Reporter David Rivers discovers if 'grass flops' could catch on in Southampton.

That fashion accessory being the new Kusa ‘grass flops’, which replicate the feeling of walking on grass.

At festivals this summer, the flops are proving a hit, presumably for their quirky and humorous nature.

So what would happen if I swapped the festival scene for Southampton city centre?

If the public could fall in love with them at festivals, then why could they not become the high streets must have item for this summer?

My initial journey into Southampton said it all: walking down the train aisle was accompanied by following eyes staring at my feet as a strong sense of abnormality was confirmed.

Though not a success on Hampshire’s transport system, the flops were blissfully comfortable.

Anyone who has walked on grass bare foot before will tell you it’s comfortable but the mud and occasional object in the ground is an unwanted side effect. Yet with these, a footwear compromise was reached with great effect.

The strain on my joints was spared and the delightful feeling of contact with the sole was maintained from the moment I slipped them on.

Arriving in town, I decided to head through WestQuay shopping centre and take a stroll through Above Bar Street.

Much like the train journey, bemused eyes followed my feet relentlessly.

Although the usual sound of a ‘flip flop’ was absent, the visual abnormality caused far more reaction as I was greeted with half-smiles from people holding back laughter.

Upon passing one store, I came across a reflection of myself in one of Above Bar Streets windows and I realised that they stand out far more than I expected, with the ‘grass’ overlapping my feet to the point where it’s noticeable from quite a distance.

It may sound obvious, but the festival spirit was completely amiss when wearing these flops.

I’m not talking about warm beer and not washing for four days either.

Instead I’m referring to the way in which we care about what people think we wear on the high street, but don’t when the environment is a festival.

The overall consensus from people I spoke to was that they would love to wear them, but only in the right environment.

Another thing that really surprised me was how many felt they were suitable for girls but not for boys.

Ali Abdul, 30, a delivery driver for Dominos Pizza from Graham Road, Southampton, said: “I like them but they don’t look very fashionable. For girls they would look good, but definitely not for boys.”

My experience of these shoes was certainly an eye opener, not just for me but the people that witnessed me wearing them too.

My posture felt great throughout and the originality of the idea has to be applauded in itself.

I certainly hope I won’t be the only person on Southampton’s high street with the privilege of pretending to walk on grass this summer.