In the Walking City, socks aren't a fashion statement but a necessary piece of equipment

The actor Jonah Hill is one of the celebrity practitioners of the black- socks-and-shorts trend. Credit Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.

Yes, it's been a faux pas for as long as I can remember to wear "dark socks" with shorts.  And many people don't wear socks with shorts anywhere, figuring it doesn't look cool.  (I wear footies.)

But in the Walking City, shoes chafe against uncovered feet, causing blisters.

It's nice to know the New York Times is recognizing the value of socks, although their focus is sartorial.  See "Go Ahead, Wear a Pair of High Black Socks With Those Shorts."

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There is the old saw about women buying shoes that are "too small" but buy them because "they look so good." In fact, Suzanne's unwilling to toss a pair of shoes she likes even though one has a broken heel which is unrepairable, because she likes them so much.

I was at a Deseret Industries thrift store in Pocatello, Idaho and there was a pair of Doc Marten's, brown, for only $5. I bought them, although they seemed a bit small, figuring they'd stretch out.

Nope. I still keep them (after some terrible "injuries" to my feet), but I only walk short distances while wearing them. Fortunately, I have another pair of Doc's, black, that fit just fine. And like Suzanne, I have another pair set aside for some day putting on new heels. I remember back in the day they would sell replacement heels, but I can't ever seem to find them now.