Vintage shoes -- how to make sure they really are vintage

[DollfaceandDappervintageclothes]

Since styles of shoes have been recycled and reinterpreted it can sometimes be difficult to know if you are buying 40s or 70s, or eek 80s.

As a pinup goddess you want the real thing. A pointer.

Look for the word "last" inside a shoe, usually on the heel part of the insole. A "last" was the hand carved wood shoe shape around which the shoe was hand formed and sown.  Different "lasts" were marketed as unique or special, e.g. you may see on the insole "maxi last" or "lux last". You won't find the word "last" in most shoes beyond the early 1960s and in none except the most super expensive today.  

This word combined with some other factors we will discuss later should be taken in combination to verify true vintage.

"Last" is a good sign you are looking at delicious vintage. 

Regards, 

Dollface & Dapper Vintage Clothes and Shoes

[Im Ricky]

Thanks. Good info.