subject: 4 Styles of 1940's Shoes for Women [print this page] 4 Styles of 1940's Shoes for Women 4 Styles of 1940's Shoes for Women
Only two decades before the 1940's shoes started to be made in factories- thus lowering the prices, improving quality, and making "fashion" easier to follow. However when the second world war started in the early 1940's shoes became very difficult and expensive to buy. What resulted were shoes that have become "classic" in style. Simple. Sturdy. Affordable.
1. Mary Jane. Low heeled black or brown Mary Jane style shoes were in everyone woman's closet. This style with a single strap across the foot and chunky heel had been common for several decades. It was a solid desgn, comfortable, and easy to make. What sets a 1940's Mary Jane shoes apart from other decades was the material. Leather was in short supply during the war so shoes were made of any available fabric, mesh or reptile skin!
2. Oxfords. Oxford shoes for women with the two toned black and white or brown and white design are a symbol of the 1950's. However they actually were equally popular in the 1940's among the younger girls and ladies. Heels were usually low and somewhat "manly" looking. Worn with a cute pair of white socks these shoes were ideal for everyday casual wear. Later in the 40's the heels grew taller and the shape turned classier as older women were adopting the style.
3. Wedgies or just Wedge. Wedgies were one way women could add extra height without wearing a "heeled" shoe. The shoe soles were made of cork and they arched up to give lift to the heel without creating a gap in the sole. They continue to be popular in fashion today, especially in the summer months.
4. Peep Toe. By the late 1940's all conservatism from the war was gone. Shoe heels grew taller, leather became the primary material, and toes began to "peep" through. The peep toe style shoe is by far the most popular 1940's shoe today. Perhaps because they were first associated with "naughty" pin up girls. The term "pumps" was also becoming common place as a way to describe 3 inch heel shoes with no strap and either a closed toe or peep toe.
