Where to find authentic reproduction WWII shoes?

[RemberOurVets]

Hello ladies, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Christine and I reside in High Ridge, MO. My father and brother have joined the 2nd Rangers Infantry Battalion - D of St. Louis, MO. I am putting together a home front persona focusing on 1941-1945. I have done a lot of research and am having a horrible time trying to find modern shoes that will work. I would love to get a pair of baby doll spectator pumps. I do have a 1942 Sears Catalog. As I thumb through the pages while perusing the internet I am noticing that the shape in a modern shoe is wrong and the heel way to high. I know that they restricted heel height in WWII. In addition, some of the reproduction shoe sites like re-mix vintage want close to 200.00 a pair. If anyone knows of some really good websites, sellers, etc. that you could suggest that would be great. Other ideas are also welcomed . I have done French and Indian War re-enacting in the past. This is a first for WWII. I had no idea finding shoes would be this hard.

Sincerely,
Christine Albin

 

[kamikat]

Aris Allen makes a repro spectator Mary Jane. The heel is 3in and since it is a dance shoe, you'd have to have a cobbler put a street sole on them. However, they are less than $100.

 

[Louise Anne]

I cannot help directly saying that there are a few WWII forums around I used to be on one and the ladies were nice to eacj other and shared info on where to buy items with each other so it would be worth reading through one or two.
I an not going to say joinany of them as I do not want people to leave here lol

 

[Miss Sis]

Depending on what size feet you have you might find it cheaper to buy original shoes off Ebay rather than repros.

I've never found any repros that were *really* authentic. Even Remix in all their pricey-ness aren't quite right in the authenticity department, although they are nice enough shoes in themselves.

 

[RemberOurVets]

Fixing a vintage shoe...

Dear Miss Sis - I have checked out the remix vintage site several times and I do see what you are talking about. The only other thing I can think of is to take a vintage shoe and repair it. However, my dad wore a pair of Korean boots at a re-enactment and in no time the heel cracked in half right down the middle. I would not want to be wearing a pair of vintage baby doll pumps and fall flat on my bum because the heel broke off etc,. Do any of you ladies think it would be worth going to the trouble? Shoe repair stores might be hard to find. Everybody just throws stuff away nowadays.

Sincerely,
Christine A.

 

[Lady Day]

http://www.whatpriceglory.com/shopexd.asp?id=680&bc=no
I believe bartender Lizziemaine has a pair of these.

LD

 

[LizzieMaine]

I do indeed. The heels on the pair I own are higher than they ought to be, but otherwise they're a pretty good replica -- and because I'm a size 9 1/2 C, it's pretty unlikely I'll ever find originals in my size.

Another very good repro shoe is this one:

They're a very good repro of the WW2 Marine Corps Women's Reserve dress pump, put out by a reenactor's outfitter called Vintage Ordnance, but would work equally well as a civilian shoe. They're available in both regulation and non-regulation colors from this eBay seller.. At $85 they aren't cheap, but the quality is quite good, they're true to size, and they're very comfortable for all-day wear.

 

[crwritt]

I do indeed. The heels on the pair I own are higher than they ought to be, but otherwise they're a pretty good replica -- and because I'm a size 9 1/2 C, it's pretty unlikely I'll ever find originals in my size.

Another very good repro shoe is this one:

They're a very good repro of the WW2 Marine Corps Women's Reserve dress pump, put out by a reenactor's outfitter called Vintage Ordnance, but would work equally well as a civilian shoe. They're available in both regulation and non-regulation colors from this eBay seller.. At $85 they aren't cheap, but the quality is quite good, they're true to size, and they're very comfortable for all-day wear.

These were what I thought of when I read RemberOurVets' post, and even did a lazy search to look for them.

I did happen on these while I was looking.Similar to the Re mix but less expensive?

There are other styles if you are lucky and they are your size.
http://www.shoe-store.net/mariana-vintage-collection-by-golc-shoes

 

[Miss Sis]

I have alot of real vintage shoes, and although I wear them quite alot, I don't wear them everyday. They will hold up pretty well if they are in good condition to start with.

Still, you would need to find a good bootmaker/shoe repairer ie/one who really knows their stuff, not Mr Minute-type kiosks, as they will need attention now and again like resoling or restiching. Ask your re-enacting friends if they can recommend anyone as this is the best way to find a real professional.

 

[Lovely Leah]

Lizzie, how high is the heel on the WAC reproduction shoe and is it more block or tapered? Is the leather out of the or do they requiring some breaking in?

 

[LizzieMaine]

The heel on the WAC oxfords is 2 1/2 inches on the pair I have -- regulation height was 1 1/2, and there were apparently manufacturing runs with both heel heights, so it might be worth checking with them to see what they currently have in stock. The heel shape on the pair I have is odd -- it's almost like a cowboy boot, not quite a straight-up-and-down block and not quite a graceful taper.

