Following the excesses of the roaring ‘20s, the 1930s saw a shift in focus in shoe design. Comfort became a priority for designers and shoppers. As a result, shoes became wider, toes were less pointed and heels were wider and not as high.
The 1930s was also a new departure in specialist shoes with different footwear being developed for different pursuits. Innovations in active footwear were widespread and the first tennis shoes – i.e. linen shoes with rubber soles – were developed in 1934. These were worn by wealthy sporty types for golf, sailing and other active fun.