Vintage-style shoes have long since been popular at thrift stores and op shops in Australia, but in recent times, it seems like our love for them has gained renewed vigour.
Thanks to a combination of the cult of celebrity, social media influencers and the fashion industry as a whole becoming less rigid, you’ll find plenty of old-school footwear waiting to be picked up at bargain prices at pre-loved establishments all over the country
For this reason, seeking out a wide range of shoes, as well as clothes and accessories that were hugely popular back in the day, is a big trend at the moment. But which brands are back in vogue right now?
Below are 10 vintage shoe styles that are making a massive comeback. If you are after a retro look that pairs comfort with style, you can’t go wrong with any of these beauties.
Converse shoes have been a part of many people’s lives for several decades. Although the Converse Rubber Shoe Company has been around since 1908, their iconic lace-up, hi-top sneakers weren’t introduced until 1920.
They were particularly popular in the 1960s among basketball fans and players and became essential streetwear in the late 90s and early 2000s, when for some inexplicable reason, people drew on them with permanent markers.
Despite being around for over a century, the design of Converses has remained unchanged, to the point where it’s difficult to tell the difference between pairs made years ago or just last week, particularly if they have not worn out over time.
The One Star, Chuck 70 or Chuck Taylor All-Star are all popular at the moment, especially in classic colours like black and white.
Solovair (pronounced Sole-of-Air) have been crafting stunning hand-made boots and shoes in Northamptonshire, England since the 1950s. These classic and durable styles are designed to last the test of time and have a sophisticated look, featuring black soles and their signature grey stitch.
The history of the company is a fascinating one. Back in the 1880s, a cooperative company called the Northamptonshire Productive Society (NPS) was formed by a group of five men who resided in the village of Wollaston. This entity was created to bring regular income into the village, with Solovair becoming established because of it.
Impressively, they draw influence from 130 years of traditional tooling and craftsmanship methods, which they have combined with modern materials and state-of-the-art technology to create exceptional footwear.
You can check out Solovair boots here.
The Oxford is a classic unisex shoe style that tends to be associated with professional or formal wear. Although they were inspired by the Oxonian, which was a popular shoe style at Oxford University, they were considered a standard everyday shoe style in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Characterised by its closed lacing, the current form of these types of shoes we recognise at present was introduced sometime around the 1820s to 1840s. As a style, they were not limited to men or women, although men tended to wear low-heeled versions, while women wore more modest-heeled ones.
Oxfords have been a staple in many people’s wardrobes throughout the 20th century but have risen in prominence in recent years thanks to the likes of Julia Roberts, who wore it at the New York premiere of her new film ‘Gaslit’ in 2022.
Today, they are available in eye-catching, fine-art and two-tone colour wave patterns, though they largely remain true in terms of design from their early vintage of patent leather and richly dyed pieces.
Given their association with quality and excellent craftsmanship, a pair of Oxfords from an expert shoemaker will set you back hundreds of dollars. However, for men in particular, it is seen as a must-have in their shoe collection.
Most people assume the Dr Martens brand was born in the UK. While it is currently a British-owned brand, it was actually launched in Germany in 1947.
Over the years, the boots have been a favourite for many different subsets of society including postmen, factory workers, police officers, skinheads, punks, scooter riders and new-wave musicians.
Thanks to the likes of Bella Hadid and Gigi they have made a comeback for women’s fashion. Not least because they can be paired with everything from camp pants to stylish blazers. They are also much more comfortable to wear now than their original formats of yesteryear.
The 1920s and 1930s were a time of great creativity and innovation in shoe design, making them a huge source of inspiration for fashionistas.
From surreal and fantastical sculptural shoes, to high-end couture and more practical, everyday options, there are numerous shoe styles dating back to the Jazz Age that trendsetters and influencers still covet today.
The T-strap heel is one of the most iconic shoe designs from this period, which has garnered attention from their appearances in period TV dramas such as Peaky Blinders. This style is named for the way the straps wrap around the foot to form a T shape. They can be worn with a range of embellishments including dyes, fabrics and gems. Alternatively, they can be left understated and sleek in classic black patent leather.
While contemporary heels tend to be much taller than those that were won in the Jazz Age, the T-strap shoes today often hark back to this classic design, providing wearers a taste of the glamorous, timeless style of the past.
The FILA Disruptor II is a beloved 90s shoe for women that boasts a signature chunky rubber sole and a man-made upper. Comfortable, durable and athletic, it is the kind of show that makes you feel unstoppable.
The current models are bursting with throwback vibes and nostalgic style, featuring an embossed logo, fabric lining and unique eyebrow detailing which is sure to get you noticed.
Ne-Yo and Emily Ratajkowski are just two of the many celebrities who have been seen rocking this brand in recent times.
Although platforms, as we know them today, were first developed in the 1930s, they didn’t become a full-fledged fashion trend until the 1970s. Around this time, these shoes were created out of need, as the long length of the skirt and massive legs of the bell-bottom pants required substantially high heels to avoid dragging through mud and puddles.
Younger readers might not be aware of this, but platforms are fascinating because they were one of the last remaining trends in men’s high-heeled shoes, especially plaid platforms. Throughout the 1970s, everyone, including men and women, wore these iconic shoes.
They were particularly popular on the Glam Rock and Heavy Metal music scene, with the likes of Kiss, Elton John, Wizard, Slade and Queen sporting them. However, by the mid-1980s, they soon went out of vogue. That is, until alternative culture and Goths kept them alive in the 1990s and 2000.
Twenty years on, these shoes are now making a big comeback in the fashion scene, thanks in no small measure to the Emo and men’s 80s scene.
Given that a version of it was worn in Roman times, the Strappy Sandal is one of the most retro and vintage shoes out there! However, they have re-emerged in the spotlight over the last few years thanks to the likes of Kendall Jenner, Elle Fanning, Elsa Hosk and Gabrielle Union.
Minimalist and understated in design, this timeless shoe can take several variations. However, most have a barely-there frame of strap that elegantly shapes the feet and can even make your legs appear bigger.
Some of the best ones are made from deluxe Italian leather and have a padded memory foam sole and a square toe. The heel height also tends to be engineered to follow your foot’s natural curve to provide you with just the right amount of lift.
When you think of old-school glamour, an image of someone wearing a long gown with a pair of low-heeled shoes with straps across the upper part of the foot may come to mind.
This simple strapped style is better known as Mary Janes and according to American Duchess, the historic recreation shoe company, these styles have been around since the 16th century. However, the style wasn’t given its human-inspired name until 1904.
Interestingly, in the early 20th century, Mary Janes was primarily a children’s shoe. But by the 1910s and 1920s, trendsetters began wearing them to dance clubs and halls. Over the years, the block heel and higher arch gradually evolved into something flatter, longer and wider, reaching their peak in the 1960s.
Today, Mary Janes has made a comeback and is available in most shoe stores. At present, they are one of the most versatile of all retro shoe styles currently available as they can be dressed up or down.
When it comes to footwear, few things quite scream ‘fun’ as much as a pair of jelly shoes. Hailing from Paris, the shoe was originally produced by Méduse around 1946 and quickly became popular across Europe, especially with families.
However, they really rose to the fore when the French Company Jelly Shoes took them to the next level in the early 1980s. These comfy sandals were soon made in a range of sizes to fit everyone from small children to grandparents, and perhaps most crucially were available in a range of rainbow colours.
Today these types of shoes are made by various manufacturers to differing specs, with celebrities like Jennifer Lawerence sporting them. Back in the day, children and some adults used to decorate them with butterfly clips to enhance this appearance further. This trend is currently on the comeback trail too.
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