It struck me when unwrapping my latest bike purchases while standing barefooted in the kitchen, that standing on bubblewrap should be quite insulating and warm. And it was. In my book that counts as product development research! So... Introducing bubblewrap house-socks (you know, those oversized socks you wear like slippers, with grippy soles). Some tougher, yet softer, material would be required, but the basic principle would be the same. Just lots of little air bubbles trapped within a waterproof layer.

Think of the advantages over standard house-socks:

• Insulated
• Bouncy
• Bubbly looking (i.e. cool)
• Transparent
• Squeaky
• Waterproof for running out to the garden for herbs

Cool Toes. Taking the idea a little further, for comfort they could have different liquid cores to the individual bubbles - shoes could be bought slightly too big – and the liquid interior could be released through the day to lessen overheated swollen feet syndrome. Christmas or Ikea are the only times I suffer from this. I don't think overheated swollen feet syndrome is ever fatal, but if they can sell cans of cold to spray on your feet, I bet they could sell bubblewrap socks you can feed cold water into. They would be great for use in wellingtons. The double squeak of welly rubber and plastic sock would sound terrifying. Warm toes. For cycling they could be attached to a pump / heater which cycles warm liquid around your frozen toes on frosty November mornings. This would be an environmentally friendly option, extending the season where cycling to work is a reasonable option. The reservoir of hot water / battery / heating element could be strapped to your leg for a cool robocop look.