Zendaya Is Bringing Back the Gladiator Sandal 

Zendaya is showing that the gladiator sandal could be making a comeback, proving why the once-popular style still holds fashion appeal. This past Monday in New York, she stepped out wearing a vintage Alberta Ferretti dress from 2008. The white mini dress featured a plunging neckline and metallic paneling, but the true highlight was her footwear: a pair of towering, knee-high gladiator sandals from Sophia Webster. With straps laced tightly up her legs, the look felt like a direct tribute to ancient Rome.

Photo: XYN/Star Max/Gc Images

This isn’t just a random fashion choice. Zendaya is currently promoting The Odyssey, a new film where she portrays Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare. Her stylist, Law Roach, is leaning heavily into this theme for her public appearances, using fashion to channel the themes Greek mythology. By mixing a flowy, Greco-Roman inspired dress with bold leather sandals, the team created a look that feels both cinematic and high-fashion.

Photo: XYN/Star Max/Gc Images

This is the second time in just a few weeks that Zendaya has turned to this style. She previously paired a chic ivory dress by Khaite with glossy, lizard-effect Christian Louboutin gladiator sandals. These repeated appearances have placed the gladiator sandal back in the fashion conversation and brought attention to the style once again.

Interestingly, this is a look Zendaya has supported for a long time. She wore knee-high gladiator sandals as far back as 2015 and even designed her own pair in 2017 for her former clothing line, Daya by Zendaya. For her, wearing these sandals isn’t following a trend; it is returning to a signature style she has loved for years.

Photo: XYN/Star Max/Gc Images

When Zendaya adopts a trend, people pay attention. She has a unique talent for taking pieces that have been dormant in fashion history and making them feel essential once again. As The Odyssey heads to theaters on July 17, Zendaya’s latest appearances could further fuel interest in the strappy, lace-up shape. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to try out the gladiator look, this is it. It’s bold, it’s historic, and thanks to stars like Zendaya, it is the biggest footwear trend of the year.