SHOE WHORE SUNDAY

ONE TREND I CAN'T EMBRACE ... WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS ...

I have a friend and colleague at work who just returned from almost 3 weeks in Greece and then New York. This trip served as a form of brainwashing - as this faithful high-heel wearer and flat-hater was swayed into considering buying a pair of gladiator sandals.

After all, she saw them everywhere ... not just on the cobblestone streets of Athens. Gladiator sandals are IT this season on fashion runways, and even red carpets. It's almost enough to make you want to buy a chariot, wear a toga and maybe put a wreath in your hair.

But I have to say, while I usually like to explore new trends, I just can't get into this one for two reasons ... 1) I think gladiator sandals are just fugly; and 2) they are incredibly uncomfortable. Seriously ... you might as well just slap a piece of flat cardboard on the bottom of your foot, for as much arch support as you get.

I'd like to point out this gladiator sandal, by Steve Madden, as proof of my claims:

Disgusting, isn't it? Now I usually like Steve Madden, but it this case it looks like the wearer is in some home monitoring system, in which electric coils have been wound around them so if they wander too far away from home they'll get a good jolt. BZZZZZZZ. That will teach you fuckers!

Also, look at the bottom of this sandal ... no traction, no arch, no nothing. For my Canadian friends out there, this reminds me of the bottom of a curling shoe ... the one that you use to slide down the ice with. For you non-Americans, look it up.

However, contrary to popular opinion, I do have an open mind ... especially when it comes to shoes. So I have been able to find a few gladiator-INSPIRED shoes that I think are very stylish, and will keep you looking modern and trendy, but not like you made your shoes yourself in craft class at the mental institution.

What makes a shoe a gladiator-inspired shoe? Mostly it is the T-strap design and strappy appearance.

For example, Carlos Santana has these hot Magnum heels that with their studded T-strap look like they could be worn by a very sexy gladiator - as opposed to a blind one.

Available in this rose gold color, and in old silver, the Magnums also sport a tapered heel and small platform, which makes the 3 plus inch heel very bearable and will keep you from getting flat feet.

For $99 they are also a pretty good deal ... and will look great with both jeans or that little black dress you wear when you want to get laid. You know you have one. I have four.

Also, just to show you that Steve Madden hasn't completely lost his mind, I found these hot and strappy Togga sandals, also for $99.

Available in white, black, cognac and platinum, these shoes will stop any opponent dead in their tracks - guaranteed. And you won't even have to work up a sweat.

For those of us who are vertically challenged, the 5-inch stacked heel (also with a platform) will also make us stand tall, and look great doing it. I love looking down on the little people, instead of being one, don't you?

Finally, since I know some of you are heel-phobic and that's probably why you're considering buying some gladiator sandals, I give you these low-heeled baby's from Franco Sarto.

Available in bronze and silver with metallic studs, they are both stylish and comfortable with their kitten heel and cushioned footbed. The small rise will do wonders to support your arch, as opposed to the super-flat gladiator styles. Available for just $85.

For more gladiator-INSPIRED sandals, check out this link on shoes.com.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR IN NEW YORK

Hats off to obnoxiously cheerful Kelly Ripa from Regis and Kelly for organizing the first High Heel-A-Thon this week in New York.

"Completing 26.2 miles in running shoes is nothing — try spending a full day running errands, taking the kids to school and shopping, all in 4-inch heels. Our 'High Heel-A-Thon' is a way of showcasing a unique unsung talent for which most women are never recognized," Ripa said.

Thank god this race was just 150 yards and not 26.2 miles, as the heel requirement was a 3 inch minimum. But it was a fun way to recognize both women and the incredible shoes they fill.

This isn't a unique idea, however. Glamour held a stiletto run in Germany not so long ago, and Baltimore hosts a gay pride High Heel Race that is better left to the imagination.

As for me? I have at least 6 pairs of high heels that I think I could win this race in. I can't wait for next year!

Comments

[Veronica]

I am not heel a phobic, it's just that I am 5"7 and Nat is 5"10. Not really conducive to high heel wearing.

[river]

The heeled shoes are certainly prettier, but you can't tell me they actually have arch support. Where? There is no arch cushioning visible to my eyes.

[Ree]

shhhhh. I have to put heels on for the first time since April 24th tomorrow morning. My calves are already bitching at me.

[Memarie Lane]

I think gladiator sandals are hot. But only when they're on fire.

[Candy]

I bought my first pair of Carlos Santana's last weekend for a wedding. They're similar to the gladiator's above, similar color and everything. I LOVE THEM. They're a tad on the uncomfortable side - perfect for a wedding, but hell on a working girl's foot.

I never would have bought them, had it not been for your recommendation. Go You!

[Sheri]

I really really wish I could get into those Carlos Santana shoes. They are cute, but I was blessed with Fred Flinstone's feet. Size 7 1/2 Quad E.......Not pretty. Well, they aren't deformed or anything just wide, and many of those cute shoes don't come in extra wide. Bummer for me.

[Daisy]

I agree with you on the Gladiator shoes.

I’m not buying the Kelly Ripa stuff. I'm sure she gets her feet massaged weekly. Anyone can wear heels if the chauffer picks them up and drops them off at all entrances

[Miss J]

High-Heel-A-Thon, eh? Wish I could have been there, I was TAP DANCING in two-inch heels when I was seven years old. Even if I somehow didn't win, you can bet your ass Kelly Ripa would have been eating my dust.

[The Grammarphile]

I usually cringe at gladiator sandals, but I *love* those gladiator-inspired Carlos Santana sandals!

I wish I'd heard about that High Heel-A-Thon. I run as well/quickly in stilettos as I do in sneakers. I spend my whole damn life in stilettos (usually of the 4" or 5" variety because I'm only 5'1" and hate being short) and am quite accustomed to spending from 8 AM until 7 PM every weekday in *very* tall heels. :)