1930-era Footwear:

(Many thanks to Shelby L. Stanton for English translation and additions)


Advertising, USA 1935The forms of footwear introduced during the Twenties initially continued into the early 30s. The tip gradually became less pointed, and developed into a shallow ("round egg") curvature. During the course of the decade, ladies fashion became much more variable, and footwear style, heel shapes and heights, and materials also
multiplied greatly.
The classical pumps, as well as the high-front variants, enjoyed particular popularity as both street and dresswear. Casual footwear exhibited an increasing choice of elegant exotic materials such as alligator, lizard and snakeskin (plentiful alligators then lived throughout southeast America, where they inhabited the Mississippi River and the entire Gulf Coast, and could be found as far north as North Carolina. The more ferocious crocodiles only existed in isolated pockets within southernmost Florida). These wild leathers were
not common in evening wear, where the preference extended to satin, brocaded, gold or silver footwear which harmonized suitably with evening gown colors. Pumps were often decorated by loops and straps, anchored straps, bows, buckles, decorative perforations and open backstitching.  Even lace-up shoes received a fanciful touch by small wooden balls attached to lacing.
 
Note:
During the mid-30s, angular-capped ("block-form") footwear came into German fashion as a stylish variant to those with narrowly cut vamps and generously rounded tips. In addition to pumps, sandals with back straps, high or flat heels and open-toe features were favored for summery dresses and beach outfits. 
In 1936 the Italian shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo introduced the heel shape that became internationally known as wedges. This type of heel eliminated the gap underneath the sole of conventional footwear. Two years later, in 1938, Ferragamo achieved even greater success with the introduction of footwear having a very elevated "platform" heel, which became prevalent in the next decade as favored spike heels (and even later as
platforms in their own right).		 Advertising, USA 1939

 
Ladies two-tone shoes of white fabric with dashing black patent leather tip and counter were popular as part of the stylish summer ensemble.
Embossed red calfskin ladies shoes by Modell Bauer of Vienna featured high five-eyelet tie and Cuban heels.
Satin evening heels featured banded instep strap having white pearl tie fastening, and matching crossover strap anchoring to the tip. The open-cut style provided an “extravagant air” for fashionably dressy affairs.
Dual-tone spike heels by Saxone Shoe Company Ltd., featured velvet body with silver patent leather vamp crossover strap anchoring, as well as demure button instep strap.
Gray patent-leather step-in pumps by Vegas featured modernistic asymmetrical silver piping effects on the vamp throat.
Bluish watersnake opera pumps by Leiser Wertsiegel featured decorative feminine bow.  Footwear made of reptile leather was expensive but extremely popular, and all varieties of lizard, watersnake, desert snake and alligator provided choice American footwear.

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Glassy patent leather pumps with perforated ornamentation and red piping included a slipper tongue and decorated anchor banding across the throat. This type of fashion detail was typical of 30s ladies footwear.
Clever trimming highlighted the high front and side-strap buckled cutouts of these suede peep-toe heels by Dixi of Hungary. This particular style was highly favored during the mid- and late-30s (for instance, very popular in 1937 America).
Black suede shoes with bands and vamp application of reptile leather was suitable for Fall and Winter seasons.
Green suede shoes with decorative contrasting-shade leather offered attractive streetwear, because of their elevated heels.
Navy blue embossed patent leather shoes by Salamander had decorative perforations and scalloped collar that added a modernistic design touch.
High winter shoes of brown suede with leather piping were lined with sheepskin for warmth.
Green suede shoes with scalloped tongue featured an airily cut design perfect for summery fashion. Such cutout effects were very popular to keep the foot cool during summertime, in an era predating air-conditioners.
Blue contrast-tone suede summer shoes by Red Cross Shoes featured an airily cut dual-tone design with tongueless puffy ribbon tie.
Beige pumps featured clever perforated throat with contrast underlining and reddish-brown buttoning that added a cute feminine touch to the otherwise plain design.
Wine-red suede peep-toe spike heels by the Princess Shoe with buckled instep strap were considered “smart breezy fashion”.
Walkabouts, such as these shoes by Gothard Almos, were ideal for sportive activity like picnic hikes and riding bicycles. This pair is made of beige patent leather with decorative perforations, and featured dainty tie-balls on the lace ends.
Dual-tone suede shoes featuring a nice coloration effect with contrasting tip, tongue and heel. Note the blue “feline whiskers” were decorative touches to add more femininity to the design.
Brown suede shoes by Odetta of USA featured rich ornamental texture that simulated snakeskin on the tip, counter and heel seat. 
White sport-spectator oxfords by Poques of Cincinnati featured open-toe and perforated design for summer comfort.
Dual-tone winter shoes were made of patent leather with white sealskin uppers.
Ladies walkabout oxfords with diminutive punched decorative effects went well with outdoor and street clothes.
Dual-tone wedges ("wedge-soled") with buckled calfskin instep strap that matched trimming around vamp
cutout and open-toe portion.
Dual-tone step-in pumps with suede upper that featured symmetrically cut high throat with perforated design. The front decorative leather bars match the calfskin lower portion of the body and heel.
Rubber ladies booties provided stylish rainwear.

 
 
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