Figure 1.--This American family snapshot is undated, but the Chevy in the background helps to date it to about 1954. And the boy provides us twp classics of American boyhood. He sits in his red wagon, an update of the 1940s Radio Flyer. And he wears high-top black Keds.

Americam shoe styles were similar to those in Europe. Sandals were not as common for boys in America. The other major exception was sneakers. Sneakers were worn as European children might wear sandals, exceot not for school. Sneakers were first made with canvas and appeared in the 1910s. They became an important style in America during the 1920s. The sturdy basic brown oxford became a standard for school children, both boys and girls, but sneakers were worn after school. Most footwear types were inherited from Europe, sneakers and saddles shoes seem an exception. Important preppy casual styles were both loafers and Sperry topsiders. But it was the humble sneaker that emerged a standard child's shoe type. High top sneakers dominated for boys through the 1950s. At the time, they were also called a baskertball shoe. Basketball did not, however, have the same status at mid-century that it has today. Sneakers were at first worn mostly by boys, but by mid-century we also see girls wearing them. Girls wore low cuts, often done in red. Children not only liked them, but they were dirt cheap. Sneakers were primarily for play after school and for summer wear. My mon always sent me ti school in leather shoes in the 1940s and 50s. I am afraid my memory is now a little hazzy, but I think that was the case in my schools in Washington, D.C., Alabama, and Mussissippi. But we do see some sneakers in school portraits, a least in elementary schools. Sneakers did not become a fashion statement until the 1960s when low cut styles became more popular. They developed into one of the most popular items for teens. The budget-priced sneaker became expensive items coveted by teens.

Created: 6:40 AM 10/26/2017
Last updated: 6:40 AM 10/26/2017