1960s Shoes

While many people may remember the 1960’s as a time when hardly anyone was wearing shoes at all, the truth is the world of shoes changed dramatically during this revolutionary period in history. Take a short journey with me through the evolution of shoes.

Early 1960s
In the first few years of the 60’s, modesty was queen. Jackie Kennedy was the first lady and she wore tasteful Chanel suits with sophisticated pumps or flats to match. Society as a whole followed this fashion example, with simple designs gracing the feet of men and women of all ages.

Pop music began to infuse the culture in the early 60’s, with the Beatles blowing up the charts and turning American youths’ eyes toward the UK music and fashion scene.

Mid 1960s
The civil rights movement and general social unrest did a lot to change fashion in mid-1960. People began to revolt against the status quo in everything from career choices to fashion statements. Footwear began to take on an adventurous flair, with sling-back heels and shoes made out of outlandish materials (can anyone say alligator skin?!).

In 1966, Nancy Sinatra came out with the popular music anthem, “These Boots Were Made for Walking.” The song rose to the top of the charts and people everywhere began to sport the go-go boots that Sinatra made so popular.

Late 1960s
By the final years of the 1960’s, the hippy movement was in full swing. Musical geniuses like The Doors, Jimmy Hendrix and Janis Joplin (along with copious amounts of narcotics) had America’s youth dancing their way into a full-blown revolution against societal norms.

Footwear became “anything goes”, with the modest pumps of the early 60’s replaced with anything from flip-flops to shoes made of organic materials. The styles were outlandish and psychedelic, with wild patterns and unusual heel heights, such as platforms.

In addition, the 1969 landing on the moon captured enormous media attention, as well as the hearts and imaginations of American citizens. Space-influenced shoes therefore became popular, comprised of metallic materials and the like.

The 1960’s were a decade of unmatched change, upheaval and creative expression. Simply looking at the feet of the public during this time can give you good feel for the era and all that occurred in music, society and fashion.