The bubble of gaiety that had defined the twenties was ended, and a decade of hardship and depression followed. The lines for bread were long& jobs were very hard to get especially in 1933.

The downturn in the economy saw more downplayed styles.

Shoes were made primarily of wood and cork during the late 1930s due to the lack of leather and the war ban on rubber.

The surrealist art movement had an effect on shoe styles duringthis decade.

Movie stars became the role model for women.

were somber during the depression. Brown became increasingly popular. Boots had disappeared completely from men’s wear, except for labour. Brogues were considered the shoe to be worn by the respectable gentleman. Loafersmade their first appearance in this decade as a fashionable style, and they have been with us ever since.

Two-toned Broguesreached their height of popularity during the 1930’s, possibly because they were a favorite style of the tap-dancing movie star Fred Astaire.

The new tailored suit, which was fashionable for women’s daywear, required new, more business like shoes. Heels became lower, broader, and more angular. Suede was accepted for use on sensible walking shoes. The new fad for outdoor activity brought sandalsinto prominence. Starting as beachwear, they developed into party wear, and by the end of the decade, had graduated into eveningwear. One can see their influence when looking at the open-sided T-strap sandalsT-strap sandals that were so popular in this decade.

Sneakerswith rubber soles and linen uppers came into fashion, and were found to be comfortable and sturdy. The idea of a long-lasting shoe had to also be applied to eveningwear, however, andsuede and kid replaced the silks and satins that had been popular early in the decade.

Black was the most popular colourfor day shoes, but wine, maroon, and navy gradually establisheda foothold by the end of the decade.

For evening, plain court shoes were popular at the beginning of the decade. They were soon modified with asymmetrical trims, peep toes, and sling backheels.

Ankle high boots were a necessity for winter. These were usuallymade of suede, and were front laced. It was in the late 1930s that the platform shoe reappeared. Thisera was practical in the shoe's construction and modest in style. The notable fashion designers of the day, however, hada different vision and created more adventurous platform