1970s men’s shoes came in a variety of bold (and sometimes wild) styles

See vintage 1970s men’s shoes at Click Americana

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Guys were kicking it at the office – and at the disco! – in 70s men’s shoes

For better and for worse, the 1970s were a notable era in men’s footwear (and fashion in general) that witnessed an interesting mix of both tradition and flashiness.

Even as the spotlight shone brightly on the flamboyance of 70s men’s platform shoes and the expressive textures that were trending, there remained a diversity in choice that catered to every style and need. (After all, bankers still needed to bank… on traditional fashion fare.)

Vintage brown leather shoes for men from 1979

From the classic charm of loafers and the enduring appeal of rugged dingo boots to the more transient flash of platform shoes and what were just some strange, nameless styles (that mercifully did not have any staying power), 70s men’s shoes offered an abundance of options. For a minute there, semi-high heels as well as white boots were socially acceptable choices.

This nostalgic flashback to the disco decade shows the variety of 70s men’s shoes that left their mark on the world of fashion. So scroll through and and appreciate, if you dare, the unique blend of daring trends and reliable staples that have cemented the 1970s as an unforgettable (and in some cases, notorious!) era in shoe fashion.

Shoe store salesman helping a customer try on shoes (1973)

The style outlook for men back in 1979

Article from Lancaster Eagle-Gazette (Lancaster, Ohio) – March 22, 1979

Menswear this spring is relaxed, jaunty and unconstructed. Looser blazers, narrowed pants and shorter collars, or no collars at all, will be equally at home in executive suites and discos.

Relaxed styling applies to footwear, too: breezy detailing, soft leathers, brushed nubuck, athletic influences, neutral colors, and the big news, making its way to town from summer-at-the-beach: sandals.

Business is pleasure, the Footwear Council points out, when go-to-work shoes are as elegant, trim and appealing as are those for Spring ’79. The styles feature stitched and punched details; slip-ons sport kiltie accents.

Brown and black pay homage to tradition, but tan, beige and driftwood are the new boardroom colors. These shoes move easily from management conference to disco, the mark of a man whose feet are “firmly planted.”

Men's shoe styles from 1979


Vintage 1972 Keds Knockarounds shoes for men

70s men's shoes: Vintage 1972 Keds Knockarounds shoes for men


Men’s white shoes with a buckle (1975)

Men's white shoes with a buckle from 1975


Vintage brown leather Brogues shoes for men (1971)

All-time favorite styles with deeply-grained leather uppers: Wing-tip Oxford, Strap & buckle wingtip, Plain-toe Oxford shoes fo men

70s men's shoes: Vintage brown leather Brogues shoes for men (1971)


Vintage Campus Footgear for guys from Sears (1971)

Vintage Campus Footgear for guys from Sears (1971)


Vintage Acme/Diego boots for men (1973)

Acme has been the biggest name in western boots for a long time. So, a few years back when we decided the rest of the world was ready for boots, we introduced Dingo fashion boots. Soon Dingo was the most wanted boot in the West, the East, everywhere. Because they make it with today’s high-style clothes. And that goes for imported Dingo Royal Barons, too. Dingos have the look men want. At prices you want to pay.

For authentic western boots, Acme Westerns are still the name of the game. And if you’re ready for custom-made western boots, check out our Dan Post collection. Whichever boot you choose from Acme, you get more than just style and craftsmanship. Our know-how as the world’s biggest bootmaker helps keep us sensibly priced. Because we don’t think you should spend a fortune to look like a million.

