Heels and trains, an ungainly combination.

Ok, all well and good we want to look good at all times considering one never knows who you may meet around the corner, but heels on trains surely that's just a recipe for disaster? Fine if you are gliding down the platform with time to spare to catch a train, but what happens when you're delayed, late for your connection, surround by a mob of jostling travellers and have a suitcase to lug? Added stress, snagging heels and a toppling sensation as you leave, or rather, escape the train.

But this season it seems the flat shoe has come to our aid. Appearing in a plethora of gorgeous strappy designs to tempt even the most devoted of the heeled crowd away from their skyscrapers. Such as these Gladiator style shoes (right, £38 at asos.com).

Another turn up for the books as far as saving one's self from tumbling on the train is the ballet pump, brought to the fashion world by the film starlet Audrey Hepburn, these can also be found in a variety of styles and prices, including this cute monochrome pair available from schuh.com at £24.99.

So unless you have a handsome gentleman lined up to catch you when you fall I would suggest snapping up a pair of flats and saving the heels for nights out sans trains, and of course, please mind the gap!