Dear Manolo: Going Gladiator

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Dear Manolo,

I'm completely taken with the latest hot trend, gladiator sandals. Could you recommend a pair for me?
— MARILYN

MANOLO SAYS, like most peoples, when the Manolo hears the word "gladiator," he thinks immediately of the paradoxically thuggish, yet sensitive, Australian he-man Russell Crowe, all shouting and broody, as he hacks his manly-man way across the movie screen, clad only in the mini-skirt, shiny breastplate and fancy leather mandals.

Indeed, not since Victor Mature and Kirk Douglas were the big movie stars in the 1950s have raging testosterone and man sandals been so thoroughly mixed in the mind of the public. And so it is surprising that now, in 2008, the girliest of girls are eagerly wearing these most muy macho of ancient feetwear.

While the Manolo generally approves of the trend, he must caution that not everyone is suited to the style. They work best for young women of particularly feminine shape and demeanor. Others of different configuration may well invite unfavorable comparisons to Cato the Elder.

Of course, if you are going to follow the trend, then the best way to do so is with these costly, golden Giuseppe Zanotti sandals ($654, Zappos.com), which have been spotted most recently on Gwyneth Paltrow, and if that is not the definition of trendy feetwear ...

Photos courtesy Zappos.com