I am not Spartacus

Is it because of the rise of sword-and sandals-epics on film and TV that gladiator sandals have become popular with women? Well, now it seems, style fans, that men can get them too. Wearing them won't turn you into Russell Crowe (should you want to turn into a scruffy, arrogant, potty-mouthed Aussie), and will make you look like a complete prat.

I have a general gripe with summer footwear for men, even the regular sandal. Why should you end up paying a fortune for a few small bits of leather stitched together (Prada £250, Jil Sander £345, John Lobb £465)? Even at the cheaper end (Aldo, £70!) they're overpriced - and don't look that great. Feet aren't the most attractive part of the body, though the fact that I have a "criminail" infection on one big toe probably makes me as jaundiced about open footwear as the colour of the affected toenail (apologies).

Still, at least sandals can sometimes look cool and are a sight better than the ghastly flip-flop (often seen at this time of year with nasty baggy cargo shorts and a tatty tank top), which should ONLY be worn at the beach or on hols. In town they're definitely a no-no!