I like to think there is a romantic intent behind the cooperative effort from many people whom collectively yet individuality create a shoe tree.

Sort of like gum walls or bridge love locks; yet shoe trees seem to be even more special because they are usually in very remote, way out of the way places. Unlike the fore mentioned gum walls and bridge love locks, which are located in popular travel locations.  There are about 12 shoe trees listed online in the United States. Several are essentially hidden in the Nevada desert, which is where I first encountered this phenomenon.

Shoe trees start with one dreamer tossing their footwear high in the air to catch an out of reach branch, unseen by most. Slowly then a domino effect; months, years or even decades can pass before this public work comes to be known as a shoes tree. Each pair added as a solo event until 1000s are dangling from the branches.

Some of the shoes have messages or poems attached; newlyweds, baby shoes, marking a personal place in history or personal accomplishments. Most are unadorned, just dreamers who want to be part of something bigger and universal.

This public work of art, years in the making, connects its contributors to this place as we travel through life.

Together, we each contribute to the fabric of life, to the universe.  Merry Merry! and Happy Happy!

Laura 

Maybe it’s the influence of Cinderella, her back-story and the ultimate fairy tale ending that spurred my fascination with deserted shoes.  What happened? How did these shoes come to be homeless? Surely the wearer had shoes on and then at some point took them off and then left them behind?

This happens a lot to women, early in the evening you see the big fancy shoes and then later in the night girls dangling their heels in their fingertips. It is also a popular phenomenon at weddings, when the serious get down to boogie. The shoes get knocked off. The shoes are off, but still in possession.

When I see a shoe or a pair of shoes completely discarded I wonder, surely the wearer started with a pair of shoes on. How/when did then become unneeded? One lowly shoe on the side of the highway; I figure the owner was demonstrating some sort of road rage. Or the passenger (hopefully not the driver) had their feet out the window and one flew off?

Recently on a night out, sitting in a swanky restaurant lounge I came across a pair of deserted Louboutin’s. Yes, red soles and all.  No one, I mean no one was monitoring the whereabouts of these shoes. This is a pair of shoes even used could pull in $200+ on EBay, I suspect.  I inquired with the manager about the shoeless patron. My friend and I laughed about what women came to this establishment sporting expensive shoes and then left, leaving her Louboutin’s. Maybe she was literally swept off her feet. She is now on a private jet to Paris, off to purchase a new pair. I can only hope my modern day Cinderella this is your story.

Safe Travels!

Laura

“Don’t your feet hurt?”

“How do you walk in those?”

I get asked one or both of these questions almost every time I step out in my “big girl shoes”.

The quick answer to these questions in order is “yes” and  “with practice”.

I can however offer some advice for those wishing to go big.

1. In general. High-end designer shoes are way more comfortable than cheap shoes.  Why? Because these companies crafted the product and their specialty is making shoes, not just mass production plastic ripe offs from China. It’s like sitting in a leather recliner verse a metal folding chair. Yes, they are both chairs, but that is about all.  Invest in some Salvatore Ferragamo, Giuseppe Zanotti, Lavin, Sergio Rossi, Fendi, Miu Miu or Lamb brand shoes or many others as well. Your feet will feel the difference. I know they are expensive, trust me I know. But a well-made pair of shoes will last for decades. A payless special not only hurt, they fall apart in mere months.
2. Some shoes are just more comfortable, just like some pairs of paints etc.… It depends a lot on your foot shape and the shoe brand. Feet are different on everyone. They are like trees, all tress yet none look the same. My suggestions on comfort: Open toe is always more comfortable. No cramming toes into a point. Nice sturdy straps at toes and at the ankle help provide support.  These straps also help reduce what I call “balance work” while walking. A high heel with one tiny strap across the toes can be super sexy, but requires balance training to walk in.
3. As far as walking in sky- scraper shoes. It does take practice and balance. All your weight is shifted forward and up on your toes. If you want to practice, just walk on you toes only a few minutes everyday- you will get the hang of it.
4. Start small and work you way up. Think of it as training wheels. First a two-inch thick chunky heel, they a three-inch sensible pump, then maybe a four-inch wedge…. You get the idea. The bigger the base of support i.e. wedge is way easier that a tiny stiletto heel. And then add in height for the difficulty factor. I didn’t really mean to make this sound like a math problem.  When you can run in five-inch stilettoes, you have mastered the high heel.

I included a picture of a favorite comfortable pair. They reflect many of things I mentioned: High-end brand, open toe, sturdy toe and ankle straps. And they are really cute. I can wear this pair for many hours and they feel better than a pair of payless sneakers I purchased in desperation one day in NYC.

Now go and strut your stuff!

Laura