Miss America "Show Us Your Shoes" Competition

Earlier in August, I was asked to participate in the Miss America's "Show Us Your Shoes" Parade by Miss Alaska, Suparat Prasannet. After several years of hiatus, the competition returned to showcase creatively decorated shoes that represent each state. Given my prior experience with the Alaska Artistic License Plate, Suparat was thrilled to provide me with a national stage to represent our glorious state.

This piece truly challenged and inspired me. Originally, we had discussed using white cowboy boots, but after speaking to many close friends and peers, we all agreed that XtraTuffs were the only boots that made sense... plus they were so much easier to paint on. I spent a solid month working tirelessly on each shoe, every weekday after my 8-hour shift. The texture of the paint was visible, so each brush stroke had to be intentional. Both compositions were created to integrate the design of the shoe and I find myself delightfully surprised by how well it all came together in the end. The mountains cascade down the front of one boot like Alaska's sloped peaks, while the other has a cascading waterfall to fill that space.

One of the boots represents the vibrance of Alaskan summers. From the bright pastels of alpenglow on towering mountains to flowing rivers filled with salmon, this season is teeming with life in full bloom. A subtle reference to the Alaska Artistic License Plate can be found along the riverbanks, where both tall and dwarf fireweed grow.

The other reminds us that despite the darkness of winter, there is still much to be seen and appreciated. As someone interested in spirituality and astrology, stargazing and aurora chasing are favorite pastimes of mine. The snow glows with reflected light, illuminating the migration path for hungry caribou that survive our harshest conditions.

Below is the artist statement that accompanied the boots that Miss Alaska brought to this year's Miss America competition!

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XtraTuff boots are a popular choice amongst Alaskans for their reliability on any outdoor adventure. These hand-painted XtraTuffs represent the abundance of life in Alaska from all that grows under the midnight sun to the glowing lights of winter nights.

Many Alaskans are shaped by a deep connection to the land and all it provides for, whether it be dip netting in the Kenai, foraging in the Chugach, or hunting in the Brooks Range.

The boots highlight some of the most beloved elements of Alaska that shape us, reminding us to celebrate diversity, build resilient communities, and steward our ecosystems with care.