During Prohibition (1920–1933), when the sale and distribution of alcohol were outlawed across the United States, bootleggers had to get creative to stay one step ahead of the law. In the Seattle area, some smugglers came up with a particularly ingenious disguise — “heifer-heels.” These were special shoes designed with wooden soles carved in the shape of cow hooves. When strapped on, the wearer’s footprints appeared to be those of a wandering cow instead of a human.
Bootleggers would trek through muddy fields, forests, and backroads wearing these bizarre contraptions, making it nearly impossible for police officers or federal agents to track them. The ruse worked surprisingly well; law enforcement often followed the false trails straight into pastures, believing they were just seeing signs of local livestock.
These hoof-shaped shoes became a quirky symbol of Prohibition-era resourcefulness — a reminder that when people are determined, they’ll find clever ways to outsmart authority. The phrase “hoofin’ it” took on a whole new meaning in those days, as smugglers literally walked in the footsteps of cows to keep their liquor routes secret. It’s one of the many creative tricks that made Prohibition such a fascinating and rebellious chapter in American history.
Bootleggers would trek through muddy fields, forests, and backroads wearing these bizarre contraptions, making it nearly impossible for police officers or federal agents to track them. The ruse worked surprisingly well; law enforcement often followed the false trails straight into pastures, believing they were just seeing signs of local livestock.
These hoof-shaped shoes became a quirky symbol of Prohibition-era resourcefulness — a reminder that when people are determined, they’ll find clever ways to outsmart authority. The phrase “hoofin’ it” took on a whole new meaning in those days, as smugglers literally walked in the footsteps of cows to keep their liquor routes secret. It’s one of the many creative tricks that made Prohibition such a fascinating and rebellious chapter in American history.
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