If the season’s favourite sleek, ’90s-inspired flip-flops haven’t been speaking to you, you’re in luck. Whilst barely-there sandals have dominated for the past few summers, Zendaya has just made a convincing case for their very antithesis: the gladiator sandal trend. Stepping out ahead of a press event in New York today, the actor wore a knee-high pair of heeled gladiator sandals, reviving one of the most recognisable shoe trends of the late 2000s and early 2010s.

A world away from this season’s minimalist flip-flops, gladiator sandals are defined by their network of straps that wrap around the foot, ankle and calf. Whilst the trend reached peak popularity during the boho era of the 2010s, its origins stretch much further back, taking inspiration from the protective footwear worn by ancient Roman gladiators.

Whilst Zendaya gave the nostalgic style a modern moment, pairing her knee-grazing shoes with a white minidress and long drop earrings, this summer shoe trend would also work well with longer-line dresses to play into the relaxed, boho aesthetic.

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