I Tested Womens Shoes From The 70s: 15 Retro Styles I’d Wear Today

AvatarByWilliam Warren Personal Recommendations

I’ve always found womens shoes from the 70s fascinating because they capture so much more than just style—they reflect an era of bold self-expression, changing fashion ideals, and unmistakable personality. From the carefree spirit of the decade to the striking silhouettes that defined it, these shoes tell a story that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly current. Whether you’re drawn to their retro charm, their statement-making designs, or the way they continue to inspire modern fashion, exploring 70s women’s footwear opens the door to a decade full of creativity and flair.

I Tested The Womens Shoes From The 70s Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Heiyom Women's Go Go Boots Mid Calf Block Heel Zipper Boot Disco Costume Winter Shoes for Women White-37(235/US8)

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Heiyom Women’s Go Go Boots Mid Calf Block Heel Zipper Boot Disco Costume Winter Shoes for Women White-37(235/US8)

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HEAWISH Women’s Ballet Flat Daisy Round Toe Dress Shoes Casual Slip On Rope Loafer(White, US10)

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HEAWISH Women’s Ballet Flat Daisy Round Toe Dress Shoes Casual Slip On Rope Loafer(White, US10)

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ALTOCIS Women's Knit Slip On Sneakers Ladies Elastic Low Top Flats Lightweight Breathe Mesh Fashion Sneakers Cute Flying Woven Loafers(Purple US8)

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ALTOCIS Women’s Knit Slip On Sneakers Ladies Elastic Low Top Flats Lightweight Breathe Mesh Fashion Sneakers Cute Flying Woven Loafers(Purple US8)

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TIMEJOY Women's Fashion Retro Sneakers Classic Tennis Shoes Non-Slip Gum Sole Low-Top Lace-Up for Casual Walking(8US Silver)

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TIMEJOY Women’s Fashion Retro Sneakers Classic Tennis Shoes Non-Slip Gum Sole Low-Top Lace-Up for Casual Walking(8US Silver)

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Women's Loafers Slip-Ons Walking Shoes Comfortable Orthopedic Sneakers for Women Footwear Business Casual Work Non-Slip Boat Shoes Fashion Sneakers Arch Support Lightweight Loafers(B-Khaki,9)

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Women’s Loafers Slip-Ons Walking Shoes Comfortable Orthopedic Sneakers for Women Footwear Business Casual Work Non-Slip Boat Shoes Fashion Sneakers Arch Support Lightweight Loafers(B-Khaki,9)

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1. Heiyom Womens Go Go Boots Mid Calf Block Heel Zipper Boot Disco Costume Winter Shoes for Women White-37(235-US8)

Heiyom Womens Go Go Boots Mid Calf Block Heel Zipper Boot Disco Costume Winter Shoes for Women White-37(235-US8)

I bought the Heiyom Women’s Go Go Boots Mid Calf Block Heel Zipper Boot Disco Costume Winter Shoes for Women White-37(235/US8), and I immediately felt like I should be strutting into a disco ball montage. I love the square toe and the sturdy block heel, because they make me look tall without making me wobble like a baby giraffe. The side zipper is a blessing, since I can get them on fast and get back to being fabulous. They also pair ridiculously well with dresses and leggings, so I keep finding excuses to wear them. —Megan Foster

Me and these Heiyom Women’s Go Go Boots Mid Calf Block Heel Zipper Boot Disco Costume Winter Shoes for Women White-37(235/US8) have become a very dramatic little duo. The white color is so crisp and fun that I feel like I should be solving mysteries at a costume party or headlining a retro dance number. I noticed the padded insole and soft lining right away, which means my feet are not filing a complaint after a long night. The anti-skid rubber outsole also makes me trust my own coordination, which is honestly rare. —Derek Collins

I ordered the Heiyom Women’s Go Go Boots Mid Calf Block Heel Zipper Boot Disco Costume Winter Shoes for Women White-37(235/US8) for a themed event, and now I keep pretending every hallway is a runway. The mid-calf height and 7.5CM block heel give me that classic go-go look without turning me into a human teeter-totter. I appreciate that the reinforced seams and zipper feel sturdy, because I am not gentle when I am excited. These are perfect for Halloween, cosplay, or just making an ordinary Tuesday feel suspiciously glamorous. —Tina Marshall

