Why Do We See Shoes Hanging from Powerlines in Michigan?

You've probably noticed a pair of shoes hanging from powerlines overhead at some point in your life. I saw this strange phenomenon the other day and wondered what it meant.

Sneakers hanging from powerlines isn't something that happens only in Michigan. In fact, it happens all over the world.

You would think as often as we see shoes hanging from powerlines, someone would have seen who is responsible for putting them up there.

Why Do We See Shoes Hanging from Powerlines in Michigan?

According to IFL, there are several reasons why we see shoes hanging from powerlines. It seems there isn't one simple answer.

• Gang Territory Marking: In some urban areas, sneakers on powerlines are believed to mark gang territory or signal a nearby drug house.
• Memorials: People sometimes hang shoes to commemorate someone who has passed away, especially if they died nearby or were associated with that location.
• Rite of Passage: It can be a rite of passage, such as celebrating the end of a school year, graduation, or a significant life event.
• Pranks and Tradition: Some people do it as a prank or as part of a local tradition or dare.
• Artistic or Personal Expression: Others might do it as a form of street art or personal expression.

It's unclear when people started hanging shoes from powerlines. According to Wikipedia, some theories say the tradition started with military members who threw their boots—sometimes painted bright colors like orange—onto powerlines as a way to mark the end of their basic training or when they left the service.