A sandal of a type worn by the ancient Romans; (especially) one in which the upper is formed of leather thongs and extends some way up the calf of the leg.
Origin
Early 19th century.
Definition of Roman sandal in US English:
Roman sandal
noun
A sandal of a type worn by the ancient Romans; (especially) one in which the upper is formed of leather thongs and extends some way up the calf of the leg.