gmans socks mended with another pair of socks

timper; walking very slow with careful selection of foot placement so as to minimise getting unsuitable footwear wet or dirty in difficult conditions

http://shetlanddictionary.com/

where was he walking? lost ? in need of a map? some satalite navigation ?

navigation toe ring by Ideo

'GPS toes are toe rings that communicate to a server kept in a purse or worn on a belt. wearing one on each foot, the gps device will guide the wearer to a preset destination by vibrating and lighting up to signal upcoming direction changes'

www.ideo.com/work/item/technojewellery/

www.slowlab.net/gps%20drawing.html