College is one of those places where love often blossoms, sometimes once, sometimes twice. And while many colleges can boast of love stories, there’s one university where romance is literally “written in the shoes.” Welcome to Murray State Universitywhere a unique and heartwarming tradition makes love a little more magical: The Shoe Tree,
For decades, the Shoe Tree has been a symbol of enduring love at Murray State, a place where college couples leave a mark of their affection, literally. The tradition dates back to around 1965, and it’s become one of the most romantic customs in US universities. Couples who meet at Murray State and fall in love have been hanging their shoes on a specific tree, believing it brings them lifelong good luck.
The origins of this whimsical tradition are shrouded in mystery. Some say it began as a student art project, while others believe it was a quirky solution when a student didn’t want to carry shoes back home after moving out of a residence hall. But the most popular story is that it symbolizes the devotion between two people who found love on the university campus.
Regardless of how it started, the Shoe Tree has become a beloved tradition, and students continue to make it a part of their love story. Many write their anniversaries on their shoes before tying them to the tree, marking milestones in their relationships. For those who return years later, it’s common to add a baby shoe as a symbol of growth and family.
Here’s a fun fact: The current Shoe Tree is actually the third one! The first tree was struck by lightning and tragically caught fire, while the second tree was taken down in 2015 due to its deteriorating state, according to the official website of the university. But the spirit of the tradition lives on, and so does the love that binds the students of Murray State University.
