That was a very unkind and uncalled for remark from that young man all those years ago, and it's so sad that you've carried it with you all these years and refused to wear sandals as a result of his thoughtless, throwaway comment. I wish you could find the strength to bury that comment and wear some sandals during this hot weather- your feet will thank you. Hard though it is, try not to worry what anyone else might think about your feet, and really, it's unlikely that anyone is going to notice, but I understand why you would feel otherwise. We are drawn to our own perceived imperfections, many others wouldn't see them in the way we do. ??