THE 1950S

WOMEN

 

• Pumps: In the 1950s, stiletto heeled shoes became very popular. Some heels had small metal caps on that left dents on  floors, which caused some museums and court houses to prohibit stiletto shoes.

 

• When most women of the 1950s realized that high heeled shoes were very uncomfortable, they started to accept lower heels. They still wanted thin heels, so kitten heeled shoes became quite popular. These were easier for women to walk in, but still classy and elegant.

 

• Sandals: Unlike the those from the 1940s, sandals from the 1950s were much “sexier”. They exposed much more of the feet, especially toes, and the straps became very thin. Most day sandals had chunky heels and a medium thick strap around the ankle called a slingback. Slingbacks assured the women that their feet would not slip out of their shoes.

 

• Saddle shoes: These types of shoes were mostly worn by teenagers and housewives. Black and white ones, or oxfords were most worn with poodle skirts with bobby socks (white socks folded down 3 times). White ones (white nubucks “bucks”) were also popular among teens. They had to be kept perfectly white all the time. Small “bunny bags” were included with these shoes, so that girls could powder their shoes on breaks.

 

• Loafers: Loafers were the most casual shoes for women to wear. They were one of the staple pieces in women’s closets. They were perfect - comfortable, durable and stylish. For penny loafers, which had slits near the tongue of the shoes, brown and white were the most popular. For other kinds of loafers, there were many different colors and many different materials to choose from.