Odyssey Gladiator Sandals are the Comeback We Never Knew We Needed

E! illustration/FilmMagic, GC Images, Getty Images for Dior, WireImageAre we living in a Greek Myth summer? It definitely seems that way. The Odyssey has inspired a slew of celebrities like Zendaya, Tyla, Jessica Chastain, and more to strut the NYC streets and red carpets with gladiator sandals. From casual flats to chic and bold heels, these knee-high and ankle-length gladiator sandals are fit for commuting, date nights, and Roman battles. Gladiator sandals are only the most recent 2016 fashion trend to make a major comeback in celebrities' closets. The 2026 version has a major difference, though. In 2016, we saw flats with gladiator-style straps come up to just above our ankles. Meanwhile, ten years later, celebrities are loving the bold gladiator straps at knee-high lengths on stiletto heels. Gladiator sandals come in a variety of materials and colors, but the popular style we're seeing pop off is black leather (or faux leather) with silver accents. While this resurgence could be attributed to The Odyssey film's popularity, we believe this trend will stick around for the rest of summer and fall. Celebrities are embracing The Odyssey style and wearing bold knee-high gladiator sandals.Major 2016 fashion flashback, but with a twist: Gladiator sandals are no longer casual; they're chic, elegant, and bold.Style gladiator sandals with a simple outfit; let the shoes do all the talking. The Best Way to Style Gladiator Sandals Gladiator sandal flats and heels can be styled in a variety of ways that best fit your personal closet. We're seeing gladiator sandals paired with short dresses, shorts, and mini skirts. They're more versatile than you might think at first glance. In general, gladiator sandal flats are more casual and can be styled with shorts, jeans, and maxi skirts. Meanwhile, gladiator sandal heels are more elegant and chic. They can be styled for a night out with dresses or mini skirts. The key is to keep it simple, especially when it comes to knee-high gladiator sandals. Don't do too much; let the gladiators do the talking!Trending Gladiator Sandal Flats:Steve Madden Gladius ChestnutThese viral gladiator sandals by Steve Madden are nearly sold out and feature knee-high straps and striking stud details in a chestnut colorway. Dr. Martens Women's NartillaMade with smooth matte leather, these Dr. Marten sandals have gladiator-style ankle ties, yellow stitching, and grooved edges on a lightweight EVA sole. katliu Women's Gladiator SandalsLooking for an affordable option? These soft faux leather gladiator sandals come in four neutral and metallic colorways that go with any outfit. UGG GoldenGaze Embossed Ankle Wrap SandalThese UGG sandals are perfect for summer with their gladiator-inspired ankle wrap straps, soft microfiber footbed, and lightweight sugarcane outsole. Guess Grunge Gladiator SandalTap into your Greek goddess energy with these Guess gladiator sandals and their sleek strap design, gold chain details, and pendant accents in a striking white shade. Trending Gladiator Sandal Heels:FancyQueen Gladiator HeelsLooking for something more boho? These gladiator heels feature a soft suede material, durable knee-high straps, tassels, silver accents, and turquoise details. Azalea Wang Sodalite Gladiator SandalMake a bold statement with these gladiator heels that feature a knee-high, lace-up silhouette, studded design, silver details, and a square open toe in a black faux leather material. LISHAN Womens Gladiator Knee High SandalsThese knee-high gladiator heels are more sexy than bold with their lace-up closure, criss-cross design, slim silhouette, and 4.3" heel that comes in five colorways. Azalea Wang Hersilie Brown Gladiator StilettoLooking for something more subtle? These gladiator stiletto heels from Azalea Wang have a rich brown colorway, gold-tone chain accents, an open almond toe, and a sleek stiletto heel.NIIHAI Lock Up HeelThese gladiator heels make a bold statement with their silver-tone grommet details, square toe, stiletto heel, black faux leather upper, and a rubber sole. How We ChooseThe E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.