Dolce & Gabbana have come under fire after the brand released a pair of shoes called "slave sandals".

The Italian fashion house's controversially-named shoes caught the eye of critics when they were placed on the Dolce & Gabbana website as part of a pre-sale this week.

Dolce & Gabbana's "slave sandals". Credit:Saks

A pair of the pom-pom-covered, strappy sandals retails for $US2395 ($3255).

As reported by Footwear News, who first broke news of Dolce & Gabbana's controversial product name, "slave sandals" is an alternative name for "gladiator sandals".