Sometimes, it’s just for fun.
Teenagers might do it out of curiosity, boredom, or friendly competition.
It can be about skill — how high can you throw them?
Many shoes end up there simply because someone wanted to see if they could make it happen.
5. Symbol of a Fresh Start
Rumor says throwing your old shoes means you’ve moved on from something — maybe a bad habit, an old job, or a tough time.
It’s like saying, “I’ve let go of the past. These shoes carried me there — now I’m moving forward.”
Though inspiring, this idea is more symbolic than common.
6. Landmark or Secret Marker
Some people say it’s a way to mark a place — a friend’s house, a hangout spot, or a party location.
Think of it as a low-tech way to say, “You’re here.”
7. Street Art or Urban Folklore
For some artists, hanging shoes is creative expression — turning everyday items into public art.
Others see it as modern folklore — a mysterious habit passed through generations.
Whatever the reason, it’s now part of the visual story of city life.
How Do the Shoes Get Up There?
Most often, people:
Tie the shoelaces together and toss them over the wire
Use a weighted string or fishing line
Or throw one shoe at a time and tie them midair (a tricky move!)
Sometimes, workers remove them during maintenance — but new pairs always seem to appear.
Final Thought: Meaning Is in the Eye of the Beholder
There’s no single “true” meaning behind shoes on a power line.
Sometimes it’s playful.
Sometimes it’s personal.
Sometimes it’s just another small mystery in the neighborhood.
But one thing stays the same:
That simple act — throwing a pair of worn shoes into the air — shows something deeply human.
A wish to be remembered.
To celebrate, to move on, or simply to leave a mark.
