It seems everything goes wireless these days.

Years ago, the television remote would be an on-off button on a plastic brick connected to the tv by a cable. Computers would need network cables to transfer data and be wired in to a hub.

Then you get spectacles that stay in place without side frames, but by attaching to a magnetic bar through the top of a nose.

Then we get to ladies clothing, from the hovering Japanese loose socks held up by 'sock glue' to the strapless (and indeed everything except cup-less) bra and the magically held up dresses with no feasible means of opposing gravity. I eagerly await the strapless thong.

But, what about footwear. Yes, indeed. That staple of the footwear world, the humble flip-flop has lost it's strap and in the process managed to lose its flop too.

The flip-flops which don't flip or flop

Going topless is always a sure way to attract attention. But now, it seems, that rule also applies to feet.

This summer's must-have fashion accessory is the topless flipflop - a sandal with no straps and no apparent way of staying on your foot.

The secret is the tacky water-based glue that keeps the foamy sole in place but does not come off on skin.

In the two weeks since the sandals have gone on sale - under the slogan "flip-flops that don't flip or flop" - an astonishing 3,000 pairs have been sold, despite minimal publicity.

Fans of the flip-flops say they are perfect for those looking to avoid unsightly tan lines and blisters, or for anyone who enjoys the sensation of walking barefoot.

Rob Norfolk, 60, whose Internet business Nude Sandals is the first to sell the flip-flops in Britain, said: "If you wear them on the street virtually everyone turns round and stares. You can see them thinking 'How do they stay on?'

"Eventually someone plucks up the courage to ask and I often do a little dance to show they still stay on.

"They're not likely to work for more than a season, but they are a fun holiday accessory or something to wear after the beauty salon when you've just had your nails done.

"They do need more tender loving care than the usual sandal - a regular brush in soapy water to keep them sticky. And they work more easily with girls rather than heavy men, although mine are still working."

The flip-flops, which come in five designs, including beach, rainforest and aloha sunset, cost £12.50 each and are available in three sizes - small, medium and large.

Invented in the U.S. and made in China, they have already proved a hit in Australia and Canada, where thousands of pairs have been sold.

Tash Archdale, 31, from London, who tested the flip-flops, said: "They feel surprisingly good - it's a really fun, spongey feeling. They went on ridiculously easily and didn't hurt or come off when I was walking.

"If you'd just had a pedicure you could just put them straight on without smudging your nail polish."

(Source: Daily Mail Online, 29 June 2007)

I love these and the notion behind them. I also like the idea of being able to pull one off, hurl it across a beach and have it stick on a target.

A note for American tourists: just like with normal sandals and flip-flops, you do not need to wear socks with them. Please god, don't wear your white socks with flip-flops and the associated khaki shorts and loud Hawaiian shirt.

After a lunch time walk to town along the sea front. Ahem...

Dear barefooted blonde girl at Marine Lake with the cool style of cropped black trousers and black bikini,

You looked hot.

Thought you should know.

kthnxbye.

Edit : 02 May 2007, 18:35

After an evening walk to town along the sea front. Ahem...

Dear dark-haired girl with the black trousers and pink bikini,

You looked fairly good too.

Pink and black is nearly always a winning combination.

kthnxbye.

Yes. I'm probably a pig, but "woo".