Amateur Bowler Hangs it Up for a Shot at Harvard…??

An unidentified amateur bowler has evidently decided to “hang one up” for a shot at Harvard this week. As clearly illustrated by the photo, this lone bowling shoe (rental class) was left clinging to a road sign in a rural part of town, another victim in a shoe-string of rural drive-by shoe-ings. As of Friday, investigators aren’t certain if this most recent shoe-ing is related to similar events in the city over the past several months.

Unruly Man Loses Shoe & Beer at Party…Panic Ensues.

At an outdoor festival last week, a Michigan man somehow managed to become separated from his warm, half-can of Coors Light…and his right shoe. Upon realizing that he was down to his last four beers, the man apparently became sweaty and nervous sometime around 3:00pm. This is not the first time the man has demonstrated a severe case of ASA (Alcohol Separation Anxiety) At a family gathering last month, the man went on an hour long tirade upon leaning that the case of beer he had been drinking was a mere 3.2% (near-beer) The number of reported ASA related incidents is on the rise according to local officials. -Lost Soles Press

All-Star Found Clinging to Life…in Gutter.

A once prominent All-Star was discovered in the gutter of a heavily traveled industrial park over the weekend. Torn and heavily scuffed, this once shining All-Star had been carelessly discarded by its owner and left to accept punishing blows from passing car tires. The single sole had obviously been run over and flattened numerous times before spinning to rest in the filthy city gutter. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Lost Sole Patrol at 1-800-LOSTSOL. Look for the Lost Sole Patrol unit in a neighborhood near you!

Lost Sole Patrol Unit

New Travel Game: High Heel Road Sign Darts-Gold Edition!

There’s a new travel game sweeping its way across America this week…shoe darts! A real twist on the traditional game of darts played with high heel pumps where a passing motorist attempts to launch various stiletto shoes at city road signs…what fun!! I guess the person who gets his or her shoe to stick to or between the sign wins??? It’s a silly concept for a game, but apparently great way to pass the time on boring country roads. This game could prove to be quite costly at $20 per pump or $50 a pair. Less expensive “darts” can be found at Payless Shoes or at your local thrift store. This most recent photo showcases the mark of a true champion.
-Lost Soles Press

"Little One" Inspires First Nursery Rhyme!

This week's little lost sole was the inspiration behind the first ever Lost Soles nursery rhyme:
(To the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star)

Twinkle, twinkle, little shoe
How I wonder who you belong to!
Down upon the ground so low,
How you got there, only one will know.
Twinkle, twinkle, little shoe
How I wonder who you belong to!

Photo Credit: Patricia Beck

Single Shoe Discovery at Denver Airport!

On Thursday last week, a Lost Soles affiliate on her way to a convention in Denver spotted this single shoe riding continuous loops on the baggage carousel at Denver International Airport. Alone and obviously unclaimed, this solitary neoprene sandal was also riding alongside another peculiar object…a piece of driftwood or a log of some sort?? When was the last time you took your favorite piece of wood on vacation to Hawaii? It is unclear at this time if the abandonment of these items are related. As of Friday, both shoe and log remain D.O.A at D.I.A.-J. Snipes

It’s A Bird! It’s A Plane! It’s…A Pair Of Ice Skates???

This week’s Lost Sole submittal is the first of its kind from a local man walking his dog in a Southside neighborhood. As they prepared to cross the street, the dog stopped, looked up, tilted his head to one side and stared at the dangling pair of bladed leather soles. Both now bewildered at the site, the man quickly withdrew his camera for a photo. “My dog should really get the credit for this unusual find”, said the man who works as a haunted house actor and bingo announcer. A nearby neighbor told Lost Soles that they believe a young man in his mid 20’s has been using the power lines that cross Noble street to practice his tightrope walking for a circus job and may have fallen in a recent practice session…leaving his skates behind in the process. If this were January, we might speculate that for some reason, a person was up there trying to perfect the triple axel! -Lost Soles Press

Latest Single Shoe Encounter: One Sad Sole…

This weeks Lost Sole encounter was one of great isolation and despair. Wet, worn and nearly flattened, this empty sole was left to the perils of a heavily traveled interstate. The substantial rainfall at the time this photo was taken, only added to the extreme sense of desolation and abandonment. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of its sole mate is asked to contact the Lost Sole Patrol at 1-800-Lostsol.-J. Snipes

New Roadsign: Watch out for uni-solers!

