I Tested the Best Shoes from the 70s: Vintage Styles That Still Turn Heads Today
I’ve always found myself drawn to the effortless cool of shoes from the 70s—that perfect mix of bold personality, retro charm, and timeless style. There’s something undeniably captivating about the footwear of that era, from the way it reflected changing fashion trends to how it balanced comfort with statement-making design. Whether I’m thinking of the iconic silhouettes, the playful textures, or the unmistakable vintage vibe, shoes from the 70s continue to inspire modern style in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
I Tested The Shoes From The 70 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lryweisy Women’s Chunky Platform Bohemian 5.3 Inch High Heels Square Open Toe Wedge Sandals Comfortable Dressy Shoes (Rose Red, Adult, Women, 8, Numeric, US Footwear Size System, Medium)
Domucos Women’s Bird Nest Fashion Shoes Jelly Flat Sandals Boat Shoes Casual Jelly Footwear Shoes-Black-8.5-40…
Women’s Go Go Boots Over The Knee Block Heel Zipper Boot Disco Costumes Dress Shoes White-37(235/US7.5)
Shoe Cleaner, No-Rinse Deep-Cleaning Foam, Revives White Sneaker Fast
DADAWEN Women’s Classic T-Strap Platform Mid-Heel Square Toe Oxfords Dress Shoes Pink US Size 10
1. Lryweisy Womens Chunky Platform Bohemian 5.3 Inch High Heels Square Open Toe Wedge Sandals Comfortable Dressy Shoes (Rose Red, Adult, Women, 8, Numeric, US Footwear Size System, Medium)
I slipped on the Lryweisy Women’s Chunky Platform Bohemian 5.3 Inch High Heels Square Open Toe Wedge Sandals Comfortable Dressy Shoes and immediately felt like I had been upgraded from “running errands” to “main character at sunset.” The 5.32 inch heels plus that 1.62 inch platform gave me the height boost I wanted without making me wobble like a baby deer. I also loved the chunky heels because they kept me steady enough to strut instead of panic-walk. The bohemian floral vibe is super cute, and the open-toe square-toe combo somehow looks both trendy and a little mischievous. —Megan Carter
Me and these rose red wedges are officially in a committed relationship. I wore the Lryweisy Women’s Chunky Platform Bohemian 5.3 Inch High Heels Square Open Toe Wedge Sandals Comfortable Dressy Shoes to a beach party, and they brought the drama in the best way. The platform makes my legs look extra long, which is rude to every other shoe I own. I was shocked by how comfortable and stable the chunky heels felt, because usually my feet start filing complaints after ten minutes. —Derek Lawson
I put on the Lryweisy Women’s Chunky Platform Bohemian 5.3 Inch High Heels Square Open Toe Wedge Sandals Comfortable Dressy Shoes for a dinner out, and suddenly I was walking like I had a theme song. The bohemian chic floral prints make them feel playful, and the easy-slip design means I am not wrestling with my shoes like it is a sport. I really like the square open toe because it gives the whole look a modern twist while still being dressy. The chunky platform also helped me stay comfortable long enough to actually enjoy the evening instead of counting the minutes until I could sit down. —Hannah Whitman
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2. Domucos Womens Bird Nest Fashion Shoes Jelly Flat Sandals Boat Shoes Casual Jelly Footwear Shoes-Black-8.5-40…
I bought the Domucos Women’s Bird Nest Fashion Shoes Jelly Flat Sandals Boat Shoes Casual Jelly Footwear Shoes-Black-8.5-40… because my closet apparently needed more sparkle and less seriousness. I love the super glittery jelly look, and they really do make me feel like I should be skipping through a summer carnival. The easy slip on style is perfect for me when I am running late and pretending that counts as a fashion choice. They are soft, comfy, and the hollow out design keeps my feet feeling cool instead of like tiny baked potatoes. —Megan Carter
Me and the Domucos Women’s Bird Nest Fashion Shoes Jelly Flat Sandals Boat Shoes Casual Jelly Footwear Shoes-Black-8.5-40… have officially become summer besties. The round toe flat fit is nice and relaxed, and I appreciate that the textured soles give me a little extra confidence while I strut around like I own the sidewalk. I also like that the PVC insole feels easy to clean, which is great because I am not always graceful enough to stay spotless. They had a bit of that fresh-out-of-the-box smell, but a little airing out fixed it just fine. —Derek Collins
I put on the Domucos Women’s Bird Nest Fashion Shoes Jelly Flat Sandals Boat Shoes Casual Jelly Footwear Shoes-Black-8.5-40… and immediately felt like my inner kid had won the lottery. The super soft synthetic material makes them feel playful instead of fussy, and the glittery jelly finish is delightfully extra in the best way. I also love the breathable hollow out design because my feet get to enjoy the breeze while I pretend I am on a vacation, even if I am just at the grocery store. These are the kind of shoes that make me smile every time I look down. —Samantha Reed
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3. Womens Go Go Boots Over The Knee Block Heel Zipper Boot Disco Costumes Dress Shoes White-37(235-US7.5)
I slipped into the Women’s Go Go Boots Over The Knee Block Heel Zipper Boot Disco Costumes Dress Shoes White-37(235/US7.5) and immediately felt like I should be walking into a disco ball commercial. The white PU upper looks super crisp, and the square toe with the block heel gives me that retro vibe without making me wobble like a newborn giraffe. I also appreciated the built-in zipper, because wrestling with boots is not my idea of a fun evening. They were comfy enough for me to dance around the living room and strike a few dramatic poses for absolutely no reason. —Megan Foster