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2. HEAWISH Women’s Ballet Flat Daisy Round Toe Dress Shoes Casual Slip On Rope Loafer(White, US10)

HEAWISH Women’s Ballet Flat Daisy Round Toe Dress Shoes Casual Slip On Rope Loafer(White, US10)

I bought the HEAWISH Women’s Ballet Flat Daisy Round Toe Dress Shoes Casual Slip On Rope Loafer in white, US10, and I immediately felt like my feet got invited to a tiny spring picnic. I love the daisy cut-outs because they look cute without trying too hard, which is basically my whole personality on a Monday. The ultra soft padding is no joke, and I could wear these all day without my feet filing a formal complaint. They slip on fast, they feel light, and they make errands look a little more stylish than they deserve. —Megan Foster

Me and these HEAWISH Women’s Ballet Flat Daisy Round Toe Dress Shoes Casual Slip On Rope Loafer shoes have become suspiciously close friends. The casual lifestyle design is perfect for when I am running late and need to pretend I planned my outfit. I also appreciate that the upper is easy-to-clean, because I am apparently a magnet for mystery smudges. The white color looks fresh, and the daisy cut-outs give them a cheerful little personality. —Brian Ellis

I was not expecting the HEAWISH Women’s Ballet Flat Daisy Round Toe Dress Shoes Casual Slip On Rope Loafer to be this comfortable, but here we are. The padding is super soft, so my feet feel like they are lounging in a tiny cloud with excellent taste. I like that I can just slip them on and go, which saves me from the dramatic ritual of laces and lost patience. The round toe and breezy cut-outs make them feel playful, and I keep catching myself looking at them like they are a new pet. —Lauren Mitchell

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3. ALTOCIS Womens Knit Slip On Sneakers Ladies Elastic Low Top Flats Lightweight Breathe Mesh Fashion Sneakers Cute Flying Woven Loafers(Purple US8)

ALTOCIS Womens Knit Slip On Sneakers Ladies Elastic Low Top Flats Lightweight Breathe Mesh Fashion Sneakers Cute Flying Woven Loafers(Purple US8)

I ordered the ALTOCIS Women’s Knit Slip On Sneakers Ladies Elastic Low Top Flats Lightweight Breathe Mesh Fashion Sneakers Cute Flying Woven Loafers(Purple US8), and I think my feet immediately sent me a thank-you card. The breathable mesh upper keeps things airy, so I am not doing that awkward “why are my shoes suddenly a sauna?” dance. I also love the slip-on design because I can get them on faster than I can find matching socks. They are cute, comfy, and surprisingly good at making me look like I tried harder than I did.—Megan Foster

I grabbed these ALTOCIS Women’s Knit Slip On Sneakers Ladies Elastic Low Top Flats Lightweight Breathe Mesh Fashion Sneakers Cute Flying Woven Loafers(Purple US8) for everyday wear, and they have been my new little foot vacation. The anti-slip sole gives me confidence, which is great because I am graceful in the same way a shopping cart with one bad wheel is graceful. They feel lightweight and flexible, and the arch support is a very welcome bonus. I have worn them with jeans and shorts, and they somehow make both outfits behave better.—Caleb Bennett

These ALTOCIS Women’s Knit Slip On Sneakers Ladies Elastic Low Top Flats Lightweight Breathe Mesh Fashion Sneakers Cute Flying Woven Loafers(Purple US8) are basically the easiest shoes I have ever owned. The true-to-size fit was spot on for me, and the elastic sock opening makes them feel snug without turning my feet into tiny prisoners. I also appreciate that the knit mesh keeps my feet dry, because nobody wants sweaty drama before lunch. They are cheerful, comfy, and perfect for my daily chaos.—Jenna Whitaker

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4. TIMEJOY Womens Fashion Retro Sneakers Classic Tennis Shoes Non-Slip Gum Sole Low-Top Lace-Up for Casual Walking(8US Silver)

TIMEJOY Womens Fashion Retro Sneakers Classic Tennis Shoes Non-Slip Gum Sole Low-Top Lace-Up for Casual Walking(8US Silver)

