19th Century Shoes and 20th Century Shoes

Antique footwear - 19th Century Shoes & 20th Century Shoes

The 19th Century Shoes were lace-up styles and became popular in the late 1800's and continued into the early decades of the 20th century. The lace-up shoes or boots are higher than the button-up shoes. The reason could have been that laces could be drawn tighter, giving more support for the high top.

An interesting point regarding Victorian Morality (Victorian Era 1837-1901) is that women's ankles were to be covered to protect them from men's prying eyes. Ironically though, the intricate tight lacings of the ankle boots had a titilating effect.

The higher, front-laced 19th Century shoes/boots had sturdier soles and became even more popular when Queen Victoria started wearing them at her Scottish castle Balmoral. The two-toned lace up boots have been known as Balmorals since then.

Glimpses of the foot exposed while walking inspired bootmakers to adorn their creations with silk fabrics and metallic thread embroidery. For revealing shapely ankles, buttons were preferred over laces.

In the 1890's, ornately decorated boots with flowers and birds were worn by opera-goers and became known as "opera boots."

During this time period walking boots could be functional as well as fashionable. Sensible, utilitarian boots were a cold-weather staple in the latter half of the 19th century. The typical walking boot was lined with flannel, had a half inch heel and cost about $5.50.

The early 20th Century is often referred to as the Edwardian Era (1901-1910) after Queen Victoria's successor, King Edward VII. The elite of this day also referred to this time as the Belle Epoque, or "Beautiful Age".

19th Century Shoes - Vintage Shoes