Ever since Iraqi journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi tossed a pair of shoes at George Bush, a “shoe intifada” has been growing.

Cobblers all through the Middle East are rushing to claim that they made the famous shoes. No one will know, as Iraqi authorities say the shoes have been destroyed.

An Egyptian man and Palestinian mayor have both offered their daughters for marriage to al-Zaidi, with healthy dowries.

Muslims have demonstrated across the Middle East, calling for the release of al-Zaidi and praising his action.

Elsewhere, shoes as a political protest appear to be catching on.

In London, Media Workers Against the War presented a box of shoes and a letter – signatories included Tony Benn – to the US embassy, pointing out that the journalist was “guilty of nothing but expressing Iraqis’ legitimate and overwhelming opposition to the US-led occupation of their country.”

Even throwing shoes is emerging as a form of political protest.

Copycat footwear hurling has apparently also begun elsewhere, with a Ukrainian nationalist, as yet unnamed, throwing his boots at an Odessa speaker arguing in favour of Nato expansion.

While in a less serious display of political protest, over 46 million shoes have slammed George Bush in the internet game sock and awe.