ROCK MOMENT – Eagles ‘Those Shoes’

Released in 1979 on The Long Run, ‘Those Shoes’ captures The Eagles at a pivotal moment in their career—a band both at the height of their fame and on the brink of exhaustion. Written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Don Felder, the track stands as one of the group’s most sonically adventurous songs, combining biting social commentary with a funky, dark groove that reflected the mood of the late ’70s.

The Long Run was the band’s follow-up to their massive 1976 success, Hotel California, and expectations were sky-high. After years of constant touring, fame, and internal tension, recording the album was a difficult process that stretched over two years. Originally envisioned as a double album, it was eventually pared down to ten tracks. Despite the struggle, The Long Run produced several enduring hits, including ‘Heartache Tonight,’ ‘I Can’t Tell You Why,’ and ‘In the City.’ ‘Those Shoes,’ while never released as a major single, became one of the album’s standout deep cuts.

Lyrically, ‘Those Shoes’ takes aim at the excesses of the Los Angeles nightlife scene. Henley and Frey, known for their sharp storytelling, painted a vivid picture of disillusionment behind the glitter: women in “spiked heels” chasing attention, and men chasing something even emptier. Henley later noted that the song—and much of The Long Run—reflected a growing cynicism about fame, vanity, and the decadent culture surrounding the music industry.

Musically, Don Felder’s use of twin talk boxes created the song’s distinctive sound, blending a futuristic edge with gritty realism. The result was a moody, hypnotic track that hinted at the darker side of California’s allure.

Today, ‘Those Shoes’ remains a fan favorite—an example of The Eagles’ ability to evolve musically while capturing the spirit, and the shadows, of their time. It also stands as a fitting reflection of The Long Run itself: an album born from pressure, turmoil, and artistry that still resonates decades later.