Vintage Diego boots for men (1973)

DON’T MISS THIS: Vintage shoe stores: See what shoe shopping really used to be like


Vintage JC Penney Ranchcraft western boots for men and boys (1973)

Vintage JC Penney Ranchcraft western boots for men and boys (1973)


Vintage JC Penney western and cowboy boots (1973)

Vintage JC Penney western and cowboy boots (1973)


Vintage Rand Baggie Mocc Slip-On shoes for him (1973)

Vintage Rand Baggie Mocc Slip-On shoes for him (1973)


Stetson brand shoes for men (1972)

Stetson brand shoes for men (1972)


Vinatge Jarman Crinkle Patents shoes for men (1972)

Vinatge Jarman Crinkle Patents shoes for men (1972)


Vintage 70s tassel shoes for men from Florsheim (1972)

Vintage 70s tassel shoes for men from Florsheim (1972)


Retro Sorels shoes and boots for men (1977)

Retro Sorels shoes and boots for men (1977)

ALSO SEE: Converse vintage shoes: The old-school Chucks, sneakers & athletic footwear


Bostonians Zip-It boots with double zippers (1972)

Bostonians Zip-It boots with double zippers (1972)


Casual 1970s men’s shoes (1977)

Casual 1970s men's shoes (1977)


Casual low boots for guys (1973)

Casual low boots for guys (1973)


Esquire-Magazine-1972-12 0147

Esquire-Magazine-1972-12 0147


Retro 70s Hush Puppies platform shoes for guys (1972)

You’re looking at a new kind of high. The Hush Puppies high. Lighter. More comfortable. More wearable than anything else arotnd. And if you doubt it, try a pair.

They’re made from Breathin’ Brushed Pigskin. it keeps you cool when it’s warm. Dry when it’s damp. And they come in color combinations that’ll blow your mind. Hush Puppies. A new kind of high. From about $19.

Fashion pigskin Hush Puppies shoes for men in color combinations (1972)


Florsheim Designer Collection men’s shoes (1977)

There’s an individuality about designer clothes that makes you stand out and be noticed. The Florsheim Designer Collection was made expressly for men who are seeking that look for Fall. The superb designs, supple leathers and wealth of hand-detailing are the perfect complement to designer clothes.

And because we’re Florsheim, we make our European-inspired Designer Collection styles in a very un-European wide range of sizes, to assure a perfect fit. But what’s most beautiful about our shoes are their realistic prices. Which means you’ll be noticed for being smart as well as smart-looking.

SHOES FOR HER: Get the retro look! See popular 70s shoes

Florsheim Designer Collection men's shoes (1977)


Hush Puppies shoes for guys (1972)

Does your ego stop at your ankles? …Of course Hush Puppies knows you can’t buy a pair of shoes for every outfit you own. So we’ve come out with styles that goe easily with just about anything. See these new Hush Puppies today. They’ll stretch your ego.

ALSO SEE: How X-ray shoe fittings used to really be a thing years ago

Hush Puppies shoes for guys (1972)


Johnston and Murphy walking shoes for men (1972)

Johnston and Murphy walking shoes for men (1972)


Penney’s Sporty Casual men’s shoes (1973)

Penney's Sporty Casual men's shoes (1973)


Retro cool white crinkle patent shoes for men (1972)

Retro cool white crinkle patent shoes for men (1972)


Retro Kinney shoes for men (1974)

Retro Kinney shoes for men (1974)


Retro patent leather dress shoes for men – Sears (1977)

Retro patent leather dress shoes for men - Sears (1977)


Retro 70s casual Levi’s shoes for men (1978)

Retro 70s casual Levi's shoes for men (1978)


Retro Rand stylish shoes and boots for men (1971)

Retro Rand stylish shoes and boots for men (1971)


1973 golf shoes for guys from JC Penney

1973 golf shoes for guys from JC Penney


2-tone and other leather Florsheim shoes for men from 1972

2-tone and other leather Florsheim shoes for men from 1972


70s Dude Boots by Jarman (1971)

70s Dude Boots by Jarman (1971)


70s Pedwin shoes for him (1973)

70s Pedwin shoes for him (1973)


1970s dress shoes for guys (1977)

1970s dress shoes for guys (1977)


Vintage Pedwin – NFL boot of the years (1971)

Vintage Pedwin - NFL boot of the years (1971)


Retro 1970s casual shoes for guys (1977)

Retro 1970s casual shoes for guys (1977)


1977 hiking and workboots for men

1977 hiking and workboots for men


Bright and lively casual shoes for guys (1973)

Bright and lively casual shoes for guys (1973)

NOW SEE THIS: 80s shoes for men: Footwear that stylish guys were wearing back in the day

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