Someone is unclear on multiple concepts. First of all: Stilettos on the beach? Ever see that? No? It's because they don't work.
Secondly: Non-streamlined flippers? Ever see that? No? It's because they don't work.
Third: In order to walk in stilettos you need to put your weight on the balls of your feet. In order to walk in flippers you need to put your weight on the heels of your feet. In order to walk in these... you need to be able to levitate.
Fourth: It doesn't matter how elegant the rest of your ensemble is, flippers will negate it just by benefit of being flippers.
Conclusion: The Telegraph has been duped in May by some clever persons april fools joke. Or else it, and a lot of the shoe community really are that stupid.