Today’s post will explore fabulous new retro vintage boots and shoes available to buy this season. In times gone by, shoes and boots could prove difficult items to purchase. I’m sure I’m not the only one who remembers trudging around numerous stores as a child, my parents in search of the perfect pair of ‘school shoes.’ Back then, my tender years did not furnish me with a flutter of excitement at the thought of new shoes. Instead, I remember sulking in the corner while my parents selected various styles of shoes that would comply with the strict school criteria.
Fast forward to today, and we have an abundance of beautiful shoes and boots available to choose from. With the rise in popularity of vintage inspired fashion, this in turn has brought about an influx of fabulous vintage inspired shoes and boots to match.
Since technology, materials, and fitting techniques have improved, many shoes today are a joy to wear. We are also fortunate to enjoy a wide variety of shoe sizes and fittings to choose from. While shoe sizes were inevitably smaller towards the beginning of the twentieth century, they were also considerably narrower.
Here are some vintage boots and shoes available to buy this season.
1941 Autumn Heels
Retro Vintage Boots & Shoes– 1920s & 1930s Styles
Shoe styles in the 1920s incorporated features of their earlier Edwardian cousins. The heel shape was often in the popular Louis style. The Louis heel was a small block heel which curved inwards, then out again in an attractive sweep.
Choose from these vintage inspired women’s heels for a 1920s or 1930s style. Popular fall colors are metallic silver, gold, and bronze.
Shoes included straps, buckles, and ties. These features were inspired by the popularity of social dancing during this time. Due to the increased swift movement of dancing, shoes were required to be securely fastened to the feet.
As hemlines shortened throughout the 1920s, this in turn caused shoes and ankles to be more prominently displayed. While many shoes and stockings during this period were black, various hues were worn to match the dress for social occasions.
Create a 1930s look with these heels from Zappos. Team with a knit sweater and calf length skirt, finishing the look with a cloche hat.
These styles are all fabulously appropriate for a vintage inspired 1920s or 1930s look. The metallic tones in particular may suit an evening style, while the suede or darker tones would be perfect for daywear.
Retro Vintage Boots
Boots have been a popular footwear choice for hundreds of years. They shield and protect the feet from dirt, grime, and rain. They also serve the dual purpose of keeping the feet and legs both warm and dry. During the nineteenth century, women wore various styles of boots, most often mid-calf or ankle lace up styles. Boots continued to be worn into the 1920s, but by this time shoes had overtaken them in popularity. Learn more about vintage winter boots (with pictures) and find links to new vintage inspired boots.
A fabulous selection of retro vintage styles of boots available
From 1910 up to the end of the 1920s, the curved Louis heel ankle or mid-calf boots were popular. From the 1930s up to around the 1950s, most boots were cut low to ankle height.
During the 1960s, due to raising hemlines, the knee-high boot became fashionable.
Choose from these styles to compliment a vintage inspired look, and to ensure you stay warm in the cold weather!
Vintage Style Shoes – 1940s Styles
Complete a 1940s look with two tone heels, Oxfords and T-straps
During the 1940s, shoe styles inevitably became more utilitarian. Heels were cut in the block, Cuban style, usually between 2.5 – 3.5 inches. Toes were square or had gently rounded pump styles.
From the 1930s on, the two-tone Spectator style became extremely popular, with both black and white and brown and white combinations employed, among other tones.
Evoke a 1940s vintage inspired look with these fabulous fall pieces. Shoes, dress, coat, jewelry, and makeup.
To create an autumnal 1940s look, team classic 1940s styled heels with a utilitarian-inspired shirt dress. Accessorize with a 1940s frock coat, and a charming sweetheart pin.
Retro Vintage Shoes – Flats
As much as classic heels can be glamorous, flat shoes can be equally smart. Low heeled flat shoes became popular as acceptable daywear from around the 1930s and 1940s. The 1950s and 1960s embraced the completely flat shoe and boots.
Flat shoes can be both versatile and stylish. Choose from this great selection to complete a vintage inspired style.
Previously, women were expected to wear heels for daywear, with flat shoes reserved for indoor dressing or sporting activities.
From the 1940s through to the 1960s, brogues, Oxfords, spectators, and loafers all grew in popularity. These vintage style shoes are perfect for adding a masculine touch to an outfit. Team with wide cut high waist slacks for a 1940s style. Alternatively, wear with Capri pants for the late 1950s/early 1960s look. Shop low heel and flat shoes here.
Retro Vintage Shoes – 1960s & 1970s Styles
Women’s shoes from the late 1960s through to the 1970s featured interesting textural details. Suede was utilized to create patchwork square designs, often in various colors. Stripes, chevrons, and stars brandished across shoes and boots. The platform heel, once popular in the late 1930s, once again came back into fashion.
Textures and tones were popular during the late 1960s into the 1970s. Create a vintage look with these styles.
Many of the designs from the early 1970s resemble shoe styles from the early 1940s.
However, there is a definitely identifiable 1970s style to these later incarnations. These Ferragamo wedges from 1945 for instance, look strikingly similar to styles fashionable during the 1970s.
To create a vintage inspired 1960s/1970s style, team these retro shoes with an short A-line skirt and a ruffle trimmed sweater. Finish the look with tights in a harmonizing tone and a bold statement necklace.
With so many styles to choose from, there is sure to be the perfect pair of vintage style shoes out there to compliment a vintage inspired wardrobe.
Shop Retro Vintage Shoes and Boots
Boots | Flats | Sandals | Sneakers | Dance | Wide
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Debbie Sessions has been teaching fashion history and helping people dress for vintage themed events since 2009. She has turned a hobby into VintageDancer.com with hundreds of well researched articles and hand picked links to vintage inspired clothing online. She aims to make dressing accurately (or not) an affordable option for all. Oh, and she dances too.
