I've always been fascinated with the custom made shoes that Prince wears. Most of these have been seen before I would imagine. I've seen them, but decided to group them all together for a thread. I have no idea where the first pair are from. The last pair look more recent. I always loved that pic of the pin striped ones from 1989.

The floral pattern is the style Prince wore through 1986. In 1987 they became lower around the ankle with the zipper on the side, which he wears presently. Andre #1 makes his boots now in Los Angeles for about the last 10 years. They can re-create or create any style of shoe made and I'm sure Prince gave them a pair to tear down so they can make them. There was a mini clip on the web at one time that showed them making a pair for Prince. Probably has a deal with them to produce so many per month. Each outfit Prince wears has the matching boots. So they are making a helluva lot of boots.

ernestsewell said:

I'm pretty sure this pair matches the jumpsuit with the side cut-outs that he wears during Hot Thing in the SOTT film.

Genesia said:

That was black with colored o-rings and circles. Not floral. I almost feel like maybe it was as far as back 1984/5 on the PR tour, but I'm just not sure.

I have nothing sensible to add to this thread.
I just want to say I love the shape of those heels.

I admire him for moving and dancing the way that he did in these. All of them just look uncomfortable beyond belief.

ernestsewell said:

I'm think Purple Rain era too

I look thru my pics to see if there is some kind of match, I have that same photo as a misc in my collection

ernestsewell said:

I know I've seen that fabric before...

Genesia said:

And I think I have too, but it wasn't in the SOTT film. I don't think Prince was having custom boots made until 1985, so I might have to dismiss my theory about the PR tour. There's that one picture of him playing a bass during the 1984/5 era (PR tour perhaps). I am not sure if that was the same fabric. I don't feel it was the Nude Tour, or even the mid 90's. His jumpers were the design focus at that time, w/ his slacks being more solid in color (Gold era, etc). I wonder if it's Lovesexy? The colors would fit, but I don't remember any outfit being anywhere close to that look/color scheme.

Me... love some Prince shoes.
[Edited 5/12/10 10:54am]

You will Never Have Prince or his Fantastic shoes

nursev said:

Yes well that's the difference between you and me. I don't want him or his shoes.

ernestsewell said:

But you must cuz I could swear you did this thread before

nursev said:

Yeah, that's the same. You reek of Gin and desperation.

ernestsewell said:

I took a picture of that first pair of shoes at the Hard Rock in Minneapolis. I believe it said they were circa the PR tour.

StevenAnthony said:

That's the only time I could image they're from. They were a higher cut, so that might make sense, since later on they're a lower cut on top.

they've really managed to become a part of who he is..
as a girl, even i cringe at the thought of wearing 3/4 inch heels on such a vigorous basis
how he does it is beyond sacrifical!

That white pair with the clear heels is one of my favourite pairs, there's a picture of him onstage wearing those, not sure which tour, but he's accepting flowers from a girl in the audience and those heels look great!

Am stumped how he can dance in them but they must be really well made/balanced and the heels must be really strong to support bouncing back up from the splits on them!

Werk it honey

Timmy84 said:

This is why he's a fancy lesbian.

ernestsewell said:

those are nice ive always been jealous of his shoes

*grabbing at the shoes with the lil Batman symbol on them* OhmiGAWD I want want want a pair...

Efan said:

No kidding. It's amazing that he could move the way he did in those high-ass lady boots - he has basically been on his tip-toes for thirty years. Incredible. It also begs the question "How could he not have bad knees and hips by now?"

squirrelgrease said:

Exactly!!! Between doing splits (which he hasn't done in over 10 years) and walkin' on the sunshine that are custom made boots - the ol' boy is in bad shape.

ernestsewell said:

AMEN, sista!