The lace up dress shoe that had been every man’s staple since the turn of the century was still the leading footwear style of the 1950s. The 1950s versions incorporated previous decades styles as well as some new variations.
Men’s 1950s dress oxfords, derby or bluchers (what’s the difference?) had a smooth body or were perforated with a simple toe cap, moc toe, or elaborate wingtip design. Medium brown was the most versatile color while dark brown or back were options as well. Soles matched the body color in either leather or rubber.
Full lacing was the most traditional but more and more men in the 1950s preferred the minimal two lace closure. It made this classic shoe much more streamlined and faster to tie.
1950s mens black and white shoes
Two tone two lace shoes
Among dress shoes there was also a full slip on shoe that did not have any laces. Instead panels of elastic lined the inside stretching open to slip the shoe on easily and close up tight to keep it in place. The lack of laces made them the most un-decorated of men’s 1950s dress shoe styles.