Figure 1.-- Sneakers appeared in the early 20th century, but did not become popular with American boys until after World war I (1914-18). They first were worn for play and outdoor activities like camp here. They were not at first en as suitble for school. Notice the colorful high-top styles here in the 1920s,

Most American boys wore leather shoes in both the 19th and 20th centuries. I don't think wooden shoes were ever commonly worn in America. Buckle shoes were worn in the 18th centtury. We notice mostly low-cut shoes in the early 19th century, but high-top shoes were more common in the late 19th century. High-top shoes were a first button shoes. We also see strap shoes for children. The number of straps varied. High-top shoes continued to be popular after the turn of the 20th century. Button shoes disappeared as lace ups become standard. We note sandals in the early 20th century, but they did not prove very popular. Much more popular with American boys were sneakers, canvass shoes with rubber soles, which first appeared in the 1910s. High tops leater shoes gradually gave way to low-cut shoes in the 1920s. Brown oxfords became a standard for bots and girls. Another popular style were saddle shoes. Important preppy styles were both loafers and Sperry topsiders. Sneakers were budget shoes for boys until the 1960s when they began to become fashion statements. Most American children by the turn-of-the 21st century motly wore sneakers, although sandals had become more popular.

The 18th Century

I don't think wooden shoes were ever commonly worn in America. Buckle shoes were worn in the 18th century.

The 19th Century

Most American boys wore leather shoes in both the 19th and 20th centuries. We notice mostly low-cut shoes in the early 19th century, but high-top shoes were more common in the late 19th century. High-top shoes were a first button shoes. We also see strap shoes for children. The number of straps varied.

The 20th Century

High-top shoes continued to be popular after the turn of the 20th century. Button shoes disappeared as lace ups become standard. Younger children night wear strap shies. Therewere two different types, ankle straps and instep straps. We note sandals in the early 20th century. The barefoot sandals weee worn in the 1910s, but they did not prove very popular with boys. Much more popular with American boys were sneakers, canvass shoes with rubber soles, which first appeared in the 1910s. They a first were high-tops. Low sut snasrkers did not beccome the standard style wnil the 1960s. High tops leater shoes gradually gave way to low-cut shoes after the 1920s. Brown oxfords became a standard for boys and girls. Another popular style were saddle shoes. Important preppy styles were both loafers and Sperry topsiders. Sneakers were budget shoes for boys until the 1960s when they began to become fashion statements. Leather shoes by the 1980s were givig way tossneakers for both play and school.

The 21st Century

Most American children by the turn-of-the 21st century motly wore sneakers, although sandals had become more popular.

Created: 5:34 PM 3/31/2008
Last updated: 3:57 PM 8/26/2014