Are these leather pumps 1950s or 40s?

[laurenm]

Hey all,
Am I looking at leather pumps from the 1950s?
The inside lining says "Lastex" and the label, I'm pretty sure says "Arch-Aid, Montreal".
Heel is 2.25 inches.
Thanks for any help
Lauren

 

[Pinkcoke]

Hi, I would say these are late 1950s to mid 60's because the shape is mid-late 50's but the comfort construction using elastic around the vamp and arch support together with the toe design suggest a 1960's shoe for an older woman seeking comfortable shoes.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

I have some very similar shoes, but plainer, and agree with Melanie's dating - also it looks like they've been dyed.

 

[laurenm]

Thanks Nicole and Melanie....yes, I wondered about that, they exhibit a slightly eggplant sheen in my lightbox which isn't as evident in natural light and the colour is slightly uneven(but in a somewhat organic nice way)....the back section of the uppers behind the heel have a shiny almost patent look as do the bows relative to the rest that has a more soft pliable grain....

Also, just noticed those two nails at the tip toe...never seen that before.

 

[Pinkcoke]

I had a good look and I don't think they have been dyed unless I've missed something - where did you see this Nicole?
The most common signs of a dyed shoe is uneven coloured edges onto the lining and sole, though this will be minimal on a professional job. The lining looks untouched though to me. I think the uppers are just rubbed from wear. It's most noticeable with a dark coloured shoe because the original leather is rarely that dark a shade.

The tacks in the tip of the sole are to prevent excessive wear there as that is the first part of the sole to wear out on a pointed shoe as it drags along the floor when you pick up your foot. Those large round tacks were made specially for this purpose - they are known as 'Blakey's' here in the UK after the most popular brand that was used, much as we call a vaccum cleaner a Hoover or hook and loop tape Velcro.