Women’s Vintage Shoes – 1940′s

Because of the war in the early 1940′s, shoes became very difficult and expensive to buy. The result were shoes that have become classic. Simple, sturdy, and affordable.

1. Mary Jane. Low heeled Mary Jane style shoes were a staple. A single strap across the foot and chunky heel had been common for several decades. It was a solid design, comfortable, and easy to make. Leather was rationed during the war so shoes were made of fabric, mesh etc.

2. Oxfords. Oxford shoes are a symbol of the 1950′s, but they were equally popular in the 1940′s. Heels were usually low and worn with white socks, making them ideal for everyday wear. Later in the decade the heels began to grow taller and the shape turned classier.

3. Wedgies. Wedgies were one way women could add height without wearing a heeled shoe. The soles were made of cork and gave lift to the heel without creating a gap in the sole. Still popular in fashion today, especially in the spring and summer.

4.  Peep Toe. By the late 1940′s all conservatism from the war was over. Shoe heels grew taller, leather became the primary material, and toes began to peep through. Peep toe shoes are the most popular 1940′s shoe today. The term “pumps” was also becoming common way to describe 3 inch heel shoes with no strap.

VTG 1940s Gatsby Burlesque Shoes Bead Black PEEP TOE PLATFORM Heels 50s Pin Up

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WWII GORGEOUS Brown Leather Platform Heels HANDMADE Sz 8 Peep Toe

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1940s WW2 VINTAGE Pin Up Peep Toe BLACK & WHITE Stripe Straw High Heel Shoes 8/9

$249.99
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Vintage 40s ALLIGATOR Lizard Peeptoe Slingback Heels Size 5.5 Pinup Swing WWII

$47.00
End Date: Saturday Jun-22-2013 11:16:27 PDT
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FAB Vtg. 1940'sPARADISE Pin Up Platform Peep Toe Shoes / Hollywood Glam !!!!!!

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1940s Vintage SEXY BLACK PEEP TOE PLEATED DETAIL PLATFORM GLAM HEELS SHOES

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TRUE VINTAGE PEEP TOE GLAM FUR/LEATHER/SATIN SEXY KITTEN SLIPPERS SIZE 7

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VINTAGE 1940'S GOLD LAME W/GORGEOUS FLOWER RHINESTONES PEEP TOE MULES PUMPS 8.5

$35.00 (1 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday May-29-2013 19:17:36 PDT
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VINTAGE WW II BLACK VELVET W/ MULTI COLOR VELVET FLOWER PEEP TOE MULES PUMPS 8

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ADORABLE LIGHT GRAY! Vintage 40s 50s peep toe babydoll heels 6-6.5 vlv pinup

$37.99
End Date: Monday May-27-2013 22:17:40 PDT
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A growing collection of shoes from the forties. Click on any photo for a larger view.