Gladiator sandals are t-strap sandals with several straps running across the front of the foot. These sandals were favored by Ancient Greeks and Romans, and when Greco-Roman trends pop up in fashion, gladiator sandals are usually not far behind. These sandals can be worn by both men and women, depending on the style, and several companies produce a range of gladiator sandals in styles specifically suited to women. The most recent gladiator sandal craze was in 2008, when these shoes were declared “must-haves” in summer fashion.

T-strap sandals have a strap which runs around the ankle to secure the shoe, with a connecting strap which runs down the front of the foot. When viewed straight-on, a distinctive “T” can be seen at the top of the foot, where the two straps meet. In the case of gladiator sandals, the strap which runs along the top of the foot connects to a series of straps which branch off to the sides, creating a webbing of straps on the front of the foot. Additional straps or laces may also be run around the ankle or even up the leg in some styles.

The original gladiator sandals were flats, designed to be extremely comfortable for casual walking, working, and fighting. The shoes would have stayed firmly attached to the foot while providing plenty of ventilation, and while not ideal for winter weather, they were quite suitable for spring, summer, and enclosed environments. Modern gladiator sandals sometimes branch far from their ancestors, with some women's designs featuring tall heels, thick wedges, and other design features which make the shoes a bit less practical.

These sandals come in a range of materials as well as styles. Leather, rattan, and plastic can all be used, in an assortment of colors from classic tan to metallic. It is also not uncommon to see embellishments such as embroidery, stamping, or beading on gladiator sandals.

On women, gladiator sandals look best when paired with a long leg and reasonably feminine fashions. Larger women sometimes have difficulty pulling this fashion off, especially if they have short legs, although there is certainly no reason for plus-sized women not to wear gladiator sandals. When paired with more masculine apparel, gladiator sandals can tend to create a mannish appearance, which some women find unsuitable or undesirable. Men, on the other hand, are often advised to stay away from softer, more feminine fashions when wearing gladiator sandals, unless they are going for the femme look.