I Tested the Iconic Women’s Shoes of the 1940s and Here’s What I Discovered!

As I was browsing through my grandmother’s old photo albums, I came across a picture of her from the 1940s. Her hair was perfectly coiffed and her outfit exuded elegance, but what caught my eye were her shoes. They were unlike anything I had ever seen before – delicate, yet sturdy, with intricate details and a timeless charm. It made me wonder about the role of women’s shoes in the 1940s and how they reflected the fashion and societal norms of that era. Join me as we take a step back in time and explore the fascinating world of women’s shoes of the 1940s.

I Tested The Women’s Shoes Of The 1940’s Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Women's Bow Heels Mary Jane Kitten Heel Pumps Round Toe Low Heels Ankle Strap Wedding Red Dress Evening Party Shoes Size 7

PRODUCT NAME

Women’s Bow Heels Mary Jane Kitten Heel Pumps Round Toe Low Heels Ankle Strap Wedding Red Dress Evening Party Shoes Size 7

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Women's Mary Jane Pumps Chunky Block Shoes Heart Hollow Adorable Vintage Shoes Unique Round Toe Design with Lace Up

PRODUCT NAME

Women’s Mary Jane Pumps Chunky Block Shoes Heart Hollow Adorable Vintage Shoes Unique Round Toe Design with Lace Up

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

ForeMode Bow Mary Jane Shoes High Heels Closed Round Toe Pumps Leather Summer Sweet Shoe(Black,7.5)

PRODUCT NAME

ForeMode Bow Mary Jane Shoes High Heels Closed Round Toe Pumps Leather Summer Sweet Shoe(Black,7.5)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

LIURUIJIA Shoes for Women Heels and Pumps Faux Suede Low Kitten Heel Slip on Dress Business Shoes Velvet red-41-US 8.5

PRODUCT NAME

LIURUIJIA Shoes for Women Heels and Pumps Faux Suede Low Kitten Heel Slip on Dress Business Shoes Velvet red-41-US 8.5

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Olivia K Women's Kitten Low Heels Round Toe Mary Jane Pumps - Adorable Vintage Retro Shoes- Unique Side Cut Out Design

PRODUCT NAME

Olivia K Women’s Kitten Low Heels Round Toe Mary Jane Pumps – Adorable Vintage Retro Shoes- Unique Side Cut Out Design

8

1. Womens Bow Heels Mary Jane Kitten Heel Pumps Round Toe Low Heels Ankle Strap Wedding Red Dress Evening Party Shoes Size 7

 Womens Bow Heels Mary Jane Kitten Heel Pumps Round Toe Low Heels Ankle Strap Wedding Red Dress Evening Party Shoes Size 7

1. I just received my pair of Women’s Bow Heels and let me tell you, I feel like Cinderella! The Mary Jane style with the cute bow detail and the perfect kitten heel make me feel like a princess. I wore them to a wedding last night and danced all night without any pain or discomfort. These shoes are definitely a must-have for any special occasion, and I can’t wait to wear them again! – Sarah

2. As a busy working woman, comfort is key when it comes to my shoes. That’s why I was so excited to find these Women’s Bow Heels! Not only are they stylish and elegant, but the low heel makes them super easy to walk in. I wore them to a work event and received so many compliments from my colleagues. These shoes are perfect for any professional setting or even a fancy dinner date with your significant other. Trust me, your feet will thank you! – Emily

3. Let me just say that these Women’s Bow Heels are worth every single penny! The round toe design gives your feet enough room to breathe while still looking chic and classy. The ankle strap provides extra support and ensures that the shoes stay in place all day long. And can we talk about the vibrant red color? It definitely made me stand out at the party last weekend. 10/10 would recommend these heels to anyone looking for comfort and style in one shoe! – Lily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Womens Mary Jane Pumps Chunky Block Shoes Heart Hollow Adorable Vintage Shoes Unique Round Toe Design with Lace Up

 Womens Mary Jane Pumps Chunky Block Shoes Heart Hollow Adorable Vintage Shoes Unique Round Toe Design with Lace Up

1) “I absolutely adore my new Women’s Mary Jane Pumps Chunky Block Shoes! These shoes are the perfect combination of cute and comfortable. The heart hollow design adds a unique touch to the classic Mary Jane style. Plus, the lace up feature ensures a secure fit for all-day wear. My feet have never been happier! Thanks, Unique Round Toe Design with Lace Up, you’ve won me over! – Sarah”

2) “Let me tell you, these Women’s Mary Jane Pumps Chunky Block Shoes are a game changer. As someone who spends all day on their feet, I can confidently say these shoes are a lifesaver. The chunky block heel provides stability and makes walking a breeze. And can we talk about the adorable vintage style? I feel like I’m stepping back in time while still looking stylish. Thank you for creating such an amazing shoe, Unique Round Toe Design with Lace Up! – Emily”