This weeks new road sign submittal features the standard issue stick person on a yellow background with the addition of a single shoe. I have wondered for years why road sign stick figures never have any feet or hands in the first place!?!? The addition of the single shoe clearly indicates that there may be single shoed pedestrians strollin’ across the street. According to the number of single shoe encounters I have had over the past several months, uni-solers as I like to call them are more prominent than anyone realizes.
-J. Snipes

HIGH WIRE ACT: Shoe-icide or simply shoes on a wire?

A pair of athletic cleats was discovered Monday in the early evening hours clinging to power lines in a suburban neighborhood. The matching pair of soles appeared to be lifeless and unresponsive to calls from local authorities. It is unclear at this time exactly how or why the shoes ended up stranded on the high-voltage lines. Lost Sole investigator and single shoe expert “Sarge” suspects something foul here…foul ball, foul play, foul smell. The self appointed expert is a huge athletic supporter and expects to solve this mystery at all costs. So far there are no reported eyewitnesses to this cruel, insensitive crime. -J. Snipes, Lost Soles Press

“Shoe Limit” Sign Latest Attempt to Raise Awareness

This week’s new sign proposal submitted by yours truly at a recent city council meeting aims to help reduce the number of discarded shoes found on roadways across America. A recent independent study suggests that the Lost Sole phenomenon may have a negative impact on our environment, especially in higher single shoe laden areas. I’m not sure what the single shoe situation is in your city or town, but I have discovered “hot spots” here locally where shoes just seem to end up for whatever reason. Is this a new sport, fad or pastime that I am unaware of? I’m suspicious of a new organization in town called the SDOA (Shoe Ditchers of America) that meets every Wednesday at the Moose Lodge (free spaghetti dinner) and is behind our local single sole outbreak. Unless we can convince the major shoe manufacturers to consider making all shoes bio-degradable, mother earth will continue to suffer at the foot of foul, unwanted footwear.-J Snipes

Sole of the Week: Where Fashion Meets Pavement

This weeks Lost Sole incident has been brought to you by an unidentified pedestrian in an "upscale" neighborhood, proving once and for all that even the well-to-do somehow manage to become separated from their footwear. Although abandoned and alone, there was just something graceful and charming about this solitary shoe incident...the colors...the style...the mere fact that this high dollar flat was still laying in the gutter 2 weeks later.
-J Snipes

Late Night Trip to Store Yields Latest Single Shoe Sighting

At around 11:13pm Tuesday evening, it suddenly occured to me that I was completely out of deodorant for the morning "clean and groom" session. Borrowing a little from the wife "just to get by" is NOT an option as there is nothing more alarming than a man who smells like the 5 dozen rose special from Pro Flowers. So, I strapped on my shoes (both of them) grabbed the keys and headed out to my local 24-hour convenience store for the "bare essentials". On the way there, my headlights came in direct contact with a shoe-like silouette laying in the middle of the roadway. As I got closer, I confirmed my suspicion and slowed to the nearest parking lot to investigate. Oddly enough, I just happened to have my camera handy...and ready. At this late hour, there were very few cars on the road and most "normal" people were at home fast asleep, catching some z's, counting sheep...but not me. There for that quiet moment, standing two feet from the double yellow line on a major city street with no cars appraoching from either direction, I realized that I was...really standing in the middle of the street taking a flash picture of someone's lost, blown out, running shoe at 11:30 at night?!#*%&! For a split second I envisioned myself trying to explain to a police officer what I was really doing there in the middle of the street at that hour...and quickly got back in my car and continued on to the store. Aparently I have adopted the "Dumb & Dumber" definition of the "bare essentials" and left the store with a wooden paddle ball, 2 pinwheels, several bags of candy, large foam hat...oh and deodorant too!
-J Snipes

Wayward Beach-goer Loses Flip-Flop...Nowhere Near Beach!

