20's Toe Cap Oxford Shoes
Mens shoes of the 1920′s and 1930′s didn’t change to much from previous decades. Black and brown laced oxfords as well as fitted boots continued to be popular. Boots gradually wore off in favor of slightly more flamboyant designs. Some low footwear started to show some brogue.* In the summer when men wore light colored linen suits it was very fashionable to wear light colored oxfords as well. Gatsby was the prime example of a fashionable man in the 1920′s. It was more important that men wore the right color of shoes with their suit then what style they were.
1920's Brogue Shoe
* Brogue shoes are also know as co-respondent in Britain. They feature toe caps with points on the top that come in a variety of lengths. The wingtip is the most formal. Semi-, quarter and long wing are other varieties. The defining characteristic of brogue shoes were the small perforated holes that decorated the seams and toe caps. Brogue detail was common on not just mens shoes but ladies oxfords and heeled shoes too.
1930's Wingtip Shoes Ad
1920's Two Toned Shoes
American men experienced a bit more freedom with fashion then the British but it was the Price of Wales and his love of golf that opened up the world to more sporty, relaxed, fashions. Even if you were not playing a sport it was still highly fashionable to dress like you were. The two tone brogue with fringe or shawl tongues became mens favorite footwear of the decade. Almost every man wore these for day or formal occasions.
1930's Two Toned Loafers
1930's Keds Casual Shoes
In the 1930’s casual mens shoes were introduced. The moccasin or loafer shoe for cool weather and the sandal for summer time became fashionable. Two toned patterns of brown and white or black and white moved from the stiff oxford and brogue to the casual sport shoes.
Rubber soled shoes, such as Keds, came about stronly in the 1930′s as well. These casual shoes had a sporty look with a casual and comfortable feel. Keds came in all sorts of solid and two tone color combination. Amazingly 1930′s Ked’s don’t look much different than men’s Keds today.
1930's Mens Moccasin Loafer shoe to the softer sporting shoes.
The 1940’s didn’t offer much change in shoe fashion for men. In the early 40’s most men were serving in the war and wore military issued boots. Men at home continued wearing lace up oxfords in black and brown. Due to the restrictions during the war shoes were kept longer, repairing as necessary. The same shoes from the 30’s could have been worn for the duration of the 40’s if well taken care of.
Check out these great choices for 1920′s and 1930′s vintage inspried Mens Shoes:
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