These Sandals Are My Proudest Fashion Investment

When it comes to shoes, I tend to find a pair I like and then subsequently wear the sh*t out of them until they fall apart. Usually that happens after about two years, but in the case of my Sam Edelman sandals, they've been going strong for six years and are showing no signs of slowing down. If you don't have a pair of Sams in your closet [1] yet, then kindly sit back, relax, and allow me to convince you to join the club (of which I am clearly the hypothetical president).

They've survived hellish morning commutes on the subway, international travel adventures . . . and miles-long Spring walks around the Big Apple.

I bought my first pair of Sam Edelman shoes — the Ginger Studded Gladiator Sandals in a gunmetal colour — back in 2013. With three ankle straps, a back zipper, studded detailing, and that signature brown leather footbed with the brand's namesake in gold script font, the sandals were instantly added to my weekly — nay, daily — rotation. At the time of my purchase, I was a college freshman looking for comfortable, yet chic going-out footwear [2], but the strappy sandals wound up becoming my go-to for far more than house parties and bar crawls. They've survived hellish morning commutes on the subway, international travel adventures (beach trips in Valencia, Spain! a five-hour walk in Barcelona's Park Güell! a Spring Break cruise!), grimy nighttime Bourbon Street strolls, countless trips back home to the Sunshine State, miles-long Spring walks around the Big Apple, and so much more.

What makes these particular sandals so hard to toss away after all these years, you ask? Well, for one, they're insanely comfy and durable [3]. Sure, the footbed might be slightly worn down compared to when I first bought them, but my feet are still happy as can be when I slip 'em on. Also, the metallic finish of my beloved Sams makes them easy to match with pretty much my entire closet, as I've worn them with everything from fancy jumpsuits and breezy sundresses [4] to denim cutoffs and t-shirts. I consider the Gladiator silhouette to be timeless, though trends may come and go, so I never feel out of style when I'm wearing them.

Needless to say, I express my love for these sandals pretty darn frequently — so much so that it even got to my mom, who invested in the exact same gunmetal-coloured pair I have (copycat alert!). Oh, and I also purchased the sandals in light brown a few years ago because I simply couldn't resist the temptation.

Unfortunately, the Ginger Studded Gladiator Sandals are no longer available for purchase, but never fear, Sam Edelman newbies — I tracked down a handful of in-stock styles for you to shop below if you've been successfully convinced to hop on the bandwagon. First, please enjoy a chronological lookback at the many places my trusty Sams have carried me through the years.