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Since gracing the fabulously fashionable feet of Audrey Hepburn in the 1950's, the ballet pump has been unable to avoid the fashion spotlight, retaining it's rightful place in the shoe hall of fame and appearing as a staple item in the wardrobe of many a fashionista.

This latest spell in the spotlight is due to designers such as Marc Jacobs, who adorned his Autumn/Winter 2005 fleet of vibrant suede ballet pumps with huge co-ordinating gemstones, and Chanel, whose quilted, two tone calf skin pairs, complete with infamous interlocking "c" logo, pirouetted out of stock.

It wasn't long before the ballet pump leapt from catwalk to high street, forcing retailers such as French Sole, the footwear equivalent of the Mason Society, to step out from the shadows, displaying their cutting edge pumps covered with anything from majestic metallic leathers to wild animal print, all selling at between £50 and £70 a pair. Even at this price the pumps are proving to be extremely popular.

Now, a season on the forever-changing world of fashion, floods of wannabe
prima ballerinas are still pounding the pavements of the local high street,
proving the sheer popularity of the pump. Stores including Topshop and
Primark have helped to fuel the nation's love for this classic shoe, with
Topshop stocking multicoloured patent designs and Primark following fast in
their footsteps, adding funky prints and neutral woven pairs to their vast
selection - at just £6 a pair, more adventurous styles are made much less of
a risk.

So for when your tootsies aren't in the mood for teetering, here are some of
the prettiest pumps around for a truly stylish summer. 

Pictures - Printed with diamante button; £22 Accessorize, Jelly:;
£65 Marc Jacobs, Suede with floral bow; £80 Ras@Spice, Crochet; £210 Scorah
Pattullo, Green and gold leather; £65 French Sole.

By Stephanie Pledger