30 "Somethings"

The Great Depression beginning with the Wall Street Crash of October 1929 was to effect millions of people throughout the Western world for a decade. In the days and months that followed that fateful day, The stock market crash ensuing economic depression turned the country into a nation of "haves" and "have-nots." Hitler was coming to power in Europe, interest in communism was on the rise, and cynicism about the future was common. Regardless, just about anyone could afford to go to the new talking movies, and stars such as Jean Harlow, Greta Garbo, Fred Astaire, and the Marx Brothers provided a respite from the dreariness.

The thirties was a time of many new shoe styles. Shapes varied. For some, shoes became dressier and more sophisticated looking. Different heights of heel and shapes of toes were introduced. The strappy open toed sandal became a basic style during the decade. Although leading fashion magazines of the 30's declared fussy open- toed shoes to be in bad taste when worn with tailored clothes. open- toed and sling back shoes became even more popular and the styles more frivolous, some with platform soles and wedge heels. Mostly, the designs remained practical, and maybe even a little “clumpy”.

Designers began to experiment with shoe fashion. Platform shoes made their first 20th century appearance in the late 1930s. Created by designers such as Salvatore Ferragamo and André Perugia, these platforms were created from wood, cork and other materials, due to a shortage of leather and a war ban on rubber. Shoes were also cut higher in the vamp, making them look "chubbier." Sandals were increasingly popular, reflected in strappy evening shoes with open toes revealing sheer, silk hose. Men were beginning to wear more spectator loafers and fewer boots. Women, seeking sensible, low-heeled footwear, mimicked the look. 

Women's Shoes in The Thirties 
The new tailored suit, which was fashionable for women’s daywear, required new, more business like shoes. Heels became lower, broader, and more angular. Suede was accepted for use on sensible walking shoes. The new fad

Men's Shoes in The Thirties 
Men’s shoes were sombre during the depression. Brown became increasingly popular, and even spectators or co-respondents were done in brown and tans. These two-toned Brogues reached their height of popularity during the 1930’s, possibly because they were a favourite style of the tap-dancing movie star Fred Astaire. Boots had disappeared completely from men’s wear, except for labour. Brogues were considered the shoe to be worn by the respectable gentleman. Loafers made their first appearance in this decade as a fashionable style, and they have been with us ever since. 

The depression demanded conservative, long-wearing choices in clothing, and footwear followed the same trend. Colours were sombre, with blacks, maroon, browns, and navy being favoured by both men and women. Sneakers came into fashion, and proved to be hard wearing – ideal for the economic hard times. The silks and kid that dominated women’s evening shoes early in the decade were soon replaced by the more practical leather and suede

The History of Shoes: Superstition

Shoes - good luck

Actors are very superstitious and take great solice from the sound of sqeeking shoes provided it on his first entrance. They also believe good luck will result if discarded shoes fall flat on their soles. Dressing has many superstitions and custom dictates the right shoe should be put on first and removed before the left shoe otherwise bad luck.