Magic Smiling Shoes

Submitted by Peter Kimmel December 16th, 2009

These wacky examples of extinct and uniquely fun footwear are a fond remnant of the Yellow Submarine/R. Crumb Era, circa 1969/1970. Sadly, these are deteriorating (the rubber has become hard and brittle), however they are living in reclusive retirement in the bottom drawer of one of my Herman Miller dressers. I purchased them new at the JC Penney store in North Oakland, CA while attending art college at CCA, California College of the Arts (CCAC, at the time). They cost $10. After wearing my pair every day for a couple of months, I realized that I should sock away a few pair for future generations to enjoy, as they are totally unique. The were great fun to wear! Easy to be smilin’ when yur shoes are leading the way. I loved wearing them. I never saw another pair, as they were immediately discontinued, and Penney’s had no more when I went back to buy them out.:-(

4 Responses to “Magic Smiling Shoes”

  1. Mark Milligan

    I think it’s so cool that you kept them all these years. And they reminded me of the some of the things I wore in that era that make my kids howl when they see the pictures. It would be great to go back in time and be able to witness the scene where and when they were designed!

  3. windupkitty

    yeah, these are incerdible…..not nearly as cool, but i have and embarrassing number of pairs of pre-nike-buyout :( chuck taylors….the quality is unmatched and they just have a better vibe…..been collecting them for ages…..

  4. Peter Kimmel

    yesh, pre-nike connies and purcels ruled! I liked the blue sperry topsiders, as well.