Wow, great stories of clothing gone awol! My memory is of a pair of bowling-shoe-style oxfords I bought in Germany (my only trip overseas ever) in 2003. They were so fabulous! Perfect fit, lovely tan suede and smooth leather, leather soles even. Yummy! After wearing them frequently for a couple of years, one went missing. Sadly I put the other one in the box at the bottom of the stack. A few years later the missing shoe was found in suitcase I was going to give away. Also found in the suitcase was a pocket watch my husband had lost!
I always diligently search pockets of garments and thoroughly check the insides of totes or bags before donating - and I'm glad that was my habit then, too. I don't know if I've worn those shoes since, but they are luxurious and sentimental so still in my closet.