1940s Men's Shoes | Gangster, Spectator, Black and White Shoes

1940s men’s two tone shoes

Vintage inspired 1940s mens shoes reflect the quality, durability, and sensibility of footwear during WWII and beyond. Oxfords, wingtips, brogues, and slip-on loafers were standard shoes for men in the forties. Popular colors were black, brown, white, and two-tones. Work boots were all leather with lace, hooks, and a thick tread.

The most famous 40s men’s shoes are the black and white two-tone gangster shoes, Zoot suit shoes, or vintage dancing shoes like what Fred Astaire wore. They could also come in brown and white or tan and brown in wingtip, moccasin or saddle shoe patterns. Broguing (small holes) were added in summer shoes for breathability. Most 1940s men’s dress shoe soles were leather but today most as rubber. You can read more about 1940s men’s shoe history here.

A good pair of 1940s style men’s shoes can take your Zoot suit from “OK” to spectacular. All of these new men’s shoes have been handpicked for their closest resemblance to men’s boots & shoes in the 1940s and offered in a range of price from costume to handcrafted quality. Dance shoes with leather soles are marked with “dance” on the image.