Figure 1.--This unisentified English boy wears awide-brimmed sailor hat ans suit, we think in the 1900s. An American boy might be dressed the same, but the socks and strap shoes are more English than American.

We have just begun to work on English footwear. We do not yet have a good fix on shoe styles in the 18th century. Men and boys are commonly depicted as wearing low-cut buckle shoes. We know more about the 19th century. we still see mostly low=cut shoes in the early-19th century. We notice pumps, strap shoes and shoes that look like modern oxfords. These shoe types seem common through the mid-19th century, although our information is still limited. A good look at shoes types is available in a painted portrait of the Boyd family in 1848. After mid-century we still see pumps and strap shies, but high-top shoes become increasingly popular. We note an 1890s catalog offering lace up boots, calf shoes Perhaps meaning high tops), patent leather shoes, and canvas shoes although we are mnot sure about the soles. High-top shoes were connon in the late-19th century. We continue to see low-cut shoes, however, more commonly than in America. High-tops continue to be popular in the early-20th century. After World War I (1914-18) we see boys wearing mostly=y low-cut oxfords. Many boys began wearing different types of closed-toe sandals, especially during the summer. Open-toe sandals were much less common. Low-cut shoes also begin to become more common. We also see sneakers, although at first worn mostly for school gym or summer casual play. Low income boys might wear them to school. Trainers become popular in the late-20th centutry as sandals began to ecline in popularity. (1970s).

Created: 5:00 AM 8/7/2014
Last updated: 5:00 AM 8/7/2014