This is nothing like a 40's shoe! Pointed toes were fashionable up to the 30's when round and square toes started to come in (and platforms made a tentative appearance). The heels were thin in the mid to late 30's with almost stiletto heels coming in at the end of the decade but they broke easily. The war years saw more robust thick heels and some of these were quite high sometimes with platforms, but the toes were either "peep toes" or substantial covered and "walled" round or square, often with an extended welt (sole edge). After the war heels remained as before as did platforms but started to get slender and curved to a taper by the end of the decade; sandals, slingbacks, anklestraps and d'orsays were popular. Points made an appearance in the early 50's as did very thin heels, but they didn't really catch on until the mid to late 50's when the famous metal reinforced stiletto made its impression felt (sometimes literally!) everywhere. The shoe pictured is almost identical to styles worn in the late 70's and early 80's, thus women in their 40's will remember them.

I don´t claim to be an expert in shoes, just an admirer. I don´t claim to know precisely what styles fit in what decade, I just describe the feel I get from them. To me, they felt like 40´s. I welcome the feedback, but you need to know I hold no shoe degree, I´m just a hobbyist.

I don't have a shoe degree either, only a Master of Science Degree in Information Systems. I am also a hobbyist ('shoe-freak'). We are all entitled to our own opinion but that does not mean that all opinions are equally valid; some of us have more knowledge on which to base our opinions. Feelings are no substitute for Knowledge! It's just that I've been around considerably longer than you have; I was born in the 40s (albeit the very end). Perhaps you should listen to your mother she has much greater accuracy when it comes to 40's shoes see July's Sara Galiberti model!

would you please send me some e mail pictures of ladies shoes from the late 50's and early 60's my mother in law tells me about the styles and i'm anxious to see them

thank you

kathie ellis

Obviously I can't speak for alyssa, but if it were my personal web site, my opinion would be far more valid than anyone else's.

I think all opinions are equally valid--right or wrong, we're all entitled to them. Which is why I've left your comment up, despite feeling (my feelings are also valid) that it's rather mean-spirited. If you don't care for my opinions, you don't need to read them. But as long as you do, thanks for reading.

Stunning......!

I agree with the author

I am a fashion and textiles student currently doing a personal study on the stiletto. I am currently researching for any information on the stiletto shoe regarding its history, manufacture, materials and components and the reasons behind its continuous popularity. If you could help me with any of these subjects I would really appreciate the feedback.

Love em! Going to buy them on eBay right now!!

Anyone who knows anything about shoes would know that these shoes are nothing like 40s style. It would be nice if more people would do a little research before they stick a label on something that has no resemblance to that label. (I stumbled in here looking for 40s style shoes.) If you want to think that shoe is 40s style go ahead. Though I suggest you do an internet search for 40s style shoes.