Zendaya Swapped Her Signature Pumps for This Controversial 2010s Sandal Trend

Lauren GruberFri, July 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM UTC

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Aside from a certain hat incident (IYKYK), there’s pretty much nothing Zendaya can’t pull off—including one of the most controversial shoe trends of the 2010s. During a recent press event for The Odyssey, Z served up some summer footwear inspiration in the form of knee-high gladiator sandals. Talk about Greek goddess energy.

First of all, I’m a little bit scandalized to see Zendaya without her signature Christian Louboutin pumps, but there’s no denying that these Sophia Webster sandals take the star’s Grecian-inspired ensemble to the next level.

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Even if you don’t have any movie premieres set in ancient Greece to attend this season, I can assure you that gladiator sandals still deserve a spot in your summer wardrobe. There’s something undeniably sexy about the lace-up silhouette, whether you pair them with a breezy white frock à la Zendaya or lean into a street-style vibe with some cutoff Bermuda jorts.

The key to making this throwback trend feel a little more current? Look for simpler gladiator styles that keep embellishments to a minimum so the woven straps can take center stage. Because let’s be honest, while I adore Zendaya’s commitment to the knee-high straps and stiletto combo, they’re not exactly practical for everyday wear. Instead, I’ll be sticking to flatter styles that’ll make it easier to get your steps in.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”