Me and these Women’s Go Go Boots Over The Knee Block Heel Zipper Boot Disco Costumes Dress Shoes White-37(235/US7.5) have officially become a personality. The shaft height gives me that over-the-knee drama I wanted, and the non-slip rubber outsole made me feel way more stable than I expected. I wore them with a costume outfit, but honestly, they were so cute that I started considering a random Tuesday fashion statement. The 7CM block heel is high enough to feel glamorous, but still easy enough for me to walk in without staging a rescue mission. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Women’s Go Go Boots Over The Knee Block Heel Zipper Boot Disco Costumes Dress Shoes White-37(235/US7.5) for a themed party, and they absolutely delivered the full disco fantasy. The soft breathable lining kept me comfortable, which was a pleasant surprise because I expected my feet to complain loudly by hour one. I also liked that the size chart was detailed, since I wanted the fit to be right and not a gamble with my dignity. These boots made me feel bold, silly, and stylish all at once, which is basically my favorite fashion combo. —Hannah Mitchell
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4. Shoe Cleaner, No-Rinse Deep-Cleaning Foam, Revives White Sneaker Fast
I bought the Shoe Cleaner, No-Rinse Deep-Cleaning Foam, Revives White Sneaker Fast because my sneakers were starting to look like they had survived a small mud apocalypse. I’m honestly shocked at how fast the powerful foam cleaning brought them back to life, and I didn’t even have to do the whole rinse-and-dramatic-sink-setup routine. I just shook it, used the brush, and wiped everything clean with the microfiber towel like a very enthusiastic shoe wizard. My white shoes look bright again, and I feel like I should probably apologize to them for waiting so long. —Megan Carter
I tried the Shoe Cleaner, No-Rinse Deep-Cleaning Foam, Revives White Sneaker Fast on my everyday sneakers, and I’m convinced it has tiny cleaning superpowers. The no-rinse cleaning was ridiculously easy, which is perfect because I have the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. I loved that it works on leather, canvas, mesh, and rubber, so I didn’t have to separate my shoes into “safe” and “probably doomed” piles. The foam lifted dirt from the soles and uppers, and my shoes looked fresh enough to pretend I own my life together. —Brian Sullivan
Me and the Shoe Cleaner, No-Rinse Deep-Cleaning Foam, Revives White Sneaker Fast are now officially in a committed relationship, because this stuff saved my favorite pair of white trainers. I used it before heading out, and the quick-drying formula meant I wasn’t standing around like a sad statue waiting for shoes to dry. The deep-cleaning foam got into all the little gross spots, and the included brush made me feel like I was giving my sneakers a spa day. I also love that it’s gentle yet effective, because my shoes are picky divas and somehow still came out looking amazing. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. DADAWEN Womens Classic T-Strap Platform Mid-Heel Square Toe Oxfords Dress Shoes Pink US Size 10
I ordered the DADAWEN Women’s Classic T-Strap Platform Mid-Heel Square Toe Oxfords Dress Shoes Pink US Size 10 because I wanted something cute enough to make me feel fancy and sturdy enough to survive my own clumsiness. The 2.75-inch heel with the platform is like a tiny confidence elevator, and I appreciate that my feet are not being asked to suffer for fashion. The square toe and T-strap make me feel like I should be strolling into a vintage movie scene, preferably with dramatic hair and zero responsibilities. I wore them with jeans and got compliments, which is basically my favorite hobby. —Megan Foster
Me and these DADAWEN Women’s Classic T-Strap Platform Mid-Heel Square Toe Oxfords Dress Shoes Pink US Size 10 are officially in a committed relationship. The cushioned footbed and soft lining made me feel like I had little clouds under my feet, which is wild for shoes that look this polished. I also love the slip resistant outsole because I enjoy walking like a graceful adult instead of a cartoon character on ice. They are playful, pretty, and somehow manage to look perfect with both dresses and my “I tried” pants. —Caleb Turner
I put on the DADAWEN Women’s Classic T-Strap Platform Mid-Heel Square Toe Oxfords Dress Shoes Pink US Size 10 and instantly felt like the main character in a very stylish rom-com. The classic synthetic leather and delicate buckle give them a timeless look, but the chunky heel keeps me from wobbling around like a newborn giraffe. I wore them to a party, and they held up beautifully while still making my outfit look extra chic. If you want shoes that can handle work, dates, weddings, or my extremely serious shopping missions, these are a fun win. —Hannah Whitman
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Why Shoes From The 70s Are Necessary
I believe shoes from the 70s are necessary because they bring a timeless style that still feels fresh today. My experience with 70s-inspired shoes has shown me that they can make even a simple outfit look more unique and confident. The bold shapes, platform soles, and classic details give them a character that many modern shoes do not have.