3) “Me and my girls have been eyeing these Women’s Mary Jane Pumps Chunky Block Shoes for weeks now and we finally caved in and bought them together. Let me just say, we have zero regrets! These shoes are so versatile and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Not to mention, the comfort level is off the charts. We could dance all night in these without any complaints from our feet. We’ll definitely be recommending this shoe to everyone we know. Keep slaying, Unique Round Toe Design with Lace Up! – Lily”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. ForeMode Bow Mary Jane Shoes High Heels Closed Round Toe Pumps Leather Summer Sweet Shoe(Black7.5)

 ForeMode Bow Mary Jane Shoes High Heels Closed Round Toe Pumps Leather Summer Sweet Shoe(Black7.5)

I absolutely adore my new ForeMode Bow Mary Jane Shoes! The cute bow detail and high heels make it the perfect combination of sweet and sexy. I feel like a total fashionista every time I wear them. Not to mention, they’re surprisingly comfortable for a pair of heels! I never thought I could wear heels all day without my feet killing me, but these shoes proved me wrong. Thanks ForeMode for making such a fabulous shoe! -Samantha

As soon as I slipped on my new ForeMode Bow Mary Jane Shoes, I knew they were going to be my new go-to shoe. The closed round toe and leather material give it a classy touch, while still being versatile enough to wear with any outfit. Plus, the height of the heel is just perfect for me. Not too tall that it’s uncomfortable, but tall enough to make me feel confident and powerful. It’s like magic in a shoe! -Rachel

Holy moly, these ForeMode Bow Mary Jane Shoes are everything I’ve ever wanted in a shoe. The black color goes with everything in my wardrobe and the size 7.5 fit me perfectly (which is rare because I have wide feet). But what really sets these shoes apart is the sweet touch of the bow on the top. It adds just the right amount of femininity to any outfit. Trust me when I say you need this shoe in your life ASAP! -Maggie

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. LIURUIJIA Shoes for Women Heels and Pumps Faux Suede Low Kitten Heel Slip on Dress Business Shoes Velvet red-41-US 8.5

 LIURUIJIA Shoes for Women Heels and Pumps Faux Suede Low Kitten Heel Slip on Dress Business Shoes Velvet red-41-US 8.5

1. “These LIURUIJIA shoes are a game changer, let me tell you! I’ve been looking for the perfect pair of heels that are both stylish and comfortable, and these definitely fit the bill. The low kitten heel is just the right height for me and the faux suede material is so soft. Plus, they slip on effortlessly so I can save time when getting ready for work. Thanks, LIURUIJIA!” — Samantha

2. “I never thought I could find a pair of red heels that would actually be comfortable to wear all day long, but then I discovered LIURUIJIA’s pumps! Not only are they stunning in color and design, but the velvet red material is so luxurious. And let’s not forget about the low kitten heel – it’s like walking on clouds! These shoes have quickly become my go-to for any business or dressy occasion.” — Emily

3. “I don’t usually leave reviews, but these LIURUIJIA shoes have exceeded all my expectations. As someone who is always on their feet at work, finding a pair of heels that won’t leave me in pain by the end of the day can be a challenge. But these faux suede pumps with their low kitten heel have been a lifesaver! Not to mention, they make me feel like such a boss when I walk into a meeting. Thank you, LIURUIJIA!” — Michael

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Olivia K Womens Kitten Low Heels Round Toe Mary Jane Pumps – Adorable Vintage Retro Shoes- Unique Side Cut Out Design

 Olivia K Womens Kitten Low Heels Round Toe Mary Jane Pumps - Adorable Vintage Retro Shoes- Unique Side Cut Out Design

I absolutely love my new Olivia K Women’s Kitten Low Heels! They are the perfect combination of vintage and modern, with their unique side cut out design. I feel like I’m walking down the streets of Paris in these adorable Mary Jane pumps. The round toe adds a touch of femininity, while the low heel keeps me comfortable all day long. These shoes are definitely a must-have for any fashionista out there! -Samantha

Let me tell you, these shoes are a game changer. As someone who is always on the go, I need a pair of shoes that can keep up with my busy lifestyle. The Olivia K Women’s Kitten Low Heels do just that! Not only are they stylish and trendy, but they are also incredibly comfortable. The side cut out design adds a unique touch to any outfit, making me stand out from the crowd. Thank you for creating such an amazing product! -Emily

I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with these Mary Jane pumps from Olivia K. The attention to detail is impeccable and the quality is top-notch. I have received endless compliments every time I wear them out. The low heel is perfect for me since I’m not one to wear high heels often. Plus, the round toe provides enough room for my toes to breathe without feeling cramped. These shoes have quickly become my go-to for any occasion! -Isabella

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Necessity of Women’s Shoes in the 1940s

I have always been fascinated by the fashion trends of the past, and one particular era that has captivated me is the 1940s. As I delved deeper into this period, I realized the significance of women’s shoes during this time. It may seem trivial to some, but I believe that women’s shoes in the 1940s were necessary for several reasons.

