I was researching Summer 2008 trends today and the gladiator sandal trend caught my interest. I actually remember them being quite popular back in my middle school days (that would be the mid-nineties). Although at that time, the trend didn’t catch on particularly well. All the articles and resources I accessed today claimed to be sure that gladiator sandals were the shoe to own for Summer 2008.

All the celebs are wearing them (according to my trusty online news sources). Like Mary-Kate Olsen, Mischa Barton, Mandy Moore and Kirsten Dunst. My favorites were the basic black ones sported by Kirsten Dunst.

From left to right, Kirsten Dunst, Mischa Barton, Mary-Kate Olsen and Mandy Moore. All photos are from Instyle.com.

After work on Saturday, I started my hunt for a pair of gladiator sandals of my own. I figured it would not be too difficult to find a cute and inexpensive pair (since they are already plastered all over the internet in trend stories and at tons of online stores). Well, not such an easy feat apparently. First stop was a wholesale mall near my office, where I actually found one pair of gladiator sandals but with neon straps (in shades of gold, silver, green and pink – yes hideous!). Next stop was a department store but there I found nothing that even remotely resembled the kind of gladiator sandals I wanted and lastly, I visited NEXT but still found nothing. I was surprised and very disappointed that stores weren’t carrying gladiators yet. I’m in desperate need of a pair of flat sandals — everything I currently own is a three or four inch heel and walking in heels all the time is a little tiresome.

I’ve resorted to searching online and browsed through a few of my favorite online stores (Old Navy, Urban Outfitters and JC Penny). Here is what I found:

Women’s Ankle-Strap Gladiator Jelly Sandals, $19.50 (from oldnavy.com)
A very budget-friendly choice but I’m not a big fan of ‘jelly’ style sandals, slippers or shoes.

Orig $50 a.n.a® ‘Gina’ Leather Gladiator Sandal, $39.99 now $19.99 (from JC Penny)
Another budget-friendly option, this one I like; it is basic black and looks sturdy. I actually clicked through to it from Instyle.com (as a recommendation for the pair Kirsten Dunst is wearing in the picture above)

The biggest selection I found during my search was on Urban Outfitters. I quite liked a few of their pairs. They’re pricier than the ones Old Navy and JC Penny are selling but the designs are much more attractive.

Sam Edelman Ginger Gladiator, $98.00 (from Urban Outfitters)
An embellished pair of gladiators! This is way more than I’m willing to spend but it is a gorgeous design.

Everyday Gladiator, $48.00 (from Urban Outfitters again)
Black, basic and cute buckles at the side. I’m torn between this one and the cheaper a.n.a. alternative!

Metallic Gladiator, $58.00 (from Urban Outfitters)
Unique style and I like that it reaches a little higher than the other ones but since I rarely wear short skirts and cropped pants its not a practical choice for me.

All said and done – the a.n.a. pair is now somehow a more appealing choice than the Everyday Gladiator from Urban Outfitters. And I have to try other online shoe stores (like GoJane and Urban Original). And I will definitely check out the local scene a little further before making a choice!