@rosemarya, Ouch! Hope your walking times can resume soon. Yesterday, on my walk I heard this curious flapping sound. Had to sit on ground to examine bottom of New Balance 606 shoes; one of the soles was hanging by a strong thread at toe and had loosened to instep. I must have looked like slow starting cold honey creeping home. Made it safely but have never had anything like this happen before; just glad I wasn't a mile or two away! I don't own headphones either and prefer the quiet on my walks. Hubby used to wear them in bed to watch tv; while I could read my favorite mystery in peace. Whatever works, right? Feel better soon.