeled varieties. They’re part of a rare breed of shoe which is just a little too sassy for their own good. I have a pair of beautiful black leather OTK boots with a sky high heel which are exactly the same and for this reason, they only come out a handful of times a year. This is perhaps why I’ve always given knee high gladiator sandals a wide berth. Until now.
It was Rihanna who first put them on my radar as a viable, legitimate footwear choice. Of course. If anyone can pull off a daring look it’s her. I’ve since seen Ciara dressing hers up and Kendall dressing hers down, suddenly knee high gladiator sandals walked their way to the top of my wishlist. I spied a pair while browsing eBay and it felt like fate, so I clicked the ‘buy it now’ button faster than Dorothy clicked her heels. I have to admit, I have only worn them once and they are definitely not for the fainthearted – I was turning heads, even in Soho! I’m really looking forward to experimenting with my summer wardrobe to toughen up floaty dresses and to go super street with denim cut offs. Watch this space!
If you feel inspired to try out a pair for yourself, here are my top five picks from designer to high street:
1. Paul Andrew Athena gladiator sandals – £1,285
2. Carvela Glyda gladiator sandals – £180
3. Sophia Webster Clemmie gladiator sandals – £675
4. Nasty Gal lace me up gladiator sandals – £70.41
5. Spartoo caged lace up gladiator sandals – £46.95
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