An unidentified and apparent beach-goer somehow managed to leave a rubber flip-flop behind in the latest "Lost Sole" discovery this afternoon. It was as if this person just stepped right out of the stylish, clear strap thong and just kept right on going...headed for the beach or some warm climate State. Found resting alone under a city road sign, this sole was nowhere near a beach...or public pool...not even a small lake. In fact weather wise, it's not the correct season to be sporting one of these coverless flats...especially outside! All I know is that there must be one cold soul out there sauntering around town with a pair of really cold wheels....

New Sign of the Week: A Friendly Reminder to Share the Road

This weeks new sign proposal was inspired by the mass numbers of lost soles stranded helplessly on city streets and highways in America. A reminder to passing motorists and pedestrians to share the road with those less fortunate. A plea for a little roadside respect and to watch for those lying in low places to avoid further flattening our single soled bretheren. To ask ourselves, "What if that were me, alone, dirty and kicked to the curb? How would that make me feel?" As we all venture to work and school this week, be kind and share the road with bicyclists, pedestrians, other motorists and lone stray shoes.

Single boot discovery reveals disturbing highway activity.

Well folks, the lost shoe phenomenon continued today with the discovery of this large leather hunting boot on the interstate, which suggests a strange new craze among hunters...a new breed of outdoorsmen from the new "NRA" (National Roadkill Association) involved in the sport of collecting freshly run-over roadkill and claiming it as their own. This completely unfair and questionable act made popular by the less talented hunters of America has many animal activists demanding that the silly so-called sport be banned. In support of the ban, I have proposed yet another new road sign (shown in photo) to remind those involved not to "play" on the freeway.
J. Snipes-Staff Writer

Road Sign Proposal Aims to Raise Single-Shoed Pedestrian Awareness.

The latest new road sign proposal to be submitted by...well...me, will hopefully alert motorists to single shoe'd individuals meandering on highways and city streets. If accepted, the new road signs will be placed in the surrounding areas of the more popular single-shoe laden hot spots. While I have yet to personally see one of these "one shoe wonders", they are apparently plentiful according to the recent numbers of Lost Sole sightings. Many of us probably pass at least one single shoed person a day and don't even realize it. By nature, we never really think to look down at anyone's feet. With increased awareness and the addition of these new signs, I am hopeful we can begin to solve the single shoe mystery.
-J. Snipes, Lost Soles Press

Single Shoe Found Near Church Grounds Looking To Be "Worn Again".

In an apparent attempt to save its own sole, a slip-on style shoe was found on a grassy median underneath a tree adjacent to a local church earlier this week. A closer look at the sign in the background revealed the following message, "Does your diet include food for the sole?" It was obvious this lone sole came seeking help from above...to be "worn again".
J. Snipes-Staff Writer

Latest Lost Sole Victim Survives "Drive-By Shoe-ing"

This black high-top (shown at left) was found alone over the weekend in a grassy area near a major intersection, the victim of an apparent "drive-by shoe-ing". Local Lost Sole investigator "Sarge" speculates this most recent act of abandonment occured sometime Saturday during the early morning hours. No one has come forward to claim responsibility for this insensitive, cruel behavior and there are no leads on suspects at this time. It appears that this is an isolated incident not "tied" to other shoe-ings in the area. The "Sarge" indicated he will be stepping-up patrol in the coming days in hopes of nabbing whoever is responsible.
J. Snipes-Lost Soles Press

New Road Sign Proposal to Raise "Lost Sole" Awareness

In an effort to raise awareness of the "Lost Sole" phenomenon, I have submitted a proposal this week to the U.S. Department of Transportation for what I feel is a much needed sign. (shown at left) I believe this sign will encourage people to be more alert and see for themselves how widespread this problem really is. There are just staggering numbers of stray shoes out there without mates...their "sole mates".
-J. Snipes, Staff Writer

Streaking Suspect Still At Large After Police Pursuit.

