STATEMENT GLADIATORS EVEN Russell Crowe couldn't fail to be impressed by the variety of gladiators ready to do battle this summer.

STATEMENT GLADIATORS

EVEN Russell Crowe couldn't fail to be impressed by the variety of gladiators ready to do battle this summer.

The high street is awash with the strappy sandals beloved of boho chicks like Sienna Miller, Mary Kate Olsen and Alexa Chung.

Last year's pared-down, brown leather staples have been replaced by a wave of avant garde styles in every colour and leg length imaginable. We pick out the best from the styles that are anything but flat.

ADONA SANDAL, £755, Cruise

No harm in dreaming, is there? These fabulous Christian Louboutin sandals, with the signature red soles, are for those with a heavyweight budget.

FOR INFO: 0141 572 3232.

SAVI SANDAL, £60, Aldo

Just the merest hint of a platform gives these gladiators, right, an instant lift. They're tougher than the rest, but would look great with a floaty summer tea dress.

FOR INFO: 0207 836 7692.

LUX GLADIATOR, £40, Office

Turquoise is great for showing off a hint of colour on your pins. Contrast with a waistcoat, shorts and a jaunty trilby. FOR INFO: 0845 058 0777.

KAYLA HIGH LEG, £39.99, Schuh

Gladiators can often shorten legs with their vertical lines or ankle straps. These high-leg offerings, left, will perfectly suit the more athletic-limbed among us.

FOR INFO: 01506 460250.

HOLLER LEG TIE SANDAL, £20, Topshop

Hmm, our style jury is out on the wackiest gladiator we've seen so far. A simple black linen mini dress might just work with these statement shoes.

FOR INFO: 0845 121 4519.

FINN FLAT, £110, ALL SAINTS

A vintage look to these hand-plaited gladiators that fit perfectly with the trend for tribal-inspired jewellery.

Its antique brass studs and intricate weave detailing make them a cut above the rest. FOR INFO: 0870 458 3736.

Beauty buzz

NEED to soak those tired hoofers after a day of gladiator battle? Jo Malone's new Dark Amber and Ginger Lily Bathing Soak is an extravagant indulgence to relax over-worked limbs.

Its combination of black cardamom, orchid and kyara wood creates a dark and sensual mix. The soak costs £44 from 0870 034 2411 or from the stand-alone store in Princes Square.

Buy it quick

EVERYONE from Armani to Matalan has featured beaded jackets as a must-have item for the new season. Watch out for this salmon jacket (£70) when it rolls out onto Dorothy Perkins' rails over the coming weeks. Perfect for glamming up a summer dress, or keeping in the wardrobe until winter.

FOR INFO: 0845 121 4515.