I like the snakeskin! But Nicole, did you see how thin the sole is in the front? Even with unfussy feet (which I have, too) I wouldn't buy these, they look very hard on the ball of the feet and uncomfortable.

At this price, I'd definitely give these a try! Even with the thin soles, they should be fine for a couple of hours.

Not bad at all. I haven't looked at Avon for years. They've come a long way it seems. I think for the price it is worth a shot. They look good, not too unlike the Clarks sandals.

They're cute Nicole. If you think they won't be uncomfortable I would give them a try.

I just tried the Clark gladiator sandal Angie blogged about (http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/.....or-sandal).

They are VERY comfortable indeed; I can easily imagine them to be 8 hour shoes. I loved the champagne color.

(I'm still passing, though. I haven't been a gladiator fan but was curious about these and they sounded so comfy. I didn't like the look on me, though. I have rather big feet (size 9, at a height of 5'3'') and this style made my feet look particularly long.)

In general, though, I agree with Angie in that you're often better off with one pricier pair of shoes than three cheap ones that don't fit so well. I consider $90 a decent price for a very comfortable and versatile sandal.

That's great, Antje. I’m glad you at least tried something new. Please post this info on the blog post itself. I’d be grateful.

This is sort of OT, but I have been confused about this for so long. I don't understand what makes any of these sandals gladiator sandals, as opposed to just regular plain old unremarkable sandals. Why are some strappy sandals considered gladiators, while others are not? I always think of gladiators as being a bit more rugged, casual, and not very pretty (like the sandal version of Docs). These ones and the Clarks ones both seem so dainty and pretty to me.

Are gladiators a trendy thing? I'm wondering if getting the Clarks sandals are worth it, or if they are just going look dated in 5 years (yes, 5 years--once I find a comfy pair of shoes I don't let go so easily). I can just imagine in 2015 everyone laughing and saying "remember back in the 00's when we wore those crazy gladiators? LOL." If that is going to happen, I might go for the other sandals I have in mind (assuming they are comfy).

Personally, if you don't have fussy feet, why not? I would pay $90 for a pair of sandals that I am going to wear for several years but honestly, I don't see the gladiator trend sticking around for that long - maybe another year or two. I'm surprised it has lasted as long as it has already! So why not support your sister and try this trend for cheap. I agree bc that despite the thin sole, they seem like they would be fine for a couple of hours.

I don't think the Clarks are too pronounced gladiators. I might be wrong, but I had noticed them during my sandal search before Angie's post and trust me, I never consider anything trendy :) I would definitely pay the full price but it would be the only pair of sandals I would get.

I think the snakeskin ones are pretty. I agree about the sole, but I think everyone has very different requirements, not only because of fussy feet but also the amount of walking. I walk a lot, and these wouldn't work for me at all (as well as most other gladiators that are in stores, I am amazed how much they sometimes cost considering how flimsy they are).

Maya, I think that pronounced gladiator sandals will look dated in 5 years, just like other fashion trends. But these Clarks might not, since they are very understated.

What's gladiator about them is the combination of the ankle strap and the way the strap detail goes along the top of the foot rather than across. Not sure this hits it right, I'm not explaining this well at all, but if you look at any of the online shoe sites for gladiator sandals I think the style details will become clear.

In other sandal news, I tried a pair at DSW yesterday that I thought was very cute, and price-wise is between the Clarks and the cheapo ones Nicole found. On my long feet they looked better than the Clarks; they just didn't add all that visual length. Comfort-wise they weren't as good as the Clarks, but decent. I liked the styling and I like the snake skin. Didn't buy them, but I'm considering them. http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/c.....#38;brand=

(Angie, yes, I'll add my Clarks comment on the blog.)

i just bought a pair on sale for thirty dollars they have a heel in brown love them. seen one week had to go back to get them that's true love

That's what throws me off. Isn't that strap on the front just a t-strap?

This is definitely a gladiator to me:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/5.....90661.html

So is this:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/40477732/c/3.html

But the Clarks sandals just seem too pretty and dainty.

We're at the end of a decade, which makes me wonder if we're approaching a major shift in fashion, styles, and trends (as always happens at the start of a new decade). This is why I'm trying to be very careful about what I get now (not that I'm getting anything except shoes). I wonder if I would be better off getting these:

http://www.zappos.com/product/7506622/color/15

a) because of the adjustable front strap, and b) because they are not trendy (although I don't like the color choices that much).

And much as I love my EM boots, I fear that the 80's revival is slowly going to fade away (who wants to bet on a 90's revival within the next 5 years?). I remember in HS and most of college I thought slouchy boots were the ugliest things I had ever seen, and through virtually all of my childhood, no one EVER tucked jeans into boots. If that trend fades I'll be devastated, but I sort of expect it at the same time. Wow, I just got WAY off topic. Sorry Nicole!

Nicole, I think they are pretty. Comfort wise, they have a thin sole, but that is the same as many casual thongs, so if you wear those well, I would go for it.

Maya you have the EM boots! Have I missed you posting pics? If not can you pretty please post them? I'm considering them in my preparation for this winter too!!