Rocket Dogs leather gladiatorsI spent yesterday watching young men propel themselves through the air gripping either a bike, a skateboard or their toes.

The Urban Games on Clapham Common this weekend celebrated everything every mother fears –their offspring willingly exposing themselves to the possibility of serious injury. As if to give the atmosphere of potential danger an extra edge, the weather was scorching hot. The skater boys and girls gamely ran around in their Vans and sweaty sneakers, while I just kept thinking a paddling pool would be a good additional feature for next year’s games.

I also wished I wasn’t wearing a pair of canvas flip-flops, as basically the material baked my feet in the heat. Given that I’ve already managed to cut my foot by taking my shoes off in a public place, I didn’t want to risk it again. So, I let the sight of a group of mid-20s, very buff, males hanging around the B-Boy arena distract me from the discomfort.

You would think I’d take my own advice and buy a pair of leather sandals for when the height of summer kicks in? Especially with Rocket Dog bringing out a new range of very funky sandals. Although it’s a brand more associated with surf dudes, I’m sure I would have got away with wearing Rocket Dogs’ leather gladiators at the Urban Games. This pair, called Montizuma, comes in tan or dark brown leather at £30.

I’ve got a festival coming up soon, so need to stock up on comfortable footwear, unless it pours down and then out come the Wellingtons.