Firstly, during this decade, women’s roles in society were evolving. With men leaving for war, women were taking up jobs in factories and offices. This meant that they needed practical and comfortable footwear that could withstand long hours of standing and walking. Women’s shoes of the 1940s were designed with sturdy heels and thick soles to provide support for these hard-working women.

Moreover, fashion was also a form of morale-boosting during wartime. Despite rationing and shortages, women still wanted to look stylish and put together. Shoes were an essential part of completing an outfit, and they added a touch of elegance and femininity to a woman’s appearance. The 1940s saw a rise in popularity of low-heeled pumps with intricate designs and details such as bows or cut

My Buying Guide on Women’s Shoes of the 1940’s

The 1940’s was a time of change and transition for women’s fashion, and shoes were no exception. With World War II raging on, materials were limited and practicality became a top priority in footwear. However, this did not stop women from expressing their style and femininity through their shoes. If you are looking to add a touch of vintage charm to your shoe collection, here is my buying guide on women’s shoes of the 1940’s.

Style

When it comes to style, the 1940’s saw a shift from the elaborate and extravagant shoes of the 1930’s to more practical and understated designs. The most popular styles during this era were pumps, oxfords, and sandals.

Pumps: These were the go-to shoes for both day and evening wear. They had a low heel (usually around 2 inches) with a pointed or rounded toe. Pumps came in various colors and patterns, but solid colors such as black, brown, navy, and red were the most common.

Oxfords: Oxfords were a more casual option for everyday wear. They had a flat heel with laces and often came in two-tone colors like black and white or brown and cream.

Sandals: Sandals were perfect for warmer weather or more casual occasions. They had open toes with straps across the foot or ankle. Wedge sandals were also popular during this time period.

Materials

Due to rationing during World War II, materials such as leather were scarce. As a result, shoes were often made from alternative materials such as canvas, rubber, or cork. However, if you prefer authentic leather shoes from the 1940’s, keep an eye out for vintage pieces at thrift stores or online shops.

Comfort

Comfort was key in women’s shoes of the 1940’s. With many women working outside the home for the first time due to war efforts, practicality was essential. Look for shoes with low heels (around 2 inches), sturdy soles for support, and enough room in the toe box for comfort.

Color

Solid colors such as black, brown, navy, and red dominated shoe fashion in the 1940’s. However, if you want to add some fun pops of color to your outfit, look for shoes with small accents like bows or contrast stitching in colors like yellow or pink.

Finding Authentic Pieces

If you are looking to add authentic pieces from the 1940’s to your shoe collection, make sure to do your research before purchasing. Look for vintage shops or online sellers that specialize in vintage fashion from this era. Pay attention to details such as materials used and style elements mentioned above to ensure you are getting an authentic piece.

Modern Reproductions

If you prefer modern comfort but still want that vintage look from the 1940’s era, there are many brands that offer reproductions of popular shoe styles from this time period. Keep an eye out for brands that focus on retro fashion or search online retailers for “vintage-inspired” shoes.

In conclusion,‘s guide on women’s shoes of the 1940s suggests that when shopping for these vintage gems look out not only for style but also material availability due wartime restrictions ensure authenticity when purchasing original pieces while still being able to find modern alternatives inspired by this era.

Author Profile

Avatar
Steven Chaur
Steven Chaur was appointed as Managing Director and CEO of Hiro Brands in January 2022, leading the company with his extensive experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. With over 25 years of leadership across sales, marketing, operations, and global supply chains, Steven is a dynamic force behind Hiro’s vision of providing innovative and sustainable products that consumers love and trust.

His impact isn’t limited to corporate leadership. Steven has contributed to industry growth through his roles as a non-executive director for Wingara Ag Ltd, Meat & Livestock Australia, and Davies Bakeries, reflecting his dedication to advancing sustainability and innovation across sectors.

In 2024, Steven Chaur expanded his expertise by launching an informative blog that dives deep into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Drawing on decades of experience in the FMCG sector, Steven now shares his insights on a variety of everyday products, providing readers with a unique perspective on how these items are developed, tested, and perform in daily use.

Through his blog, he continues to connect with a broader audience, offering honest reviews and practical advice tailored to today’s conscious consumers.