Buster’s oversized slap shoes were a central part of his comedy wardrobe from the very beginning of his career. So central that articles were written about them. Some of these suggested that the shoes were a copy of Charlie Chaplin’s, so then even more articles were written countering this claim and insisting that the shoes were heirlooms. At some point I would like to examine this heirloom claim (which I think might possibly have some merit), but for now enjoy the admiration of a little fan.
In the short film released just before this article, The Balloonatic, Buster’s slap shoes are the last distinguishing feature that we see, hanging out over the broken end of his canoe-air balloon.
Inimitable BK 