If you’re still looking for THE perfect gladiator sandal, let me recommend the Steve Madden Shelbi Wedge!

My search for the perfect gladiator sandal ended when I found these on DSW a couple months ago.

Here was my criteria:

- low wedge
- zipper in the back (for easy on and off)
- cognac color (because cognac goes with everything)
- comfortable
- under $30

Simple right?

I’ve been looking since last summer.

I finally purchased these using a $20 off special offer in combination with a $5 giftcard. After shipping and handling and taxes, I paid $34.40. A little over my budget, but c’mon! Over a year of searching???

When they arrived, I loved them more than ever. I slipped them on and I could immediately tell that these were going to be the shoes I will be wearing all summer. The leather was so soft that they had that worn-in feeling, like I’d owned them forever. My feet are a little wide so the lacing is a bonus because they allow for loosening and tightening.  (Disclaimer: I actually haven’t tried this myself though, as they fit perfectly on arrival.)

The reason I had the criteria I did for these shoes is because I’m a mom of two tots and summers are spent running after them in parks, strolling downtown, etc. I want to look stylish but be able to walk and run without fear of falling or pain. Flat shoes are also painful for me, so a slight heel was a must. These are exactly that.

I will do an outfit post with them soon, but I’ve had them for over a week and just couldn’t wait to share!