Clubbers can kick off their heels

Sarah Wyman hopes to put her product on the market

The discomfort of walking back from a night on the town in high heels could be a thing of the past - thanks to the endeavours of a Nottingham student.

Sarah Wyman came up with the idea of a shoe with a detachable heel after she and her friends faced a long walk home after missing their taxi.

She worked on the idea as part of her Product Design course at Nottingham Trent University.

The 22-year-old from Hitchin, Herts, hopes to get the shoe on the market.

The heel is removed and attached by sliding an arch support rod into the slot under the ball of the sole, placing a T-shaped piece inside and twisting it from the heel base to secure the heel.

A polyurethane flexible sole means the "multifunctional shoe" can be worn in either the high-heeled or flat position.

Sarah Wyman said: "The idea obviously saves on luggage too as travellers would only need to take one shoe for smart and casual occasions, instead of two."

She added: "Generally when I wear high heels and they hurt my feet, I wish I could take the heel off. Everyone thinks it's a really good idea."