Shyheels

Yes often the cost of the MOT plus whatever repairs are indicated exceeds the value of the car. It may still be worth paying it if you think you can get another year or more out of the car - especially if you know it is basically sound. Everything costs more over here. Cars, repairs, taxes and petrol.

Hard to imagine there used to be a time when people would go for a Sunday drive as a means of pleasure and relaxation

For some reason I’ve not been in the mood for wearing stilettos for some time. I’m certainly going to notice when I resume.

Our public transport still leaves much to be desired - Europe leaves us for dead - but you really can get just about anywhere by bus or train. Living on a boat, and without a car, I have to rely on it. It can be slow and inconvenient but it’s doable for most things. Obviously there are commuters who must have a car because the distance and complexity of the public transport options make getting to work on time and home at a reasonable hour almost impossible. But for most other purposes - shopping, etc - a car really isn’t necessary

The kind of car that would be cheap enough to buy with cash, for most people, will be the kind of car that requires constant shovel fulls of cash to keep it going.

And most of the time cars are simply unnecessary - at least over here. We have far more extensive public transport than you do in America. I can get a train to nearly anywhere here in Britain or in the continent. We could do with our trains being a lot nicer, more reliable and cheaper, but we do have them

High heels originated with Persian cavalrymen who used their heels to stabilise themselves in the stirrups when they stood to fire their bows at the gallop.

Debt free here too - and no car or any plans for one!

Yes, I’d love a pair of those boots too if they came in my size. Such a pity that the original company folded - and for such a silly self-inflicted reason - only to be replaced by something that from what you say is but a shadow of its former self. Seems to be the way with these things. I’ve liked the look of some of the boots now being offered but they are just too small. Whatever their sizing numbers my feet are simply longer than the 27.0cm they list as the length suitable for their largest size.

I see loads of runners and dog walkers along the towpath. Few in boots, none in heels

Seventies knee boots would be nice

I’m 45 at least - depending on the make They go to a UK10 - almost there! I’d need an 11 … I looked at their size guide and for the ten the foot length is 27.0cm - not enough

Yes, they've popped up on my Instagram feed. I like them too - if only they could expand their size range a little. I would certainly be a customer!'

No doubt about it, walking in stilettos is great for your calves. I’m sure if more guys knew just how foot a workout they could get from an hour in stilettos there would be a rack of them at the gym

That’s the height of heel you could use on the towpaths and while boating - it would be nice to find a pair like that

I’ve not owned a car in nearly 30 years. I don’t miss it. Boots, bicycles, buses and trains have been my mode of transport all that time, and now I live on a boat.

I wear my heels on the boat, or if I am moored at a boatyard, on the diesel landing, or in town where the towpath is paved (although in some cases they are cobbled) For the most part when walking along the towpaths I wear low heeled knee boots. I’m virtually never not wearing knee boots of some description

That’s very impressive! Two and a half miles in stilettos is a serious distance, both for your calf muscles and for the heel tips.

Looks fine to me! Nice boots too!

Yes but I was thinking of the higher quality brands - real (nice) leather and quality construction. I have several pair of Jean Gaborit boots and I suppose im spoiled

I really do wish women’s boots came in larger sizes - surely they are missing a trick. I understand why they might not think there was much of a market among men, but with so many taller women these days there must be quite a few who wear UK9, 10 and 11.

Nice! But alas I’ll bet they don’t come bigger than a UK8 …

Each to their own, but I'll bet when you do travel in shorts you don't look like you just came off the beach

No, they are talking about bare feet - no shoes, unshod, dirty calloused feet. They are not concerning themselves with sandals. The fact that people need to be told to put something on their feet when they are going to fly is dispiriting. I don’t wear shorts out and about anyway, but I cannot ever imagine flying in shorts. I don’t think smart casual is too much to expect

If they had almond shaped toes I’d be on board