Shoes played an important role in the 1960s. Some women preferred neat, simple styles, while others preferred bright colors, high heels, or audacious designs that stood out. Shoes helped show how fashion was changing.
Many of the footwear women wore in the 1960s are still familiar today. Ballet flats, Mary Janes, knee-high boots, and pointed-toe pumps all had a place in women’s closets. Some were made for everyday use, while others were saved for parties and dances. Here are 15 shoe styles that helped define American women’s fashion during this iconic decade.
1. Go-Go Boots
These boots usually came in white, with a low, wide heel and a simple shape. Some reached the middle of the calf, while others came up to the knee. Young women often wore them with miniskirts and short dresses. Their bold look matched the fresh, youthful style that became popular during the decade.
2. Ballet Flats
Ballet flats became a favorite choice for women who wanted shoes that were both pretty and easy to wear. They had flat soles, rounded toes, and a simple design that worked with many outfits. Black, red, pink, and other colors gave women plenty of choices. Ballet flats looked lovely with slim pants and skirts.
3. Mary Jane Shoes
Mary Jane shoes were easy to recognize because of the strap across the top of the foot. During the 1960s, they came in leather, shiny patent leather, and different colors. Some had flat soles, while others featured short heels. Their sweet and neat look made them a popular choice for everyday wear.
4. Pointed-Toe Pumps
Pointed-toe pumps were a classic choice for women who wanted a more dressed-up look. These shoes had narrow toes and usually came with medium or high heels. Although flatter shoes became more popular as the decade went on, pumps remained an important part of women’s fashion.
5. Kitten-Heel Shoes
Kitten heels offered a nice middle ground between flat shoes and high heels. Their short, slim heels added a little height without making the shoes as hard to walk in as taller styles. Women often chose them for work, shopping, and lunch dates. They looked especially good with simple dresses and neat skirts.
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6. Slingback Heels
Slingback heels had an open back with a strap that held the shoe around the heel. They often had pointed toes and low or medium heels. Women wore them with dresses, skirts, and smart pants, especially during warm months. Their simple design made them suitable for both daytime events and evenings. They were a favorite among women who liked polished, feminine fashion.
7. Saddle Shoes
Saddle shoes were known for their two-tone design, often with a dark band across the middle of a white shoe. They had a low heel and lace-up front, giving them a sporty look.
8. Loafers
Loafers were a practical choice for women who wanted a shoe that looked neat without being too formal. These shoes usually had a low heel and a wide front. They were especially useful for busy days when women preferred comfort. Their simple shape made them easy to match with different clothes.
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9. Oxford Shoes
Oxford shoes brought a masculine touch to women’s fashion. They usually had closed laces, a low heel, and a rounded or narrow toe. Some were made from smooth leather, while others featured two colors or small decorative holes. Women wore them with skirts, trousers, and simple dresses for a more relaxed look. They became an alternative to high heels.
10. T-Strap Shoes
T-strap shoes featured a strap that ran from the front of the shoe to another strap around the ankle, creating a T shape. They often had rounded toes and low heels. Some designs were simple, while others had shiny finishes. The straps added a pretty detail while helping keep the shoes in place.
11. White Ankle Boots
They usually had low or medium heels and a simple shape that matched the decade’s new styles. Women paired them with short dresses, miniskirts, and slim trousers. Their bright color made them stand out against darker clothes.
12. Espadrilles
Espadrilles were a favorite warm-weather option for women who wanted a relaxed summer look. They usually had canvas or fabric tops and soles made from twisted rope or similar fibers. Women wore them with summer dresses, skirts, and light pants. Their simple design gave outfits a casual feel that was perfect for lunches and sunny days.
13. Wedge Sandals
Wedge sandals gave women extra height without the thin heel found on many dress shoes. Their soles rose from the front of the foot toward the heel. Women wore them during spring and summer with skirts, dresses, and cropped pants. Wedge sandals were a useful choice for women who wanted a little height and a shoe suited to hot weather.
14. Go-Go-Inspired Vinyl Shoes
The 1960s brought new materials and brighter colors to women’s shoes, including shiny vinyl and plastic finishes. These shoes often came in white, red, yellow, or other eye-catching colors. Their bold look matched the decade’s love of modern design. They were more affordable than traditional leather shoes.
15. Peep-toe shoes
Peep-toe shoes were a stylish choice for the 1960s, featuring a small opening at the front that revealed the toes. Women often wore them with dresses and skirts for parties, dinners, and other occasions. Their elegant design added a feminine touch while offering a different look from traditional closed-toe pumps.
If you fancy more fashion, check out:
The best red carpet moments in 12 Grammy Looks That Changed Fashion Forever, then see how the hair on top of certain looks evolved over time in Every Era Had Its Hairstyle: 10 Looks That Defined a Generation. Last but not least, explore 15 Dresses From The Golden Age of Women’s Fashion (1950s)
