It's time to battle the summer heat, and what better way than in a pair of sandals? Gladiator sandals, that is.

"These shoes are just what every woman needs for this summer's wardrobe," said David Hacker, vice president of trend and color for Kohl's stores.

The shoe is named for the open-toed, leather sandals with long laces worn by Roman gladiators. The modern gladiator traditionally is dark brown leather with a synthetic sole. A center strap runs along the top of the foot with multiple straps connecting it to the foot bed. An open heel, flat sole and ankle straps that buckle are other common features of gladiator sandals.

There are so many variations of the style, however, that the lines can blur between what is and isn't a gladiator.

"If you were to call up and ask for a gladiator sandal, I'd be thinking flats," said Andrew Gutierrez, who has run the family-owned Shoe Shak in Madera, Calif., for 35 years. He also owns two Village Shoes stores in Fresno, Calif. "But that's not to say that influence hasn't been put on a stack heel."

There are, indeed, gladiator-inspired stack heels. But there also are chunky platforms, metallic flats and knee-high boots.

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Hot colors include orange, gold and pewter metallics, said Adam Moon, Macy's West fashion director for watches, jewelry, handbags and shoes.

While women's gladiator sandals are hot this season, gladiators for men are not as popular, Moon said.

Prices vary depending on style. Kohl's sells a traditional brown leather sandal by Mudd in its juniors department for $44.99. The collection at Macy's in Fresno's Fashion Fair Mall includes makers Nine West and Steve Madden with prices from $69 to $89. They come in orange, pink, turquoise, black and brown. Shoe Shak carries a traditional Steve Madden in bronze for $79.99.

"There are so many gladiators out there to suit any type of woman and any type of lifestyle," Moon said. "Whether it be with a heel, embellished with beads or in a simple beautiful leather, gladiators are a must-have for the summer."

It's "the newest and freshest sandal style out there." Fashion-forward celebrities began sporting the style last year.

Gladiators are hot because they're comfortable, versatile and stylish, Hacker of Kohl's said. Depending on the style, they can be worn with shorts, skirts, dresses and jeans.