Buying vintage shoes to wear is a nearly impossible task. Not only are they few and far between in their existence, those that are around tend to run to lilliputian sizes. I’ve been told by some that during the 1940′s and 1950′s, women’s shoes were only commercially manufactured up to a size 6, but one of my trusted and knowledgeable sources tells me that the reason for there scarcity is that those of us of average modern size have just worn them all out! (See comments). This doesn’t leave much room for the majority of the population now days. As a rule all the vintage shoes I come across are both tiny in length and so narrow that I would possibly have to hack of half a foot to get anywhere near to fitting them. I thought that perhaps the examples I was finding were unusual, but after seeing the footprints of Doris Day and her contemporaries at Mann’s Chinese theater, I can tell you that these women were of entirely different dimension to what we are today. ( I will perhaps devote another post to that topic on another occasion).
So when it came to sourcing vintage or vintage looking shoes for a fashion show I am involved in next week, I was a little lost. If you are looking for fun, flirty pin up style options, the choices are many and varied. But seeking out your more sensible, grown up day wear or cocktail shoes is another kettle of fish. All my usual resources are entirely useless in that department, so I had to think divergently to come up with a solution. And because you dear readers, are so loyal and clued in to be reading these pages I’ll let you in on my secret.
You’ve seen me seek out shoes in an orthopedic / Nana shop before with success, now I head into suburban wedding and debutant footwear shops for the last word in “retro”. It works like this; seek out the discount shoe stores in outer suburban areas. Generally you will find a range of shoes that run from the skanky to the old fashioned and nothing good in between. But these stores have their place, and are just perfect for finding styles that were fashionable a good fifty plus years ago. It was here amongst the pearlised debutant shoes and sensible Nana heels that I found exactly what I was looking for. Almond toed court shoes with a mid heel, no super fancy detailing and a vintage look that will work for both day and evening wear. While they are not 100% period accurate, they are a close approximation. Close enough that the overall feel of the outfits when paired with these, should pass muster.
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A size six in what country? Because if it’s the US, that’s completely incorrect.
Miss Tayva: No, I’m referring to here in Australia, not the US. I can’t categorically confirm that this is true, but it is what I have been told by some fashion historians.
I go to dance shops for shoes with a vintage feel. The Mary Janes or T-bars look very good with vintage outfits. If it all fails, I am not opposed to a bit of a shoe clash so you can often find me wearing crazy modern heels with a vintage outfit.
I agree about the nana shoes though, I have a few pairs and they are very comfy and totally outdated and vintage looking!
x
I have to contradict your source on the shoes: vintage gloves (which were made in the same sizes as shoes) commonly go up to a 7 and a half, so therefore the shoes must be that size too.
Also, catalogues from the ’50s and ’60s offer shoes in sizes up to an 8. I have found vintage shoes larger than that – one lady I know was a 10 back in the day and she said that she had trouble getting shoes that size, but didn’t have to get her (40s and ’50s) shoes custom, she could still buy them off the rack.
I suspect the problem is because the modern wearer is larger and so we’ve progressively worn out the larger sized shoes – they’re still out there, just not as plentiful. At Circa we have at least six pairs of shoes over a size 8, including three 10s (from the lady mentioned above).
Nicole: I should have know you’d know the answer to that dilemma. I think you’re correct about the reason for the scarcity of the sizes now days. I’m fascinated by the correlation of glove and shoe sizes, I’ve never heard that before but it makes sense. I’d love to browse some good old shoes catalogues, it would make for some envious reading.
Hello!
I only just started reading your blog and absolutely love it!
Your latest post reminded me of my great-grandmother Anna: Born in Germany in 1908 her feet were a European size 43 (that’s a UK 8.5, not sure about Australia/US). Not being very wealthy she could not have her shoes custom made and had to wear men’s shoes all her adult life and on old family photographs she is always the one wearing nice shiny brogues…
I also like dance shoes for their vintagey feel, particularly tango shoes!
x
I usually do as Mademoiselle Robot does, clash modern with vintage simply because, as a UK sz 7, I have to! It’s ok though, I don’t mind so much, I’ll either find t-bars or sling backs, or, given the current craze for weird and wacky heels, throw caution to the wind! I’ll still be the most original and unique person in the room
M
x
I have found that with vintage the same as with modern shoes the mid-range of sizes 37, 38 (European sizes) are quite well catered for. The little size 35 and 36′s like myself and my sister are left languishing!
My feet are TEENY…size 5, or 6 at most and I can NEVER find nice shoes in my size. Glad to see I may have to start looking at vintage ones.
Why is that the shoes were so small back then? People make fun of my small feet ALL THE TIME (meanies), I would have loved to have lived when small feet was the norm and not some horrible affliction…
Oh and I’m size 5-6 US (or 35 EU)- also, I despise the fact I have to do math now on your blog, lol
Wanderlusting: My best friend has tiny feet too and loves the fact that she can buy cute cheap shoes in China town where the average sizes are much smaller. Give that a try. Oh and sorry about the maths. It has been the most reliable anti spam method yet and I’d hate to have your comments get lost in the plethora of spam!
Floraposte: And here I always come across things in a 35, 36 and can’t find 39′s for the life of me!
Miz and MR: In my day to day wear I do the same mix and match trick. But when it comes to accurate re-creation looks it is so much harder. You are right though, some of those dance shops have the perfect solution for 1930′s evening wear looks.
Ulrike: Welcome! That is a great story, I’d love to see a photo of your Great Nana in her shiny shoes. Let us know if you ever put one on Flickr.
http://www.tictactoes.com/
Dance shoes and dress shoes that are all really comfortable! I have a pair of the ‘Meg’ dress shoes and they are very old school, shape wise, and soooo comfy. Made in the USA though, so I don’t know how much it costs for shipping out to you.
Love the site!
Amanda
Hello, I’m a UK 38 and I can still fins 40′s shoes, it’ a matter of how much you are willing to pay as the larger sizes do attract a more expensive price.
Miss Matilda: Is that in Australia or elsewhere in the world? I’m loath to buy vintage shoes online as it is so much more of a gamble than something new that is easy to on sell if it doesn’t fit.
You’re definately right about vintage shoes being narrow. I have trouble finding modern shoes wide enough (in the UK) today, let alone vintage.
the retro style of the 80s also gave me pointy toes, but never say die!
I always use dance shoes too. I buy taps shoes and ask the shop assistant totake the “taps” off – as this is the closes approximation of 1920′s shoes that I can fined (especially if you buy satiny ones). And they are so cheap – I live in London and there is nowhere but dance shops that you could get a pair of vintage style shoes for less than £20!
This website (ww.jigwalk.com) also has nice vintage style shoes, apparently made after original patterns. On the expensive side, but perhaps worth it if you find a pair you really love.
I have found that with vintage the same as with modern shoes the mid-range of sizes 37, 38 (European sizes) are quite well catered for. The little size 35 and 36’s like myself and my sister are left languishing!
I find that if I want the comfiest vintage looking shoes…”Homyped” or shoes of the like can be found at the Aussie chemists. The most fantastic part of all is that they are made for ladies in their senior years (I’m in my 20′s and no-one blinks an eye), so they are supportive, breathe well, well made and great quality(leather), and aren’t too high…so you can still throw yourself about swing dancing! Also I find that some of their styles look very much like “Remix Shoes”,oh AND at the end of every season they discount all pairs and you can pick them up for as little as $60! What’s not to love!
The shoes are just really great and exceptional, keep it up!