Oakley Elite Assault Boot — Your own private Afghanistan

Wrote Valentina Zannoni in the November 20, 2009 Financial Times, "For the ultimate stab-proof, flame-proof, nuclear-disaster proof footwear... look no further than Oakley's Elite Assault Boots. The brand famous for sunglasses has been supplying the armed forces with equipment, including combat-ready boots, since the 1980s and now those on civvy street can enjoy following the superhero specifications, too."

Features:

• Puncture resistant soles — tough enough to withstand exposed nails and shattered glass thanks to layers of woven fire-resistant fibres.

• Impermeable outer soles — moulded from an innovative rubber compound that resists oils, fuels, chemicals and even ultraviolet light.

• Fireproof lining — a patented "CarbonX" lining that will not ignite or burn even exposed to temperatures exceeding 2600°F for more than 120 seconds.

• Slash shield exterior — constructed from leather and panels of flexible, breathable CarbonX fibre woven with stainless steel wire.

No holiday party need daunt you if you're sporting a pair of these.

$500.