Shopping travel special: Six of the best thong sandals

1 This season's fashionable feet are wearing thong sandals. Gucci's Tom Ford, British design duo Copperwheat Blundell and America's Donna Karan and Anna Sui all styled their collections with flat strappy leather t-bars and toe pegs. For extra foot support and comfort, these supple suede Roman style thongs by Manolo Blahnik have an elasticated ankle strap. Available in lime green and tangerine, priced at pounds 155, from 49 Old Church Street, London, SW3, tel 0171-352 8622.

2 If your purse strings don't stretch to designer prices, look to the high street for some great alternatives. Best are these gold flat thong sandals, as sported by super model Christy Turlington. Available in a range of metalic colours, priced at pounds 12.99, from leading Dorothy Perkins branches nationwide. For enquiries tel 0171-291 2604.

3 Barely there thong sandals are the perfect footwear to compliment this seasons minimal fashion essentials; low swung hipsters, maxi skirts and peddle pushers. These by Joseph Azagury are just about as minimal as they get with a fine t-bar leather strap. Available from Russell & Bromley. For enquiries tel 0171-629 6903.

4For those who prefer a little more height, these daisy trimmed patent leather sandals, from Russell & Bromley, have a wooden block heel. Available from 24/25 New Bond Street, London W1 and selected branches nationwide, priced at pounds 89.50. For enquiries tel 0171-629 6903.

5 You don't have to wait for the beach to give your feet a breather, these surf style slip-ons, by sportswear giants Converse, have robust soles designed for a comfortable summer in the city. The star leather thong sandals are available in black, white and lilac, priced at pounds 29.99, from Office stores around London and Raw Shoes Ltd, Unit 6, Burton Arcade, Leeds, LS1 and branches nationwide. For enquiries tel 01372 740033.

6 This pied de poule slip-on (or dogs tooth to me and you) comes in two eye-catching styles: the thin thong as pictured and a wider alternative. Both are made from patent leather with a cushioned sole, priced at pounds 140. From Patrick Cox, 8 Symons Street, London, SW3. For further stockists tel 0171-730 6504.