Lace up sandals are making a very strong appearance this season and I’m loving it! Lace ups look great on the feet and on the legs. Below, fashion icon Kendall Jenner is wearing a striking “gladiator” version of the lace up sandal, also called the “cage” sandal.
![Gladiator sandals Kendall Jenner](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/KJGladiatorSandals-232x400.jpg)
Spanish shoe makers are experts at making lace up sandals and shoes. Espadrilles, a Spanish specialty, often feature intricate lacing.
![Lace up espadrilles](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/placing_laces-400x149.jpg)
Spanish climate also helps: dry summer heat calls for really scant, airy shoes that have a secure hold on your foot. I once had beach sandals from Camper, in black and orange, that were held together by stretchy criss-cross (also called ghillie) lacing. Unfortunately, I do not have any photos of them. They were so gorgeous that women here in Toronto used to stop me on the street to ask where I got them. (It was Zappos).
![Lace up sandal by Toutöu Shoes](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/ToutouGaga2-400x400.jpg)
Toutöu is a shoe brand targeting young women. Born in 2014, the company was started by experienced shoe designers from the Spanish shoe making hub of Elda, Alicante.
![ToutouModel](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/ToutouModel-303x400.png)
I am totally taken with the “Gaga” sandal. Visually it reminds me of old lace up Camper, but in a more sophisticated leather version. I think that Toutöu is going places!
![Lace ups by Camper.](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PeuCircuitNubuck-400x216.jpg)
![Lace ups by Camper.](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/CamperPeuCircuitNubuck-400x157.jpg)
These lace ups by Camper are cute, but a bit too cute – my lace up beach sandals were way cooler.
![Lace up sandal by Argila.](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/ArgilaRitaFlat-1-400x394.jpg)
![Lace up sandal by Argila.](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/ArgilaRitaFlat1-1-400x224.jpg)
The “Smoky Mekong” features two interlacing patterns: that of the leather and the laces themselves. Together they make for a luxuriously ornate sandal.
![Lace-up sandals](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IsteriaRomanSandal-400x263.png)
I really like this Roman-inspired metallic lace-up sandal with copper undertones. Instead of trying to make the sandal look as historically “authentic” as possible, the designers of a young brand with the funny name of “Isteria“, opted for a modern twist on an age-old classic. The sandal is simple, functional, with what looks like a laser-cut leather upper. In general, Spanish shoe making companies are extremely good at finding a happy middle ground between artisan craftsmanship and the latest technological advances. They value the past, but they look forward.
![Lace up heels by Luxpein.](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/LuxpeinCarlaLaceupHeels-400x341.png)
The newly created brand Luxpein paid tribute to the lace up trend by creating this elegant high heel lace up sandal. A similar version is also available in textured metallic leather.
![Lace up flat by Neon Boots.](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/NeonBootsRivieraGalia-332x400.png)
![Lace up sandal by Neon Boots.](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/NeonBootsRomanSandals3-373x400.png)
Neon Boots took the “gladiator” style very seriously. They created wide flashy laces that can be securely fastened on the top. The sandal itself is basically a jute-soled, leather lined espadrille with shimmery fabric upper.
![Lace up sandal by Magro Cardona.](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/MCDelicOldMetal-400x307.jpg)
I like this minimalist take on the lace-up sandal. The parallel strips of metallic effect leather are held together by black grosgrain ribbon. Magro Cardona is new to me, but I am watching them with a lot of interest. I am sure that I’ll be writing about them again soon.
![Lace up sandal by Yokono Shoes.](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/YokonoVillaFlat-400x400.jpg)
![Lace up flat sandal by Yokono Shoes.](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/YokonoVillaMorado-400x400.jpg)
“Villa” is a very simple, comfortable, yet trendy sandal. It is also very modest in price.
![Lace up high heels sandal by Ángel Alarcón](https://spanishoegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/AACordonera-400x400.jpg)
In this Ángel Alarcón slingback, the lace up effect is used to embellish an evening stiletto sandal.
So, which of the sandals is your favorite?