Barbie ~ Shoes

Barbie shoes are a must-have to complete her outfits.  They are also the most confusing item Barbie has for new collectors.  When I started collecting I did the unthinkable I threw out open-toe split Barbie shoes.  I did not know then that Barbie's open-toe shoe can split if placed on #1 Barbie.  This was because the first Barbie foot is a little longer than the rest.

Most non-Barbie collectors do not know that Barbie open-toe shoes have left and right feet.  So often you will get a lot of shoes that only have left shoes or rights only.  This is why everyone is looking for shoes.  We buy outfits that are listed as complete, but that seller did not have the shoes correct.  So you get an outfit with two left shoes or two right shoes. 

Barbie vintage shoes are marked in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.  To the best of my knowledge 

Japan shoes are for 1958 - 1969

Korea shoes are from 1969 to 1971

Taiwan shoes are from 1971 - 

there are overlaps in the dates.

One of the most sought-after shoes is the open-toe green with pearl for Senior Prom.  What most people did not remember is Mattel would switch shoes if out.  I have seen an NRFP Senior Prom with green open-toe with no pearl.   It was very common to switch shoes in the 1970's.  An outfit may have come with white Pilgrim shoes, but if they were out they could have come with t-strap shoes or square toe.