They do require breaking in -- the leather, as with the originals, is quite firm, and it helps to rub in some mink oil or other such compound to sort of loosen them up a bit and make the breaking-in easier.

 

[Lady Day]

Still, you would need to find a good bootmaker/shoe repairer ie/one who really knows their stuff, not Mr Minute-type kiosks, as they will need attention now and again like resoling or restiching. Ask your re-enacting friends if they can recommend anyone as this is the best way to find a real professional.

Truer words were never spoken. Whenever I get a pair of vintage shoes the *first* thing I do before I wear them is take them to my cobbler. I've been going to my guy for nearly 3 years and never a disappointment. I have new vintage shoes cleaned/conditioned/checked over, so I worry about them a little less when I'm wearing them. Sure it's a little more up front (and I mean little) but they are vintage! They deserve that.

LD

 

[RemberOurVets]

Thank you ladies for all of your help ...My next question is what are the best books to reference for 1940's pin up hairstyles. I will be going to a USO Dance at this particular re-enactment Saturday night for all of the re-en-actors, veterans, and the public. I absolutely adore the picture of Betty Grable with the lily on the side. Since I will be wearing an evening gown, that is the look that I will be going for. More than likely, I will haft to go to a salon and will need a pic I can point to. I have never seen a back view of the Grable shot I am talking about.

Sincerely,
Christine Albin

 

[RemberOurVets]

Yeah, the more I look at modern sites...that's what I think I will need to do. I had no idea finding shoes would be this frustrating.

Christine Albin

 

[Lady Day]

Thank you ladies for all of your help ...My next question is what are the best books to reference for 1940's pin up hairstyles. I will be going to a USO Dance at this particular re-enactment Saturday night for all of the re-en-actors, veterans, and the public.

We have threads on books and hair in the beauty forum. They are chock full of advice, tutorials and styles. Take a look

LD

 

[Lorelai99]

Yeah, the more I look at modern sites...that's what I think I will need to do. I had no idea finding shoes would be this frustrating.

Christine Albin

First of all I want to say welcome to the reenacting world. I work at Jefferson Barracks and am friends with several of the guys in the 2nd Rangers. I have always wanted to do homefront but have never gotten into it despite much proding from a good friend in that group!!

As for shoes since I am assuming you are in a hurry since you said the event is this weekend, all I can say is look anywhere and everywhere. I got my last pair of shoes that look surprisingly like a pair of WAC shoes I tried on once just in black from payless. There is a thread on here called Cute Vintage-y Shoes where the ladies post shoes that they have found that are quite appropriate for the time period. Alot of companies have shoes that would work. Honestly the dress and shoes I used to wear alot to the Canteen Dance at Jefferson Barracks came from Forever 21 and payless and its a big hit! and I have had many 85 year old women come up to me and tell me that they have a dress and shoes exactly like them "back then."

As for the hairstyles there is a really good book out there (I can't remember the title but I am sure one of the ladies knows it) that does step by step directions for hairstyles. But if you need it fast and can't get ahold of the book (I am moving and mine is packed up or I would offer it for loan..) but I have always had good luck looking on youtube for tutorials for hair and makeup!!

PS don't forget your stockings!! And have fun the 2nd Rangers are a great bunch of guys!!

 

[RemberOurVets]

LOL - Did I make it sound like or say the event was this weekend Lorelai99, I'm sorry (still chuckling). The event that I need the items for will be in September. If I did say that, I'm not surprised. I have been a little tired and loopy lately. Thank you for the warm welcome. Yeah, although I have yet to know everyone really well - the 2nd Rangers all seem like a group of nice guys. A Sears and Spiegal vintage catalog have been my best sources for information. As soon as I get a pic of the new duds, I might post a pic.

Sincerely,
Christine Albin

 

[Lorelai99]

You may have said that or I may have just read that... I'm in hte middle of moving and packing and work is crazy and well its a tiny bit hot out so I am also a little out of it!!! If you post a picture of the dress that would help with what you are looking for shoe wise!!!

LOL - Did I make it sound like or say the event was this weekend Lorelai99, I'm sorry (still chuckling). The event that I need the items for will be in September. If I did say that, I'm not surprised. I have been a little tired and loopy lately. Thank you for the warm welcome. Yeah, although I have yet to know everyone really well - the 2nd Rangers all seem like a group of nice guys. A Sears and Spiegal vintage catalog have been my best sources for information. As soon as I get a pic of the new duds, I might post a pic.

Sincerely,
Christine Albin

 

[RemberOurVets]

Kay - trying to upload photo's, but having a hard time . Guess I won't.

Christine Albin

 

[RemberOurVets]

One last try and it still will not work...if anyone in this forum is interested in seeing the pics (Lorelai99 for ex.) of what I am having the tailor make for a better sense of shoe type that would work, feel free to email at albin_christine@yahoo.com. For verification, include your fedora lounge id in the email.

Sincerely,
Christine A.