The Greeks might be better known for their sporting influence but they have contributed much to the wardrobe of today's fashionistas too. There's the ever-classy toga top and the ever-forgiving empire dress.

There's also this season's hot footwear trend: gladiator-style sandals, which were seen on the spring/summer runways of the likes of Balenciaga and Calvin Klein.

Even home-grown mass labels such as Charles & Keith have picked up on the trend, designing sandals with thick, inter-lacing straps that go up to mid-calf.

And these strap-happy shoes are not just for the girls. Fashion houses like Bally and Louis Vuitton have come up with sporty versions for men.

The modern updates look dressy while still allowing your feet to breathe, which explains their appeal. Urban rounds up five of the best picks each for men and women.

For him (left, from top) Patent mock croc slingbacks, $885, from Louis Vuitton, 01-20 Ngee Ann City; moka lamb leather sandals, $647, from Bally, 01-28 Raffles City; leather sandals, $885, from Louis Vuitton; calf leather slingback sandals, $617, from Bally; and leather slingback sandals, $69.90, from Beetlebug, B1-28 Wisma Atria For her (right, from top) Python-embossed leather sandals, $249, from Raoul, 02-12 Paragon; studded leather sandals by Steve Madden, $180, from STGE, 01-25 Raffles City; studded leather sandals by Steve Madden, $180, from STGE; metallic sandals, $79.90, from Ching, 03-96C Far East Plaza; and high-cut faux leather sandals, $45.90, from FuncDeko, 03-90B Far East Plaza

FOOTNOTE
Keen to go greek? Here are some tips.

For women

Watch the height

The taller the sandals, the bigger a fashion statement you will make, but unless you have long, shapely pins, go for lower-cut gladiators that make your legs look less chunky.

Don't be a beach bum

A typical tank top and board shorts outift screams sloppy when paired with gladiator sandals.

For a more pulled-together look, don a sundress or a tunic instead.

Pay attention to details

As with any open-toe footwear, make sure you have a nice pedicure to flaunt. There's nothing like chipped toenails to kill the beach babe image.

For men

Watch the proportions

Men with broad feet should go for finer straps or designs with fewer straps, or they risk having feet that look like a hobbit's.

Watch the dress code

You don't want to look like an extra from the movie 300, so never parade around in just your strappy sandals and swimming trunks. The idea is to go slightly dressy so opt for some slim-cut bermudas instead.

In general

Leather-free

Leather Grecian-style sandals could work if all you're doing is preening by the pool. Super-soakers, however, should get a pair in water-friendly material like rubber or synthetic leather.

Sunblock, please

Slather on sunblock before heading out in your sandals or you'll end up with strappy tan marks.