18 Best Songs about Shoes and Footwear

Shoes are an essential part of our daily lives, and they have been for thousands of years. From the humble sandals of ancient civilizations to the sleek and stylish sneakers of today, shoes have always been more than just a functional necessity. They have also been a symbol of status, fashion, and self-expression. It’s no wonder that shoes have inspired countless songs throughout history.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 18 best songs about shoes and footwear. These songs come from a variety of genres, including rock, pop, country, and blues, and they span several decades of music history. Some of these songs celebrate the joy of a new pair of shoes, while others explore the darker side of footwear, from foot pain to obsession. Whether you’re a shoe enthusiast or just looking for some new music to add to your playlist, you’re sure to find something to enjoy on this list. So lace up your shoes, turn up the volume, and let’s dive into the world of music inspired by footwear.

1. Dancing Shoes – Arctic Monkeys

“Dancing Shoes” by Arctic Monkeys is a fast-paced and energetic indie rock song that perfectly captures the youthful energy of the band. Released in 2006, the track features Alex Turner’s signature sharp and witty lyrics, delivered in his distinctive Sheffield accent. The guitar-driven instrumentals and driving drumbeat give the song an infectious rhythm that is impossible not to dance to. Lyrically, the song is about meeting someone at a club and trying to impress them with your dance moves. Overall, “Dancing Shoes” is a fun and catchy track that showcases the Arctic Monkeys’ unique style and sound, and remains a fan favorite to this day.

2. Old Brown Shoe – The Beatles

“Old Brown Shoe” by The Beatles is a lesser-known track that was released in 1969 as the B-side to their hit single “The Ballad of John and Yoko.” The song features George Harrison on lead vocals and guitar, and showcases his unique style as a songwriter. The track has a bluesy feel, with a prominent bassline and a driving drumbeat. Lyrically, the song is about feeling lost and searching for meaning in life, and features Harrison’s signature use of wordplay and metaphors. Despite not being as well-known as some of The Beatles’ other hits, “Old Brown Shoe” is a fan favorite among the band’s more dedicated followers, and is considered a hidden gem in their catalog.

3. Blue Suede Shoes – Elvis Presley

“Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis Presley is a classic rock and roll song that was originally written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955, but became a huge hit for Presley in 1956. The song features a driving beat and catchy guitar riff, and Presley’s iconic vocals give it a sense of urgency and excitement. The lyrics warn a potential suitor not to step on the singer’s blue suede shoes, which he treasures as a symbol of his identity and style. The song has become a cultural touchstone and is often referenced in popular culture. “Blue Suede Shoes” remains a beloved classic, and a testament to Presley’s influence on the rock and roll genre.

4. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes – Paul Simon

“Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” is a popular track from Paul Simon’s 1986 album “Graceland.” The song features a unique blend of South African rhythms and vocal harmonies, mixed with Simon’s signature songwriting style. The title refers to a woman who is so wealthy that she can afford to put diamonds on the soles of her shoes. The song is a celebration of African culture and its rich musical heritage, and features vocals from the Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a South African a cappella group. “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” is widely regarded as one of Simon’s greatest achievements and remains a favorite among fans and music critics alike.

5. The Red Shoes – Kate Bush

“The Red Shoes” is a track from Kate Bush’s 1993 album of the same name. The song is inspired by the fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen, and tells the story of a young woman who is given a pair of red shoes that force her to dance until she collapses. The song features Bush’s signature ethereal vocals and intricate instrumentation, with a prominent use of piano and strings. The track has a sense of urgency and drama, as the lyrics describe the protagonist’s struggle to resist the power of the shoes. “The Red Shoes” is a standout track from Bush’s catalog and a testament to her unique artistry.

6. New Shoes – Paolo Nutini

“New Shoes” is a popular song by Scottish singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini, released in 2006 as part of his debut album “These Streets.” The song features an upbeat and catchy melody, with a mix of soul, pop, and rock influences. The lyrics are a lighthearted celebration of the joy of finding new shoes and the confidence they can bring. The song showcases Nutini’s distinctive vocal style, which is both powerful and soulful. “New Shoes” was a commercial success and helped establish Nutini as a rising star in the music industry. The song remains a fan favorite and is often played at live performances.

7. Crocodile Shoes – Jimmy Nail

“Crocodile Shoes” is a 1994 song by English singer-songwriter and actor Jimmy Nail. The track is also the title song of the TV series of the same name, which Nail both starred in and helped write. The song features a catchy melody and guitar-driven instrumentation, with Nail’s distinctive vocals delivering a heartfelt story about the struggles of a musician trying to make it in the industry. The lyrics describe the highs and lows of the protagonist’s journey, from the excitement of success to the loneliness of the road. “Crocodile Shoes” was a commercial success and is widely regarded as one of Nail’s best-known and most beloved songs.

8. In These Shoes? – Kirsty MacColl

“In These Shoes?” is a song by the British singer-songwriter Kirsty MacColl, released in 2000 as part of her album “Tropical Brainstorm.” The track is an upbeat and quirky mix of Latin rhythms and pop sensibility, with MacColl’s distinctive voice delivering a humorous and playful story about a woman trying on a variety of different shoes. The lyrics are full of witty wordplay and cultural references, as the protagonist imagines herself in different scenarios depending on the shoes she wears. “In These Shoes?” is widely regarded as one of MacColl’s most beloved and memorable songs, showcasing her unique musical style and sense of humor.

