Shoe flinging (also known as shoe tossing or shoe dangling) is the act of tying shoe laces together so that the pair may then be tossed over power or telephone lines. This practice is seen across the country in urban, suburban and rural areas.  This practice is associated with many urban legends which has ignited a curiosity of the meaning behind the act. 

 

The types of shoes varies, though typically in the United States (and in Eugene) the shoes are sneakers. It has been reported that leather shoes or even boots are thrown in other places. Variations are often attributed to variation in socio-economic diversity. 

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Many people have a variety of explanations (some of which can be read here). The most basic explanation for shoe flinging is bullying. A bully steals a pair of shoes and tosses them up over a line so that they cannot be retrieved. It may also act as a rite of passage or rebellion. Some cultures site flinging shoes to commemorate the final day of school, or a way to rid yourself of shoes that no longer fit, are worn out or were uncomfortable. It has also been a military tradition to fling military boots after completing basic training. It may also simply feed the human need to mark a space.

 

Though, more sinister explanations such as drug dealing and gang activity have also become prominent, so much so that the mayor of Los Angeles once crafted an initiative to have these shoes removed. In these stories it is also cited as a means of honoring a person who has passed. Flinging the shoes helps guide their spirit back, but lifts them high off the ground and closer to heaven. It also can symbolize a person moving out of a neighbor and on to better things. 

 

Yet another explanation says throwing shoes over the power lines outside of a house will keep ghosts away.