I am in love with gladiator boots... I already bought 3 pairs of gladiator sandals last summer, now I want the balenciaga gladiator boots... They r so cute, kinda rock style, which I totally adore...
In the UK, gladiators are making headline news. Whilst it is no surprise that young twenty-something celebrities have picked up on this warrior-like trend, the more demure (and maturer) Gwyneth Paltrow surprised onlookers by arriving at the famous Claridges Hotel, London sporting some “seriously kinky” Givenchy Gladiator-style shoe boots, according to the Daily Mail's “Gwyneth finally puts on some flat shoes” of 26 April 2008. The actress was also snapped looking just as alluring in designer metallic gladiator flats, paired with skinny jeans (Giuseppe Zanotti have a similar style available at Zappos). On her New York trip on 7 April 2008, Gwyneth wore yet another pair of racy gladiator heels, proving that she has fully embraced the look.
As these sharp shoes are a statement piece all by themselves it is wise to team them with a simple outfit, such as a plain loose fitting dress or single-color-block, sexy shorts. Metallic gladiators look great with neutrals such as black, beige or cream and a splash of matching seasonal jewelry such as a gladiator cuff bracelet.
Traditionally, in Roman times, a Roman gladiator shoe consisted of an open-toed leather sandal with a long lace, which also took its inspiration from the Grecian styles of the day.

According to the Telegraph, in their 26 April 2008 article, today’s gladiator was pioneered by British fashion designer Alexander McQueen (CBE) in 1996. Celebrities such as Kate Moss, Lindsay Lohan, Lucy Lui and Rachel Weiss have all been spotted wearing a pair of Alexander McQueen gladiators.
2008 sees less literal translations of the gladiator, with strappy summer sandals, sexy high-heels and chunky platforms; as well as the tradional knee-highs and criss-cross straps. More glamorous gladiators are giving the heavy-duty, urban-battle styles a run for their money, enabling the trend to appeal to a much larger audience.

With a wider range of chicer styles, gladiator sandals have become more versatile. They are just as at home on the beach, in the bar or at pretty much any other social occasion, as well as a trip to the Coliseum. Paired with the drapey Grecian goddess gowns of the season, gladiators have proved that they can be ultra-elegant too.