Shoefiti in Motown

[Marty E]

Has anyone taken photos of a shoe or pair of shoes dangling from power lines? I was shooting this great and colorful wall mural art in Detroit’s Motown and didn’t notice the hanging shoe until later. It was definitely part of the vibe. Obviously, someone had to really work to get it up there hanging on the line since I didn’t see its mate.  I researched “shoes hanging from power lines” and found a multitude of possible explanations. Any thoughts or experiences with “shoefiti?”

[Federico Alegria]

in some latin countries, it is said the mean something shady; true or not, is indeed a recognised cultural practice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe_tossing

[Patrick]

Same over this way mate haha , I shot a fair few pairs dangling in the last few years but have seen them dangling like this since i was a kid , nice shot Marty.

[Marty E]

Thanks, Frederico and Patrick! I’m glad you enjoyed my shot and always appreciate hearing your thoughts. I had no idea that shoe tossing is done all around the world!

[beth]

locally it was supposed to mark gang territories and where you could buy from that gang’s drug dealers.  everyone from the city knew which shoe belonged to which gang.  but that was when i was a kid.  now it seems like it’s just done for show.

[Marty E]

I never saw this in my youth (I’m dating myself lol), and the first time I ever saw the shoe over the power line was in Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul. I’m not from Detroit so have no idea about the drug culture back in the day. Who knows how long ago or recently someone did the Motown mural and the shoe? No dates mostly on graffiti or shoefiti! On a side note, I took some shots of black Motown murals in a Detroit bar that trip which also portrayed Elvis Presley as a major influence.

[Rob Eyers]

I love the city pride in this mural. No mistaking it’s from the “D”. Image well taken Marty E.

[Marty E]

Thanks, Rob! @reyers  I’m posting a few extras for you here to enjoy more of the D vibe and city pride. BTW, I neglected to mention Frank Sinatra in the shot posted above. The whole scene was extraordinary.

 

[Rob Eyers]

Thanks Marty E.

[Marty E]

Anytime! @reyers

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

Here it is supposedly something to do with drug dealers, but I have no idea if that is just an urban myth.

[Patrick]

You are correct Rob , the first time i seen this was in england and it was a sign specifically for  the street ( area ) heroin dealer … If you were not local and you find the street with the shoes on the wire then you have found your dealer.

These were the days when hard drugs were not as prevalent as today.

 

[Marty E]

I’ll be visiting Detroit soon to see some friends who live there & will ask around.

[Author]

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