The Roaring 20's

The 1920s were one of the most tumultuous periods of this century. woman legs became more of an asset than ever before. Stockings and shoes were now very important, hemlines had risen. With the Great War behind them, people found themselves swept away on a tide of change. Some reveled in it, some hated it, but the 20th century had truly begun,  Who can forget the precocious, carelessly fashionable flapper, flaunting her short hair, short skirts, and fabulously risqué shoes? a Basic styles were lace-ups or court shoes with slightly pointed toes and medium and high heels either Louis shaped or straight cut. Shoes with a single or T-strap fastening across the foot were also very popular, and these are considered characteristic of the 1920's, people had money. What better than to spend it on shoes? It was time to live it up!

Women, celebrating such liberties as the right to vote in 1920, were now more daring than ever before. It was considered fun to smoke, visit speakeasies, wear makeup, swear, and otherwise shock conventional thinkers. When skirt lengths shortened at the end of the war, there was a sudden interest in what was on the feet. Decoration was added to all shoes. Buckles are the favorite, but by 1920, feathers, rosettes, fur, velvet ribbons, lace and embroidery were all used to add interest below the ankles. By the end of the decade, buckles were only a functional detail.

Mass production and the development of affordable synthetic fabrics granted everyone access to beautiful clothing and shoes. The foot became a focal point of fashion. Shoe styles were influenced by crazes like the Charleston, Bar shoes became very popular with women, and were the most popular style of the decade. a dance that demanded a securely fastened shoe with a low heel and closed toe. A single-bar pump with a pointed toe, high-waisted heel, and one tiny covered button was the most common style. High-tongued, cutaway-decorated, crossover, and t-straps were other popular elements. 

The heel throughout the twenties remained at a steady two inches. The Cuban heel was still the most popular, though the Louis heelLouis heel also continued. In 1925, a more slender version of the Louis heel appeared, and in 1931, became known as the Spanish heel.

Leather was still the material of choice for men’s and women’s footwear.  A new soling material came into use for children’s shoes in 1924, and entered the fashion scene for women in the next year. By 1925, there was a great increase in the amount of reptile leathers used, especially snake and lizard. Because of the high price, these were generally reserved for trims. Suede made a short appearance in 1924-5, but then fell out of favor. 

Both men and women had a greater choice of colors. Black and white or tan with white co-respondent shoes appear, and these two toned oxfords were adopted by women. Women began to adopt colors such as red, blue and even gold. Beadwork, embossed leather, sequins and embroidered fabrics all had their vogue in the roaring twenties. By the end of the decade, shoes were lighter, the shaping was more delicate, and there were infinite varieties of colors and fabrics.

The History of Shoes: Superstition

Shoes - bad luck

Shoes placed on a table are thought to be a bad omen and either a quarrel in the house, or a storm of thunder and lightening will come. Leaving shoes in the shape of the cross is also considered bad luck. To break break the run another person must pick the shoes up. Another common belief concerns beetles and shoes. It is bad luck if a beetle crawls out of your shoe and when a beetle crawls over your shoe it foretells death. Placing your left foot on the ground first thing in the morning is a bad omen. It is unlucky to put the left shoe on first. Dressing the left foot first is bad luck with one exception and that is dressing the left foot unintentionally on a Friday morning, otherwise you are sure to have a quarrel. Walking around with one shoe on and the other off will bring bad luck for a year. Putting shoes on the wrong feet will foretell and accident to the feet. Never place shoes higher than your head or keep shoes under the bed for both are bad luck. Slippers and shoes should never be put on the bed for the same reason. Tying shoes together and hanging them on a nail is bad luck. Shoes as a gift on Christmas Day is considered bad luck.