Gladiators Are Back and Sneakers Are Here to Stay: A Look at Spring's Two Hottest Shoes

As told in GIFs.

Gladiator sandals
(Image credit: Stephanie Stanley)

Gladiators: It seems like only yesterday Carrie Bradshaw donned a pair of gladiators on her wedding day. Actually, that was 2008, but the "contender" craze is back with a vengeance. Whether you prefer flats or a heel, at the ankle or up to the knee, these three pairs will inspire you to lace up before you step out.

Ivanka Trump Mackley Caged High-Heel Leather Booties

(Image credit: Stephania Stanley)

Ivanka Trump Mackley Caged High-Heel Leather Booties, $90; lordandtaylor.com

Badger Knee-High Gladiator Sandals

(Image credit: Stephania Stanley)

Circus by Sam Edelman Badger Knee-High Gladiator Sandals, $100; lordandtaylor.com

Cole Haan Mercer Sandals

(Image credit: Stephania Stanley)

Cole Haan Mercer Sandals, $128; lordandtaylor.com

White Sneakers: Let's face it: Comfortable footwear will always be on trend. But this season, nothing feels so fresh and so clean as a pair of white-as-snow sneaks. (We're talking high top, low top, and everything in between.) Plus, there's no need to relegate them to the tennis court; wear slip-ons with a sundress or stomp around town in printed trousers paired with white kicks.

Dolce Vita Oriel Lace-Up Sneakers

(Image credit: Stephania Stanley)

Dolce Vita Oriel Lace-Up Sneakers, $36; lordandtaylor.com

Dolce Vita Jinsy Platform Slip-On Sneakers

(Image credit: Stephania Stanley)

Dolce Vita Jinsy Platform Slip-On Sneakers, $38; lordandtaylor.com

Superga Cotu Cotton Hi-Top Sneakers

(Image credit: Stephania Stanley)

Superga Cotu Cotton Hi-Top Sneakers, $85; lordandtaylor.com

India-Jewel Jackson

Managing editor. Bona fide beauty addict. Full-time globe-trotter. Part-time DJ. Skinny leather pants lover. Exercise hater. Deep-fried tofu fanatic. Recovering red-lipstick abuser.