Wore 'em out, time for more

March 22, 2012 8:18 PM

Where can I find a pair of leather gladiator sandals? Requirements inside.

About 3 years ago, I bought these from Etsy. I had them in a lighter leather color. You could wrap them any which way and they were very comfortable, though flat. They were custom made; I remember sending very specific measurements to the seller. One of the straps recently broke and the footbed is coming apart as well. I've considered getting them repaired, but the leather is also stinky and dirty. The Etsy seller doesn't have any for sale right now (I'd messages them awhile back asking if they planned to sell more, and s/he said yes, but nothing yet).

Anyway, I would love to find some similar sandals for the upcoming summer. There are a few options on Etsy, but none that allow for customized wrapping of the straps.

Any ideas on where to find strappy leather gladiators?

posted by sucre to clothing, beauty, & fashion (9 answers total)

Would these work? Luna sandals. Note that they have both the traditional laces (similar to what you have) and the "new" elasticized type.
posted by bread-eater at 8:53 PM on March 22, 2012

A local cobbler could do one up in a trice, especially with the original pair as a template. Unless they're super busy, they'd probably find it more interesting to do than their usual work.
posted by sebastienbailard at 9:49 PM on March 22, 2012

You could also contact the Etsy seller and say "I'll pay you $X more than the usual price if you can take the time out of your busy schedule to custom-make me a pair within a month"

A lot of the time, sellers aren't making stuff because they're focused on other lines, but a premium of $$$ can make a special order completely worthwhile.
posted by -harlequin- at 10:35 PM on March 22, 2012 [1 favorite]

Ancient Greek Sandals. Really, that's the name of the company! I don't see any in the current lineup that looks like what you linked to, but the styles are unmistakably Grecian. If you're in the US, you can get them online here and here.
posted by peripathetic at 12:31 AM on March 23, 2012 [3 favorites]

Have you seen Sandali on Etsy? (Specifically)
posted by kmennie at 2:00 AM on March 23, 2012 [2 favorites]

ooh, kmennie, you are costing me money!!!!
posted by thinkpiece at 7:05 AM on March 23, 2012

These Sseko sandals are built for exactly that purpose- you buy the sandal base and then separate straps which you can swap out or tie however you want.
Plus, for a good cause and under $50.
I am sure you could also buy leather straps elsewhere if you wanted those instead.
posted by rmless at 8:28 AM on March 23, 2012

I don't really have anything to add, but am thrilled you asked since I also bought a pair of these and they are by far the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. S/he really really really needs to make them again. I'm thinking of asking a cobbler to copy them for me. Looking for "running sandals" found me a few similar-looking things that might work, like the Luna sandals mentioned above.
posted by sepviva at 8:51 PM on March 23, 2012

A local cobbler could do one up in a trice, especially with the original pair as a template. Unless they're super busy, they'd probably find it more interesting to do than their usual work.

Try to find an old-school cobbler, not a franchisee in a mall. There may be a skills difference.
posted by sebastienbailard at 3:38 AM on March 27, 2012