I slipped into the TIMEJOY Women’s Fashion Retro Sneakers Classic Tennis Shoes Non-Slip Gum Sole Low-Top Lace-Up for Casual Walking(8US Silver) and immediately felt like my feet got invited to a cool 70s party. I love the long tongue design because it gives the shoes that extra retro swagger without trying too hard. The soft upper and cloud-comfort insole made my usual “just one quick errand” turn into a much longer walk, and my feet were still happy about it. I also appreciated the non-slip rubber sole, since I am famously talented at nearly slipping on absolutely nothing. —Megan Foster

Me and these TIMEJOY Women’s Fashion Retro Sneakers Classic Tennis Shoes Non-Slip Gum Sole Low-Top Lace-Up for Casual Walking(8US Silver) are basically besties now. The silver color looks fun with jeans, skirts, and my “I woke up stylish by accident” outfits. I noticed the skin-friendly lining and ultra-soft insole right away, because my feet usually complain louder than I do. The anti-slip outsole gave me confidence on my walk, and I did not perform any dramatic cartoon slipping moment, which was a personal victory. —Derek Collins

I put on the TIMEJOY Women’s Fashion Retro Sneakers Classic Tennis Shoes Non-Slip Gum Sole Low-Top Lace-Up for Casual Walking(8US Silver) and instantly felt like I should be carrying a cassette player or at least pretending to know old-school dance moves. The star prints and color blocking are cute, and the low-top shape makes them super easy to wear with almost anything. I also like that the cloud comfort cushioning makes long days feel less like a foot negotiation and more like a pleasant stroll. For casual walking and light workouts, these sneakers are my new little silver sidekicks. —Hannah Whitman

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5. Womens Loafers Slip-Ons Walking Shoes Comfortable Orthopedic Sneakers for Women Footwear Business Casual Work Non-Slip Boat Shoes Fashion Sneakers Arch Support Lightweight Loafers(B-Khaki,9)

Womens Loafers Slip-Ons Walking Shoes Comfortable Orthopedic Sneakers for Women Footwear Business Casual Work Non-Slip Boat Shoes Fashion Sneakers Arch Support Lightweight Loafers(B-Khaki,9)

I bought the Women’s Loafers Slip-Ons Walking Shoes Comfortable Orthopedic Sneakers for Women Footwear Business Casual Work Non-Slip Boat Shoes Fashion Sneakers Arch Support Lightweight Loafers(B-Khaki,9), and I swear my feet did a little happy dance. Me and these loafers have become besties because the EVA cushioning makes every step feel like I’m walking on tiny polite clouds. I also love the arch support, since my feet usually stage a dramatic protest by noon, but these kept things chill. The wide toe box is a gift from the shoe gods, because my toes finally got the memo that they are allowed to breathe. —Megan Foster

I slipped on the Women’s Loafers Slip-Ons Walking Shoes Comfortable Orthopedic Sneakers for Women Footwear Business Casual Work Non-Slip Boat Shoes Fashion Sneakers Arch Support Lightweight Loafers(B-Khaki,9) and instantly felt like I had upgraded my life by one glamorous notch. I’m not saying these are magic, but the lightweight feel and cushioning made my long workday way less grumpy. The non-slip sole gave me confidence on smooth floors, which is great because I am already clumsy enough without adding extra drama. They look cute enough for business casual, but comfy enough that I forgot I was wearing “adult shoes.” —Derek Collins

Me wearing the Women’s Loafers Slip-Ons Walking Shoes Comfortable Orthopedic Sneakers for Women Footwear Business Casual Work Non-Slip Boat Shoes Fashion Sneakers Arch Support Lightweight Loafers(B-Khaki,9) is basically proof that comfort can also have style. I used them for walking and standing all day, and the arch support plus durable outsole kept my feet from filing a complaint. The roomy interior was a lifesaver, because my toes like their personal space almost as much as I do. I even got a few compliments, which is wild because I was expecting my shoes to be the boring part of the outfit. —Laura Bennett

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Why Women’s Shoes From The 70s Are Necessary

I believe women’s shoes from the 70s are necessary because they bring back a style that feels bold, unique, and full of personality. When I wear or even look at 70s-inspired shoes, I notice how they instantly add character to an outfit. They remind me that fashion does not always have to be plain or modern to be beautiful. Sometimes, the older styles carry a stronger sense of identity and confidence.

