You have to look carefully, but when you do, you’ll see that 
this tree on U.S. Hwy. 72 west, just west of Cherokee, Alabama, is full of shoes. It’s been this way for at least a couple years, and nobody is sure how it got started — or why. Or at least, nobody’s telling. You’re just driving along and then you look up and there are dozens of pairs of shoes nestled in and dangling from this tree. It’s a true mystery. I drive past it at least twice a week and I’ve never seen anybody adding their contributions — yet the Shoe Tree grows and thrives. Some say the Shoe Tree has its origins in the infamous wave of Shoes Thrown Over the Power Line in downtown Florence, Alabama, several years ago. This was a power line across from a local coffee house that was a hangout for the youngsters (actually, the sidewalk in front of the coffee house was the preferred spot) and every once in a while the within-tossing-distance power line would sprout a decoration of tied pairs of shoes. Did those Shoe Throwers grow up and now commute on U.S. 72 every day? My investigative-reporting skills have failed to find the answers. But that’s OK — I’ve got my eye on a pair of black stiletto pumps if I can just figure out how to get to the top branch.
Coffee with Cathy
Pour a cup & take a break
Coffee with Cathy 
There is one of these “Shoe Trees” in Indiana also. Aren’t they a fun attraction.
Well, I have a pair of velvet Ralph Lauren’s that I bought on e-bay that don’t fit. Maybe I should mail them to you to throw over the tree!
Seriously, though, this is interesting. I’d love to know the story behind this. When you find out please post again.
I would love to know the whole story. I read once that shoes over a power line we a sign that a certain gang was in the area, then I heard that they were signs that certain illegal drugs were available. So I think you should do some investigative journalism.
The shoes in the tree are way cool..maybe some one just had sore feet from heels:)
Michele — I had no idea this trend was spreading across the country! Thanks for the info.
Kathie — Send your e-bay shoes on. I will add them to the Shoe Tree in your honor!
FSF — Now who’s the investigative reporter??? Thanks for adding to the story. I always thought that the power-line/shoes incident was mainly due to bored kids, but now I’m wondering …
Girl.
That tree is too cool!!!