9. My Adidas – Run DMC

“My Adidas” is a classic track from American hip hop group Run-DMC’s 1986 album “Raising Hell.” The song is an ode to the group’s favorite brand of sneakers, the Adidas Superstar, and helped to popularize the shoes in the United States. The song features Run-DMC’s signature rap style, with a simple and catchy beat and a chorus that chants the brand’s name. “My Adidas” was not only a commercial success but also a cultural phenomenon, as it helped to cement the relationship between hip hop and sneaker culture. The song remains a fan favorite and a classic in the history of hip hop.

10. These Boots are Made for Walkin’ – Nancy Sinatra

“These Boots are Made for Walkin'” is a classic song by American singer Nancy Sinatra, released in 1966 as the lead single of her debut album, “Boots.” The song features a distinctive bassline and a catchy guitar riff, with Sinatra’s sultry voice delivering a message of female empowerment and self-confidence. The lyrics describe a woman’s determination to leave her unfaithful partner and move on with her life. “These Boots are Made for Walkin'” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song remains an iconic representation of the 1960s mod and go-go culture and a classic in the history of pop music.

11. Boogie Shoes – KC and the Sunshine Band

“Boogie Shoes” is a classic disco track by American funk band KC and the Sunshine Band, released in 1975 as part of their self-titled second album. The song features a catchy and danceable beat, with horns, strings, and guitars adding to the party vibe. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, with the chorus urging listeners to put on their “boogie shoes” and hit the dance floor. “Boogie Shoes” was a commercial success and remains a staple of disco and dance parties. The song helped to establish KC and the Sunshine Band as a prominent act in the 1970s music scene and is often featured in movies and TV shows.

12. Footloose – Kenny Loggins

“Footloose” is a popular song by American singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins, released in 1984 as part of the soundtrack of the film of the same name. The song is an upbeat and energetic mix of rock, pop, and dance influences, with Loggins’ distinctive voice delivering a message of freedom and joy. The lyrics describe the protagonist’s desire to cut loose and dance, despite the conservative attitudes of their hometown. “Footloose” was a commercial success and helped to establish Loggins as a prominent artist in the music industry. The song remains a beloved classic and is often played at weddings, parties, and other festive occasions.

13. No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem – Kenny Chesney

“No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem” is a popular country song by American singer Kenny Chesney, released in 2003 as the title track of his album of the same name. The song features a relaxed and easy-going melody, with Chesney’s voice delivering a message of carefree living and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. The lyrics describe the protagonist’s desire to escape the stress of everyday life and find solace in the beach and the company of loved ones. “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem” was a commercial success and helped to establish Chesney as a prominent country artist. The song remains a fan favorite and a staple of Chesney’s live shows.

14. Shoes – Shania Twain

“Shoes” is a song by Canadian country singer Shania Twain, released in 2005 as the second single from her album “The Woman in Me: Greatest Hits.” The song features a lively melody and Twain’s powerful vocals, with a message about finding one’s inner strength and independence. The lyrics describe the protagonist’s journey to self-discovery, using shoes as a metaphor for the different stages of life. “Shoes” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in Canada and becoming a fan favorite. The song’s empowering message and catchy melody make it a classic in Twain’s catalog and an anthem for self-confidence.

15. Sand In My Shoes – Dido

“Sand In My Shoes” is a song by English singer-songwriter Dido, released in 2004 as the second single from her album “Life for Rent.” The song features Dido’s signature ethereal vocals and a relaxed melody, with lyrics that convey a feeling of nostalgia and the desire to escape from the routine of daily life. The song describes the protagonist’s yearning for a carefree summer vacation and the reluctance to return to reality. “Sand In My Shoes” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, and is considered one of Dido’s most beloved songs, capturing the essence of her unique sound and style.

16. New Shoes – Beyoncé

“New Shoes” is a song by American singer Beyoncé, released in 2006 as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of her album “B’Day.” The song features a funky beat and Beyoncé’s signature powerhouse vocals, with lyrics that celebrate the protagonist’s newfound sense of confidence and style. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat melody make it a fun, danceable track that is a favorite among Beyoncé fans. Although not released as a single, “New Shoes” is a standout track on “B’Day” and showcases Beyoncé’s versatility as an artist, with its mix of R&B, funk, and pop influences.

17. There’s a Hole in My Shoes – Neil

“There’s a Hole in My Shoes” is a psychedelic rock song by the British band Neil, released in 1967. The song’s whimsical lyrics and upbeat melody reflect the optimism and experimentation of the late 1960s, with its colorful imagery and playful guitar riffs. The song has become a cult classic among fans of psychedelic music and showcases the band’s unique blend of rock, folk, and pop influences. With its catchy chorus and trippy production, “There’s a Hole in My Shoes” remains a favorite among music lovers who appreciate the spirit of creativity and innovation that defined the 1960s.

18. Goody Two Shoes – Adam Ant

“Goody Two Shoes” is a classic 80s pop song that was written and performed by British musician Adam Ant. The song features a catchy melody and a bouncy, upbeat rhythm that is sure to get listeners moving. Lyrically, the song is a commentary on the pressures of conformity and the need to stand out and be oneself. With its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics, “Goody Two Shoes” quickly became a hit and helped to establish Adam Ant as a major force in the pop music scene of the 80s. The song remains a beloved classic to this day.