About two years ago, certain styles of gladiators found their way into an emerging fashion trend - this year it’s a whole new story! Some of the best names in women’s fashion are now providing some fantastic styles - making it an easy job to find just the perfect pair for any woman. Women in Kigali are also not left behind when it comes to the gladiator shoes.

I have seen them in all shapes and sizes, one can also get a pair of gladiator shoes at this shop called Euro designs opposite Chez Venant where I got a pair for my self, I must admit that they have quite a variety and I was going mad not knowing which one to choose.

The history of gladiator shoes date back to ancient culture of the Greeks and the Romans, these shoes were primarily loved and worn by women, but they were also made available for men too.  In the year 2008, gladiator shoes topped the fashion charts and have been a rage ever since. The gladiators of the yester years were essentially flat.

They were known for their comfort and were designed to be worn in warm or pleasant climate. The straps provided ample support to the shoes. Romans and Greeks used them while working and even during wars.

With modernization, the gladiators too changed and are now available in a lot of variations that can be no longer associated with the gladiators used in the ancient years- for example high heeled gladiators and gladiators with zippers.

There has been a variation even in the basic material used. Whereas, in olden times, gladiators were made of leather, the modern ones are made of leather, synthetic leather, plastic etc to suit the needs of people with varying budget.

Also, unlike the older version, the latest ones have more style added like studs, buckles, embroidery and laces. While the focus of the ancient gladiators was more on comfort, today’s gladiators are trendy, in addition to being comfortable.

Celebrities like Rihanna and Beyonce are known for their love for gladiator shoes. Whether in flats or knee length these two celebrities have a fetish for gladiator shoes. The good thing is that gladiator shoes come in all shapes and sizes, as we look at them below;-

Knee Length Gladiator Shoes

As the name suggests, the straps of this gladiators reach up to the knees. The intricate design which the crisscross straps form on the legs; add enormous beauty to the legs of the wearer. As such, these shoes are much favoured by celebrities like Rihanna and Beyonce and the fashion world. Almost all the fashion shoes last year, witnessed knee length gladiators strolling on the ramp. The outfit that goes best with these gladiator shoes is a short flowing skirt. Basically, any dress that is an inch above the gladiators will look good

Ankle Length Gladiator Shoes

Ankle length shoes reach up to the ankles. These come in flats as well as high heels. These can be used on casual occasions. These also come with zippers and can be teamed with any outfit, and look good on all legs.
Calf Length Gladiator Shoes

These reach your calves. These are to be worn by long legged beauties. These look good with Capri and short pants.

Flat gladiators

These are the most comfortable amongst all gladiators. The beauty lies in simplicity. A simple design with two or three straps running on the either side makes your feet adorable. A lot of variety has been added to this simple form of gladiators such as buckles, studs, embroidery etc.

Gladiator shoes are available in all colours whether gold, silver, purple, and green or even snake skin as well as plastic, it’s just a matter of one’s choice.

Bottom line is that no other type of shoes can be ideal for all different events and styles like the gladiator shoes. You can wear gladiator shoes at work, at a night out, or even a black tie event and you will still be the centre of attention – always in a good way of course.

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