Women’s Shoes in the 1950s: A Simple Guide to Classic 1950s Shoe Styles
Fashion in the 1950s was all about bright colors, pretty dresses, and fashionable hair. But shoes were much simpler. Most women wore occupant shoes that were plain and one color only, and matched their outfit. Even though they were simple, the 1950s women’s shoe styles had many shapes and choices. From high heels to flats, each woman was able to find a pair of shoes that suited her everyday life.
Why 1950s Shoes Looked Simple
Clothes in the 50s were BIG skirts, bold prints, and fancy details. Because of this, shoes remained calm and classic. Black, brown, navy, or white was the color choice for most women’s day shoes. These colors matched purses, belts, gloves, and even jewelry. For summer or parties, shoes were in brighter colors such as red, yellow, blue, and pink.
Trending Fashion of Women’s Shoes in the 1950s
Pumps and Heels
Heels were one of the fashions of women 1950s shoes. These were in leather, suede, or soft fabric. Some had smooth toes while others had rounded or pointed toes.
Most heels were from one to three inches tall. The highest style was the stiletto heel. It was thin and very high and very stylish. Women wore stilettos to go to dances, dinners, and special parties. Red stilettos were a favorite as they took on a bold and fancy appearance. Some heels had small bows on them or diminutive adornments to make them look special.
Kitten heels were another option. These heels were short and easy to walk in. Women wore Kitten heels when at work, shopping, or meeting friends. Black and kitten heels were a must-have since they went with almost everything.
Strappy Heels and Evening Shoes
For the fancy nights out, many women wore thin strappy heels. These shoes featured minute straps across the toes or at the ankles. Some of these had T-straps, slingbacks, or were exchanged for shiny buckles. Evening heels were frequently gold, silver, black, or clear plastic. These shoes were soft-looking and light, so it seemed as if they floated when the woman walked.
Mules were also popular for the home or to use on special evenings. Mules had open backs and slipped on easily. Some were adorned with glitter, beads, or little bows.
Flats and Ballet Shoes
Fashion in the 1950s was all about bright colors, pretty dresses, and fashionable hair. But shoes were much simpler. Most women wore plain, one-color occupant shoes that matched their outfits. Even though they were simple, the 1950s women’s shoe styles had many shapes and choices. From high heels to flats, each woman was able to find a pair of shoes that suited her everyday life.
Why 1950s Shoes Looked Simple
Clothes in the 50s were BIG skirts, bold prints, and fancy details. Because of this, shoes remained calm and classic. Black, brown, navy, or white was the color choice for most women’s day shoes. These colors matched purses, belts, gloves, and even jewelry. For summer or parties, shoes were in brighter colors such as red, yellow, blue, and pink.
Pumps and Heels
Heels were a fashion of the 1950s. These were in leather, suede, or soft fabric. Some had smooth toes while others had rounded or pointed toes.
Most heels were from one to three inches tall. The highest style was the stiletto heel. It was thin and very high and very stylish. Women wore stilettos to go to dances, dinners, and special parties. Red stilettos were a favorite as they took on a bold and fancy appearance. Some heels had small bows on them or diminutive adornments to make them look special.
Kitten heels were another option. These heels were short and easy to walk in. Women wore Kitten heels when at work, shopping, or meeting friends. Black and kitten heels were a must-have since they almost went with everything.
Strappy Heels and Evening Shoes
For the fancy nights out, many women wore thin strappy heels. These shoes featured minute straps across the toes or at the ankles. Some of these had T-straps, slingbacks, or were exchanged for shiny buckles. Evening heels were frequently gold, silver, black, or clear plastic. These shoes were soft-looking and light, so they seemed as if they floated when the woman walked.
Mules were also popular for the home or to use on special evenings. Mules had open backs and slipped on easily. Some were adorned with glitter, beads, or little bows.
Saddle Shoes
Saddle shoes were one of the most famous shoe styles in the 1950s, particularly for teen girls. These shoes had the black “saddle” shape across the middle and white leather everywhere else. Girls wore them with short bobbies, which were folded down. Saddle shoes had to be kept very clean and, as such, girls polished them often.
White “bucks” were another teen shoe. These shoes were brightly colored, white, and came with a chalk bag to keep them spotless.
Loafers
Loafers were the most casual women’s shoes. These slipped on easily and were brown, black, white, and many bright colors. Some of the loafers were shiny while others were soft leather. Teens and college girls wore loafers worn with skirts, shorts, or capri pants. They did not require stockings, making them the perfect warm-weather shoe.
Sneakers and Sport Shoes
Sneakers in the 1950s resembled basic Keds or a basic tennis shoe. They came in white, blue, red, or tan colors. Women wore them for the gym, sports, or casual days. By the end of the decade, sneakers were more colorful and fun to wear with everyday outfits.
Winter Shoes and Boots
In rainy weather, women put rubber covers that fit over normal shoes. These covers kept their heels dry, and they lasted for years. In the snow, women wore warm boots with basic forms and low heels.
Why 1950s Shoes Are Still Important Today
Many people still loved women’s shoes in the 1950s as they were clean, simple, and easy to wear. Heels, flats, wedges, and saddle shoes can still be found in shops today. The classic forms go with contemporary outfits but continue to have a vintage feel.
If you prefer a contemporary retro look, a pair of black kitten heels, red pumps, or cute ballet flats can pull the whole 50s look together.