The Ionia Shoe Tree: What’s the Harm In It?

Seems like more and more of Michigan's shoe trees are being eliminated. Why is that?

Is it considered litter? Garbage? Unsightly? Ridiculous? C'mon...maybe Michiganders find them fun.

The naysayers do have a point as far as claiming a shoe tree is an eyesore; but many of us enjoy them just the same.

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Well, here's another shoe tree for y'all to check out: This one is located in Ionia County, south of Belding at the junction of Zahm Rd. and Krupp Rd. Why does this tree - and others in Michigan - have shoes hanging from it?

There's nothing mystical or paranormal about it. Some have tried to start a rumor that this shoe tree has some kind of 'curse' on it, but this is one I believe is just what it appears to be: simply a tree with shoes hanging from it. I'm assuming the shoes are thrown there by people in the area who would rather have their shoes in a tree rather than a trash barrel.

Some urban legends use the rumor about a serial killer who throws the footwear of his victims into the tree branches, but most of the time they're just thrown up there for fun.

The Ionia Shoe Tree is out in the sticks but it makes an interesting stop for a couple of minutes and a few selfies. Scroll down and see a few photos...