World War I and the 20’s 1914-1929

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 favour.

Both men and women had a greater choice of colours. Black and white or tan with white co-respondent shoes appear, and these two toned oxfords were adopted by women. Women began to adopt colours such as red, blue and even gold. Beadwork, embossed leather, sequins and embroidered fabrics all had their vogue in the roaring twenties.

The eyelets were, for the first time, coloured to match the leather of the shoes.

Round and bulldog toes continued for men throughout the war and into the early twenties. Boots continued to be the predominant footwear, though only for casual occasions.