Even your Mum is considering buying a pair. Yes, we’re talking about the ubiquitous Birkenstock – a brand that has survived 240 years (yes, they’re a stalwart lot) and continue to split the masses between the lovers and haters of the flat shoe.

Whichever side of the fence you sit on – you can’t deny that the pool slide, the alternative to the buckled-Birkenstock that cools your heels while looking like you know what you're doing in the style stakes is a pretty good substitute.

They appeared in many guises on the catwalk - bejewelled at Marni with platform foam soles and at Prada where they were more sandal/trainer hybrid - like a fashion version of those sandals you wore in the sea when you were a kid. And yes, you can afford them as the high street have produced a plethora of different styles for every budget.

Click through the below gallery of our favourite sliders…and as an extra treat we've selected a few on sale for extra pound-saving clout.