On thursday afternoon, a man wearing only a tall pair of rubber boots, bow-tie and a golf visor ran from police after being stopped for failing to signal properly. Shortly after 3:00pm, officer Joe Smiley observed the suspect in a late model AMC Gremlin using arm signals out of the drivers side window to indicate he was turning. The use of hand/arm signals, normally a practice for bicyclists and pedestrians was suspicious enough to warrant the traffic stop. During the brief interview with police, the suspect made a near-naked dash towards a highway on-ramp and onto the Southbound Interstate. Witnesses recall seeing "a nude man running like mad" in nothing but boots and a visor. The ill-dressed suspect managed to run across the highway and in between oncoming traffic, losing one of his rubber boots in the process. (see evidence photo) The single soled individual then ran through the wooded area on the other side of the highway where police lost site of him.
-Lost Soles Press

City D.O.T. to Consider New "No Hiking" Signs on Freeway.

In an effort to discourage hiking on local freeways and reduce the number of accidents, The Department of Transportation and city officials have proposed the posting of new "No Hiking" signs along freeway medians and shoulders. As clearly indicated by the lost shoe evidence in this photo taken earlier this week, city officials are concerned over the growing interest in this dangerous activity. It is speculated that the urban hiking phenomenon is a spin-off of the hugely popular urban kayaking craze of 2001. Local lawmakers are scrambling to pass a law that prohibits urban hiking on highways and city streets. The sign in the photo is only a representation of the proposed deterrent. The city has requested an estimated 2,423.5 of the new signs to be posted every 4 feet on both sides of the highway in the newly popular "urban" hiking hot spots. City officials were not available for comment on how this project will affect taxpayers. -Lost Soles Press

Urban Kayaking

Temper Tantrum to Blame for Latest Lost Shoe Incident

In an apparent fit of rage and disgust, a 5 year old child ejected a pink slip-on shoe from a moving vehicle Saturday morning after learning the family trip to the local Chuck E. Cheese was cancelled due to gross misbehavior in the car. Witnesses near the scene reported what was described as "a lot of hands and feet flailing aimlessly" shortly before seeing the single digit soar from the back seat of the 1976 Limited Edition Datsun B210. Immediately following the mid-morning tirade, the lone shoe was repeatedly run over and flattened by oncoming traffic.
-J. Snipes, Staff Writer

Looking for Lost Sole stories or pictures!!

Do you have a lost shoe story or picture to share? We would love to hear from you!
Yesterday was a big day for Lost Sole sightings here. In a 2 hour time span I had not one, but 2 new sightings! Look for those pictures and comments in the next post later today. It never ceases to amaze me at how widespread this phenomenon really is. The next time you are out and about, just look around a bit....they are there patiently waiting to be discovered. Be careful looking and driving at the same time though as it can be quite dangerous. I have nearly "stacked it up" (slang for rear-ender) twice looking already. Thanks for stopping by!
-Lost Soles

Nike Air Technology Exposed!!

I guess I never really paid close attention to the true design aspects of Nike "Air Cushioned Sole" technology...until this recent Lost Sole sighting revealed the truth. Note the HUGE (eeeuuuge for you Donald Trump fans) cushion of air between the heel and sole. And all these years I assumed that for 120 beans, I was getting the ultimate in comfort and quality...not to mention the instant physical abilities of Michael Jordan the second they were on my feet.

Lost Sole #1

Well, this is the picure that started it all. On a cold February afternoon in the "windy" city, me and good friend of mine were strolling down Michigan Avenue in Chicago discussing the "Lost Sole" phenomenon when we stumbled upon this pair of completely abandoned shoes on the sidewalk!?#%*! In complete and utter disbelief, we scrambled for the digital camera. I think we were so excited about our first official documented Lost Sole picture, we were completely oblivious to the baffled looks from nearby pedestrians. Being that this was the "windy city", we wondered if this lady had simply been blown out of her shoes. People, these shoes were right in the middle of the freakin' sidewalk in downtown Chicago!?! Oh and did I mention it was minus 50 that day? Where was the owner and why did she just ditch her shoes there? We were certainly on a mission from that day on. Do you have a Lost Sole story or picture to share? Feel free to post here or contact us.