Soles of Haverhill Shoe Sculpture Tour

Soles of Haverhill is a community celebration of shoe manufacturing & design’s important role in Haverhill’s history, highlighted by the public display of painted shoe sculptures throughout downtown.

Soles of Haverhill Shoe-la-bration 2009

The inauguration of Soles of Haverhill in 2009 featured 14 wonderfully painted and designed shoe sculptures by local artists. After presentation to the community at the 2009 July 4th fireworks display, the shoes were relocated around the community. Organizers produced and distributed posters and a sculpture trail map to promote community understanding of the themes, artists, and historical links. The sculptures were sold at auction in October 2009, raising more than $40,000 for local non-profits nominated by the shoe sculpture sponsors. Many of the shoes remain in the community to be enjoyed by residents and visitors.

Sculpture Design for 2014

The Red Shoe inspires “A Story with Style” (click to enlarge)

The shoe sculpture form for 2014 was inspired by a shoe in the Buttonwoods Museum collection. The “inspirational” shoe was made by the Hazen B. Goodrich Company for the World’s Columbian Exposition (Chicago World’s Fair) in 1893.

The upper part of the shoe is red silk and the sole is made of leather. The Louis–style heel is made of wood and wrapped in red silk. The shoe is embellished with a gold-tone metal buckle and gold-colored see beads stitched to the bow detail.