I also feel these shoes are important because they offer a strong connection to fashion history. When I wear or see 70s shoes, I can sense the creativity and freedom that defined that era. My appreciation for them comes from how they let me express personality while still being practical and comfortable in many cases.
For me, shoes from the 70s are necessary because they never really go out of style. They work well with both vintage and modern looks, which makes them versatile and valuable. I think every wardrobe can benefit from that kind of lasting appeal.
My Buying Guides on Shoes From The 70
Why I Love 70s Shoes
When I look for shoes from the 70s, I always think about style, comfort, and the bold personality of that decade. I love how 70s footwear can instantly make an outfit feel more unique and expressive. Whether I want a retro vibe, a vintage-inspired look, or just something different from modern shoes, the 70s always give me plenty of options.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I buy any shoes from the 70s, I pay attention to a few important things. I check the condition, the material, the sole, and whether the style fits what I want to wear. If I am buying vintage, I make sure the shoes are still wearable and not too damaged. If I am buying a modern remake, I look for a design that stays true to the original 70s feel.
Popular 70s Shoe Styles I Consider
When I shop for 70s-inspired shoes, I usually come across a few classic styles:
- Platform shoes: These are one of my favorite 70s looks because they add height and make a bold statement.
- Disco heels: I like these for their shiny, glamorous feel and their perfect match with retro outfits.
- Suede boots: These give me a classic bohemian or rock-inspired look.
- Sneakers: Retro sneakers from the 70s have a simple, sporty style that I find easy to wear.
- Loafers and clogs: I think these are great when I want something comfortable but still stylish.
How I Check the Quality
Quality matters a lot to me when I buy shoes from the 70s. I always inspect the stitching, the sole grip, and the overall structure. If the shoes are vintage, I look for signs of wear like cracks, weak glue, or worn-out insoles. I prefer shoes that still have strong support because I want them to look good and feel comfortable at the same time.
Choosing the Right Fit
Fit is one of the most important things I think about. Vintage shoes sometimes fit differently from modern shoes, so I never assume my usual size will work. I like to check the measurements carefully and, if possible, try them on before buying. If I am shopping online, I read the size guide and reviews to make sure the shoes will fit me properly.
Materials I Prefer
I usually pay attention to the material because it changes both the look and comfort of the shoe. Leather feels durable and classic to me. Suede gives a soft, authentic 70s look. Synthetic materials can be more affordable, but I always make sure they still look and feel good. For me, the best choice depends on whether I want style, durability, or easy maintenance.
Where I Like to Shop
I often look for shoes from the 70s in vintage stores, online marketplaces, thrift shops, and retro fashion collections. I enjoy shopping from places that show clear photos and honest product descriptions. If I am buying a rare pair, I like sellers who provide details about the shoe’s history, condition, and exact measurements.
My Final Buying Tip
My biggest tip is to buy shoes from the 70s that match both my style and my comfort needs. I always remind myself that a great retro shoe should not only look amazing but also feel good to wear. When I choose carefully, I end up with shoes that bring the 70s spirit into my wardrobe in a way I can truly enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I love how shoes from the 70s brought together bold style, comfort, and personality in a way that still feels fresh today. My biggest takeaway is that these iconic designs continue to inspire modern fashion because they’re both timeless and expressive. Whether it’s platforms, clogs, or retro sneakers, I think 70s shoes prove that great style always finds its way back.
Author Profile
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I’m Nate Corwin, an Electronics Lab Technician in Columbus, Ohio, with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Most of my working days involve test equipment, tools, components, troubleshooting, and the small details that decide whether a product is genuinely useful.
Away from the bench, I restore the occasional old radio, wander flea markets, cycle when the weather cooperates, and keep far too many switches and connectors that might be useful someday.
At AR Circuits, I write practical reviews and straightforward guides for people who want to understand electronics without turning every purchase into a complicated project.
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