Photo by Steve Jessmore | MLive.com
By Jessica Shepherd | MLive.com
The shoe tree is a much-discussed and misunderstood symbol. With many scattered throughout the state, no one can agree on what they really mean. Some say its a sinister symbol while others say a shoe tree is used as a type of makeshift memorial.
Here's a look at some of the shoe trees you'll find in Michigan and some thoughts on what the footwear/foliage combo symbolizes.
Do you have a photo of a local shoe tree or a theory about the meaning behind them? Share your pictures and thoughts in the comments.
Michigan's most famous shoe tree
Located on US-131 north of Kalkaska, this shoe tree holds an impressive amount of footwear. Plenty of visitors check into the shoe tree on Facebook and discussions often turn to the possible story behind the tree.
It's said the tree has been groomed over the years but never significantly disturbed. According to internet reports, another shoe tree has popped up down the road from this tree.
As far as the tree's story, some say seniors from local high schools throw a pair of shoes into the tree once they graduate.
A 'cursed' tree?
According to Roadside America, this tree south of Belding is "cursed." According to this urban legend, a depression-era boy lost his feet after working long hours outdoors without shoes. The tree, according to the legend, was in tribute to the boy, who bemoaned the fact that shoes didn't grow on trees.
Via Facebook, Sophia Elizabeth Pardue provides a less depressing explanation. "From what I understand it started as a family tree type thing where once they got a certain age they put their shoes in the tree," Pardue wrote.
Another Facebook comment, from Bunny-Dorothy Bentley Scheid, suggests the tree started when a poor boy asked his dad for shoes one holiday season and was surprised on Christmas morning with a new pair of shoes hanging from the tree.
Photo by Octavian Cantilli | MLive.com
A popular rumor
There are different theories and rumors about why the trees exist, but there is one rumor that pops up frequently — some believe the shoes signal that illegal drugs are sold nearby.
"Nothing to do with drugs jeeeeez. There’s been one here in Michigan for 40 years. It’s just a thing," said Facebook commenter Crissy Praski.
Considering the remote location of some of these trees, the rumor seems improbable.
Bath Township
On Chandler near Clark in Bath Township, you'll find another shoe tree.
Photo by Michael Hollenbeck | MLive.com
Shoes on power lines
Maybe people are getting trees and power lines mixed up. In 2003, law enforcement officials told The Saginaw News it's possible shoes hanging over a power line indicate there are drugs for sale nearby.
However, there is no definitive proof of this connection.
Shoes over a dirt road
On Spencer Road near West 6 Mile in Washtenaw County's Salem Township, you'll see shoes hanging directly over the dirt road. According to Roadside America, the tree had previously been stripped of its shoes by local residents but the tradition began again with a new batch of shoes hanging from branches above the heads of those who pass.
Like many other shoe trees, there is an urban legend attached about a serial killer. The legend is unsubstantiated.
The legend of Walled Lake
One such urban legend revolves around a shoe tree that no longer exists. The Walled Lake shoe tree is said to have been one such tree surrounded by rumors of sinister origins. However, the tree is nowhere to be found. Did it ever exist at all?
U.P. shoe trees
It's not just the Lower Peninsula where you can find Michigan shoe trees. The U.P. also has some worth noting, including this tree on Misery Bay Road in Toivola.
Island shoe trees
There are also some shoe trees to see on Michigan Islands. This tree is on Drummond Island, off the coast of the Eastern U.P.
Beaver Island is also home to a shoe tree located on Fox Lake Road.
More than shoes
The shoe trees found throughout Michigan aren't always just a place for your typical sneaker. Visitors have spotted huge rubber waiters and roller skates hanging from branches. This shoe tree in Saginaw County's Marion Springs had a seemingly random addition last year when these toilets appeared.
Photo by Steve Jessmore | MLive.com
The argument over the shoe trees
If you bring up the topic of shoe trees, it could turn into a heated debate. That's because these trees have their fans and their critics.
So what are the complaints?
1. The health of the trees: Some think the act of covering a tree with shoes is irresponsible because it could affect the health of the tree.
2. A waste of shoes: Others say the shoes should be donated to charity. While many of the shoes are heavily worn before they are used as tree decorations, there are shoes in various conditions spotted in these trees. Would these shoes be better used as a donation for those who could benefit from the footwear?
3. A danger to passersby: Another argument against the trees involves speculation about whether or not it is safe to hang shoes from tree branches. What if they fall and hit someone? What if a branch gets so weighed down, it breaks off and hits a passing car?
What do you think? Are the shoe trees all in good fun or a bad idea?
Other shoe trees you'll find in Michigan
- Just outside of Atlanta, Michigan on M-32
- A few miles north of M-28 on South Salt Point Road in Strongs
- At Half Moon Lake Road and Ball Road East in Hillsdale
- On Potter Road in Traverse City
- On South Scenic Drive, north of West Winston in New Era
- On Cemetery Road in Petoskey
Did we miss one?
Is there another shoe tree in Michigan we didn't include here? Tell us about it and share your photos in the comments.
And, finally, a warning
If you are considering participating in this tradition by throwing a pair of shoes in a tree, you might want to consider the potential legal issues. It's possible you could be in violation of local laws or ordinances by adding your shoes to the mix.
Additionally, some shoe trees are on private property where visitors might be considered trespassers.
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