The 1940s in Shoes – Black Platforms (With Studs!?)

In my new endeavor to provide the costuming and vintage fashion world with the best of 1920s, 30s, and 40s footwear, I am constantly studying style trends of those decades.

Sometimes I’m surprised by what I find, thinking, “gosh, that looks so modern!” But what that really means in this crazy fashion world is, “gosh, modern looks so vintage!”

Take platform shoes, for example. What looks ’70s may actually be ’40s. It’s amazing how popular black leather with studs was in the ’40s – what a modern “rock and roll” style! But check these 1940s shoes out…

FabGabs – 1940s platform peep toes with studs (SOLD)

(source) – Leather and studs and HUGE platforms with a daytime suit. Yes. This is ’40s

Antique Dress – 1940s beaded black velvet peep toe slingbacks. Disco inferno? Nope, just your average pair of 1940s shoes.

VintageVortex on Etsy – studs, cutouts, platform, AND and ankle strap. Zowie!

This kind of shoe is common in the ’40s – it’s the rule rather than the exception, if you can believe it. Of course, black platform shoes of varying heights and lifts went with everything – day, evening, work, play, which fits in perfectly with the thrifty ’40s ideas of versatility in the wardrobe. Here are some more black platforms:

lovestreetsf on Etsy – ’40s black suede platforms with floral cutout and ankle strap.

villavillavintage – black suede and leather platforms with decorative stitching

Kickshaw on Etsy – 1.5″ platform on these gorgeous suede ’40s shoes.

The interesting thing about platform shoes is that they *look* killer, but it’s an illusion. By elevating the ball of the foot, you get the height but not the pain of a super high heel. A platform shoe with a 4 inch heel and a 2 inch platform feels like you’re wearing just a 2 inch high heel.

I’ve been hunting for shoes like any of the above for Royal Vintage. The best repro designs I’ve found come from Miss L Fire:

Miss L Fire “Betty” platform slingback sandals in black suede – $165

Miss L Fire “Lupita” black suede platforms with embroidery and cutouts – $155

Miss L Fire “Lila” 1940s velvet and studded suede platforms. These are epic and SO ’40s – $120

Gorgeous shoes, and perfectly period. For tons more examples of 1940s shoes – platforms, slingbacks, peep toes, sandals, and oxfords – check out my 1940s Shoes Pinterest board.

Plus, here are a few more makers/sellers of ’40s style platforms:
Remix Vintage Shoes – “Veronica” – $188
b.a.i.t. footwear – various designs – around $70 each
Pinup Girl Clothing – various designs – $60 – $200