Sandal Season Is Almost Here, and This “Dated” Style Is Set to Make a Big Comeback

Spring is finally here, which means that summer is on its way. Whilst there are many warm-weather joys I'm excited to experience again, I'd be lying if I told you that wearing sandals for three months straight wasn't at the top of the list. Though I've fallen for the chunky fisherman sandals and barely-there pairs that have dominated over the past few summers, this year, I'm freshly inspired by the boho aesthetic that's swiftly growing in popularity to shop the "dated" sandal trend that I hadn't seen much of since the early '10s. That was until now.

Influencer styles fisherman sandals with short and a long sleeve t-shirt.

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Lining the runways at Christian Dior and Alberta Ferretti's S/S 24 shows, gladiator sandals were brought back to the footwear fore this past September. Once heralded as the most stylish sandals around—and a favourite of boho queens like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen circa 2007—recent years have seen the sandals fall out of favour as designers began to experiment with different styles.

Alberta Ferretti Spring/Summer 2024 runway. Model wears a white dress and gladiator sandals.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

ARE GLADIATOR SANDALS IN STYLE FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2024?

Now, on the cusp of pleasant weather, designers are following through with the gladiator sandals they showcased during fashion month with key pairs available to buy ahead of their big spring revival, and there are more options than ever; from the calf-high pairs that we spotted at Dior and the shorter, chunkier styles beginning to saturate the high street. After Chloé's iconic show last month which saw showgoers proudly don the brand's gladiators, I wouldn't be surprised if these throwback sandals are back at the top of everybody's wish lists very soon.

Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2024 runway show. Model wears a mesh dress and gladiator sandals.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Whilst some designers lent into bohemian styling, Tom Ford's A/W 24 runway show in Milan saw the chunky sandal styled with skin-tight outfits, transparent jumpsuits and draped evening dresses, speaking to the versatility of the newly-trending style.

Tom Ford Autumn/Winter 2024 runway model styles black gladiator sandals

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Wearing well with the poplin dresses (see Sofia Richie Grainge on her honeymoon last year) and denim staples that often populate a summer wardrobe, this new-season shoe is set to work its way into the footwear collections of fashion people at speed this spring.

Sofia Richie styles gladiator sandals with a blue shirt dress.

(Image credit: @sofiarichiegrainge)

Scroll on to discover our pick of gladiator sandals with a 2024 update to shop for spring and summer.

SHOP THE BEST GLADIATOR SANDALS:

Opening Image: @smythsisters

Natalie Munro
News Writer

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer. Having worked in the fashion industry since her time at university—where she obtained a BA in Journalism from University of the Arts London, Natalie's experience spans journalistic and styling roles. In the early stages of her career Natalie predominately worked on editorial shoots for fashion publications such as British Vogue, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK, before moving into journalism roles.

On completion of her degree she interned in the editorial team at British Vogue and later went on to freelance for the publication. Here, she developed her interest in reporting on the latest fashion news and trends. Inspired by the dynamic nature of the industry, Natalie went on to write for other lifestyle and fashion brands and publications before taking on the role as News Writer for Who What Wear.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Focusing on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion, Natalie reports on a daily basis, ensuring that she remains ahead of the trends. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.