Views: 222 Author: Rebecca Publish Time: 2024-12-20 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Platform Shoes: The Height of Fashion
● Disco Fever: Strappy Sandals and Metallic Hues
>> Go-Go Boots
>> Granny Boots
● Wedges: The All-Day Comfort Option
● Earth Shoes: The Health-Conscious Choice
● Casual Comfort: Moccasins and Birkenstock-Style Sandals
● The Return of Classic Styles
● The Legacy of 70s Shoe Fashion
● FAQ
>> 1. What were the most popular shoe styles for women in the 70s?
>> 2. What materials were commonly used in 70s women's shoes?
>> 3. How did women style their 70s shoes?
>> 4. Were there any health-focused shoe trends in the 70s?
>> 5. How have 70s shoe styles influenced modern fashion?
The 1970s was a decade of bold fashion choices, and women's footwear was no exception. From chunky platforms to sleek boots, the shoe styles of this era were diverse and eye-catching. Let's take a journey back in time to explore the iconic footwear that defined women's fashion in the 70s.
Platform shoes were undoubtedly the most iconic footwear of the 1970s. These sky-high shoes featured thick soles that could range from one to four inches in height[1]. They were not just a fashion statement but also served a practical purpose, allowing women to keep up with the trend of long, flared pants without their hems dragging on the ground.
Platform shoes came in various styles, including:
- Platform sandals
- Platform boots
- Platform oxfords
- Platform Mary Janes
These shoes were often adorned with glitter, metallic finishes, or bright colors, making them perfect for the disco scene. Both men and women embraced this trend, with rock stars like Elton John and David Bowie sporting particularly outrageous versions[4].
As disco music rose to popularity in the mid-70s, so did the demand for dance-friendly footwear. Strappy sandals became a favorite among disco enthusiasts, offering both style and comfort for long nights on the dance floor[1]. These sandals often featured:
- Slender heels
- Multiple thin straps
- Ankle fasteners
- Metallic or shiny finishes
The disco era also brought about a surge in metallic and shimmery shoe designs. Silver, gold, and other metallic hues were particularly popular, adding a touch of glamour to any outfit[4].
Boots were another staple of 70s footwear, with styles ranging from knee-high to ankle-length. Some popular boot styles included:
Although they originated in the 60s, go-go boots remained popular in the early 70s. These boots typically reached mid-calf or knee-high and featured a low heel[4].
Inspired by Victorian-era footwear, granny boots made a comeback in the 70s. These lace-up boots often reached just below the knee and came in various colors and patterns[1].
Crinkle boots, named for their textured surface, were a hit in the 70s. Available in various heights and styles, these boots added an interesting texture to any outfit[8].
Clogs, originally associated with Scandinavian culture, became a fashion sensation in the 70s. These shoes featured wooden soles and leather uppers, often with a distinctive "clip-clop" sound when walking[1]. Clogs came in various styles:
- Traditional wooden clogs
- Platform clogs
- Clog sandals
Clogs were appreciated for their comfort and versatility, easily paired with both casual and more formal outfits.
Wedge shoes, featuring a sole in the shape of a wedge, gained popularity in the mid-70s. These shoes offered the height of heels with the stability and comfort of a flat shoe[1]. Wedges came in various styles:
- Wedge sandals
- Wedge boots
- Espadrille wedges
The 70s also saw the rise of "Earth Shoes," designed by Danish yoga instructor Anna Kalsø. These shoes featured a "negative heel" design, where the heel was lower than the toe. This design was claimed to promote better posture and provide health benefits[1].
For everyday wear, many women opted for comfortable options like moccasins and Birkenstock-style sandals. These shoes aligned with the decade's "hippie" aesthetic and provided a relaxed alternative to more dramatic styles[4].
While the 70s were known for bold and experimental shoe designs, classic styles also had their place. Pumps, particularly those with squared-off toes reminiscent of the 1940s, made a comeback[1]. These shoes provided a more conservative option for work or formal occasions.
The 70s saw a wide variety of materials used in shoe construction:
- Patent leather
- Suede
- Velvet
- Snake skin (real or imitation)
- PVC (especially for go-go boots)
Textures were also important, with crinkled leather, embroidery, and even hand-painted designs making appearances[4].
Women in the 70s paired their shoes with a variety of outfits:
- Platform shoes with flared pants or mini skirts
- Knee-high boots with midi dresses
- Clogs with wide-leg jeans or peasant skirts
- Strappy sandals with disco dresses
Many of the shoe styles popular in the 70s continue to influence fashion today. Platform shoes, wedges, and chunky heels make regular comebacks in modern shoe design. The comfort-focused aspects of 70s footwear, such as clogs and Birkenstock-style sandals, have also maintained their popularity.
The 1970s was a decade of diverse and expressive shoe fashion for women. From towering platforms to comfortable clogs, the era offered a wide range of styles to suit different tastes and occasions. The influence of 70s footwear can still be seen in today's fashion, testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic designs.
- Platform shoes were undoubtedly the most iconic and popular shoe style of the 70s. These sky-high shoes featured thick soles and came in various designs, from sandals to boots.
- Disco-inspired strappy sandals were also very popular, especially for dancing.
- Various boot styles, including go-go boots, granny boots, and crinkle boots, were fashionable throughout the decade.
- Clogs gained significant popularity, appreciated for their comfort and versatility.
- Wedge shoes offered a comfortable alternative to traditional heels while still providing height.
- Patent leather was widely used, especially for go-go boots and platform shoes.
- Suede was popular for boots and more casual styles.
- Wooden soles were common in clogs and some platform shoes.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) was used for some boot styles, particularly go-go boots.
- Metallic finishes were popular for disco-inspired shoes.
- Platform shoes were often paired with flared pants or mini skirts.
- Knee-high boots were commonly worn with midi dresses or skirts.
- Clogs were versatile and could be worn with jeans, skirts, or dresses.
- Strappy sandals were typically paired with disco dresses for nights out.
- Casual shoes like moccasins were often worn with more relaxed, hippie-inspired outfits.
- Yes, the "Earth Shoe" was a health-focused trend that gained popularity in the 70s.
- These shoes featured a "negative heel" design, where the heel was lower than the toe.
- The design was claimed to promote better posture and provide various health benefits.
- Earth Shoes were launched in the USA on April 1st, 1970, and quickly gained popularity.
- While the original Earth Shoe brand discontinued in the late 70s, it was relaunched in 2001.
- Platform shoes continue to make regular comebacks in modern fashion.
- The chunky heel trend, popular in the 70s, is often seen in contemporary shoe designs.
- Comfort-focused styles like clogs and Birkenstock-style sandals remain popular today.
- The use of bold colors and metallic finishes in shoe design, popularized in the 70s, continues to influence modern styles.
- Many vintage-inspired brands draw heavily from 70s shoe designs, keeping these styles relevant in current fashion.
[1] https://www.satra.com/bulletin/article.php?id=2133
[2] https://www.unique-vintage.com/collections/1970s-shoes
[3] https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/1970s-shoes.html?sortBy=relevant
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3r63ZSwBUY
[5] https://nectarinedreams.com/blogs/news/70-s-fashion-v-60-s-fashion-shoes
[6] https://www.etsy.com/market/70s_womens_shoes
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vi3163a4-4
[8] https://www.enibbana.com/blogs/news/70s-fashion-trends-you-can-t-ignore-today
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBsVvFpxAR4
[10] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sailing-70s-journey-through-history-shoe-fashion-volar-fashion
