The Power of Red Shoes

09.09.08 |

No other shoe in history has been viewed as a symbol of power in films and on TV than the red shoe. Not only are red shoes a symbol of power in many movies and on the small screen, they also hold magic. “Good” characters in movies whose mission is to fight evil typically wear red shoes. Evil characters, in these cases, typically wear black boots. In some cases, you will also find that wholesome characters will wear red shoes as a symbol of good or innocence, and when combined with white and blue, red shoes can be seen as a symbol of patriotism. While red shoes don’t always mean “good” or “patriotism” in the movies, if we take a look at major films and characters of yesterday and today, for the most part, the power and positive nature of red shoes is evident.

From 1973-1986, the animated television series the Super Friends’ main characters, Superman and Wonder Woman wore red boots. In addition, Superman wore an elaborate flowing red cape that further reinforced the power of red. When Wonder Woman became a television series in 1975, her powerful red boots became famous. Starring Lynda Carter, Wonder Woman ran from 1975-1979, which cemented Ms. Carter’s place in history as a cultural icon.

Today, Wonder Woman red boots can be found just about everywhere and in various forms ranging from block heels to platforms to leather and vinyl. Superman, Wonder Woman and even Supergirl costumes are readily available as well. Supergirl, considered one of the sexiest DC Comics characters, also wore red boots.

In The Wizard of Oz, not only were Dorothy’s red shoes powerful, they were also magical and meant for “good.” Dorothy’s sparkling ruby red shoes had the power to transport her back home by simply repeating that magical phrase, “There’s no place like home,” three times. Like Wonder Woman’s red boots, replicas of Dorothy’s red shoes can be found just about anywhere. These red shoes are popular for kids and for collectors alike. Jessica Simpson is also a fan of shoes.

Red shoes in the Wizard of Oz, in the television series Wonder Woman, and in Superman and the Super Friends, had some sort of magical powers. In The Devil Wears Prada, the power of red shoes wasn’t magical, but rather a symbol of a powerful woman. Some viewed Meryl Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, as a villain, while others saw her as powerful, but still vulnerable.