The meaning of shoes hanging from a power line

Have you ever noticed baskets hanging from overhead cables and wondered what they mean? This intriguing, though rare, phenomenon gives rise to many theories. From military history to simple impulsive acts, each pair tells a different story.
Historical origins: between tradition and speculation

One of the oldest explanations dates back to wartime. Soldiers are said to have thrown their boots onto electric wires as a ritual marking the end of their service or intensive training.

Over time, another interpretation has emerged: gangs used the practice to signal their territory. While this idea fuels popular narratives, concrete evidence of this connection remains limited.