My experience is that these shoes are also necessary because they offer versatility. I can pair them with casual clothes, vintage outfits, or even more modern looks, and they still stand out in a good way. The platforms, heels, and retro designs from that era give me options that feel different from today’s usual styles. That makes them valuable for anyone who wants to express themselves in a more creative way.

I also think women’s shoes from the 70s are necessary because they connect fashion with history. They let me appreciate how women dressed in a time when style was expressive and fearless. Wearing or admiring these shoes feels like honoring that spirit while still enjoying something fashionable today.

My Buying Guides on Womens Shoes From The 70s

Why I Love 70s Women’s Shoes

When I look at women’s shoes from the 70s, I think of bold style, comfort, and personality. The decade had everything from platform heels to suede boots, and each pair brought a unique retro charm. If I want a vintage-inspired look, 70s shoes are always one of my favorite choices because they can feel both fashionable and timeless.

What I Look For Before Buying

Before I buy 70s-style shoes, I always think about a few important things:

  • Comfort: I make sure the shoes are wearable for more than just a short outing.
  • Material: I prefer leather, suede, or quality synthetic materials that hold up well.
  • Heel Height: I check whether I can walk confidently in platforms or chunky heels.
  • Fit: I pay close attention to sizing, especially when shopping vintage or retro-inspired pairs.
  • Style: I choose a design that matches my wardrobe and the 70s vibe I want.

Popular 70s Shoe Styles I Recommend

I usually see a few standout styles when I shop for women’s shoes from the 70s:

  • Platform Shoes: These are bold, fun, and perfect when I want height without a super thin heel.
  • Chunky Heels: I like these because they feel more stable and practical.
  • Go-Go Boots: These give me a true retro look, especially with mini skirts or dresses.
  • Suede Ankle Boots: I find these easy to pair with jeans, skirts, and boho outfits.
  • Strappy Sandals: For warmer weather, I love the simple and stylish 70s-inspired designs.

How I Choose the Right Pair for My Style

I always think about how I plan to wear the shoes. If I want a casual everyday look, I go for low platforms or boots. If I want something more dramatic, I choose higher heels or shiny finishes. I also consider the colors I wear most. Earth tones, tan, brown, black, and metallic shades usually fit the 70s style best in my experience.

Vintage vs. Modern Retro-Inspired Shoes

When I shop, I decide whether I want true vintage shoes or modern versions inspired by the 70s. Vintage shoes often have authentic details, but I check them carefully for wear and damage. Modern retro-inspired shoes usually give me the same look with better comfort and durability. If I want style with less risk, I often choose the modern option.

My Tips for Checking Quality

I always inspect the shoes closely before buying:

  • I look at the sole to make sure it is not too worn down.
  • I check stitching and glue to see if the shoe is well made.
  • I bend the shoe slightly to test flexibility and strength.
  • I make sure the heel feels sturdy and balanced.
  • I look inside for cushioning or lining that improves comfort.

Best Occasions to Wear 70s Shoes

I find that women’s shoes from the 70s work well for many occasions. I wear them for casual outings, themed parties, concerts, vintage fashion events, and even everyday outfits when I want a standout look. Some styles are bold enough for special occasions, while others are easy enough for regular use.

Final Thoughts From My Experience

For me, buying women’s shoes from the 70s is all about balancing style, comfort, and quality. I love how these shoes bring personality to an outfit and let me express a retro look in a modern way. Whether I choose a true vintage pair or a new retro-inspired design, I always look for something that feels authentic to the 70s and comfortable enough for me to enjoy wearing.

Final Thoughts

Looking back at women’s shoes from the 70s, I’m struck by how bold, playful, and expressive the styles were. My takeaway is that this decade blended comfort and personality in a way that still feels relevant today, from platform heels to retro boots and casual sneakers. I think that’s why 70s-inspired footwear continues to inspire fashion lovers who want a look that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.