Appropriate 40's Casual Footwear

[Technonut]

I am looking for some suggestions on appropriate shoes to wear with Bill's
Khakis and some nice 1940's short-sleeved casual shirts... I want the shoes to be as comfortable as possible, while retaining the "right" 40's look.

Any suggestions and / or links on where to look and purchase would be appreciated...

 

[funneman]

Casual shoes

It's my understanding that Sperry Topsiders were around in 1948 with a two tone black and brown boat shoe very similar to the styles they still have today.

I hope that helps.

 

[Fletch]

White bucks; saddle shoes; Weejun type loafers (the original smooth top, no beefroll, kilty or other foolery); moc toe laceups (some two-tones are available); classic athletic shoes such as Jack Purcells.

Bass Weejuns - introduced in 1936 as strictly apr?®s-ski wear ("Weejun" meant Norwegian); more widely adopted after WWII.

Moc toe - basic dress shoe shape, not too squared-off or pointy.

Casual shoes that were around then, but not so widely worn, include blucher moccasins (such as LL Bean's) and huaraches.

A couple of styles that have mostly died off are oxfords that are partly woven or perforated leather. You still see them, but usually as dressy novelties.

 

[Tourbillion]

Most casual 40's men's shoes aren't that casual by today's standards. So, if you are going really casual ("sporty") there are keds too, but they were more for sports in the 40's than casual wear. But then again, khakis and a casual shirt would be what a guy wore for sports like tennis in the 40's, so I suppose keds would be appropriate.

I have some old yearbooks, and most of the guys wore black casual oxfords (thickish sole) or white bucks, and the minority in some kind of two tone shoe-such as saddle oxfords or tennis shoes similar to keds Triumph Lo, which are from 1926. They mostly wore tennis shoes in white, but I found a photo where they are dark, so maybe navy like these (also on sale right now btw at www.keds.com).

There are also work boots like Red Wings-but they probably won't really go with your shirt and khakis.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Why not sandals or mesh-type woven front shoes.

bk

 

[Technonut]

Great info... Thanks everyone! After some consideration, I decided upon these in white:

And a pair of these in white/brown:

I think either pair will do quite well for the look I am after, while being relatively comfortable. Again, the info was appreciated everyone!! :cheers1:

 

[Fletch]

Good picks! Happy to help.

 

[cookie]

1940s summer shoes

 

[Fletch]

Cool (literally - they've got those perfs I was talking about).

Another characteristically 40s style is the full brogue spectator, the heavier, welted style wingtip such as Technonut is wearing here.

Notice how the wingtip sweeps the length of the shoe - different than the 30s style.