Dating wooden wedge shoes

[acceber]

These things are amazing. I think at one point the toe part was yellow and blue striped. They are pretty badly deteriorated. The entire shoe is wood, very narrow and although there is no size anywhere, I think they are a woman’s sz 6.5. The heels are about 3”. There is writing on the bottoms which appear to be various names. It’s hard to make out. They look to be painted black with the pattern etched in.

 

[catseyevintage]

I believe these could be hand carved shoes made and sold in the Philippines (or other Pacific island) after World War II as souvenirs for service men to send home to their wives and sweethearts. The uppers could be some sort of plant fiber. These appear to be very early as later versions were carved houses.

I'm far from an expert, and will defer to the shoe experts when they come along.

 

[acceber]

I think you must be right, because I was just able to make out “10 Pesos” written on the bottom of one shoe, right next to what looks to be “Juanita.”

 

[Jonathan]

Yes, that is probably what they are, however, they are early examples, which is nice -- wartime, whereas most of the souvenir types with carved palm trees etc. are postwar 40s and made for U.S. soldiers to buy through their PX shops.