If you think about it, the term “slave sandals” is a total misnomer.  Slaves, as many North Americans think of them today, wouldn’t have had the opportunity to wear these strapping sandals – shoes just weren’t allowed.  The people who originally wore these shoes, however, came thousands of years prior… the Romans.  These shoes, called “caligae,” were worn by Roman soldiers.  The name of the shoe became a sort of nickname for the third emperor of Rome who would ride along with his father during battle.  They called him Caligula, which means “little boot,” thus sparing Romans and subsequent historians the need to say all five words of his full name. 

Roman tastes in footwear were generally the same for both genders.  Sandals with leather straps tied ‘round the ankles was the in-look for the Empire.  Less protective versions were designed for indoor use, while others were almost completely covered in straps, perfect for walking about the city or protecting the feet of the Legion.  These rudimentary shoes gave the wearer protection and balance over a great number of terrains on which feet were regularly exposed. 

No doubt the ‘slave sandals’ trend of the 1980s was inspired by the many ‘sword and sandals’ type flicks that had been popping up in theaters, such as Conan the Barbarian and Hercules, starring famed muscle-men Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno, respectively.  Women and men soon began to favor the criss-crossing lines of the shoes that proved equally great for shopping and beachcombing.  And lo’ the leatherworkers of the world rejoiced.