Retro Shoes for Women Who Want More Than Plain
Life's too short for boring shoes. At Poison Arrow Retro, our women's retro shoes collection brings together the best vintage-inspired footwear from brands that actually understand style — think bold prints, quirky details, unexpected colours and silhouettes straight out of the 1950s and 1960s. Whether you're a dedicated rockabilly fan, a pin-up enthusiast or just someone who wants shoes that start conversations, you'll find something here worth wearing.
We stock a carefully curated range of women's retro and vintage-inspired shoes in styles to suit every occasion — from Mary Janes and kitten heels to canvas sneakers, low heels and rockabilly boots. Sizes and styles vary, so check individual product pages for current availability.
What Styles Are in This Collection?
Our women's retro shoes range covers a wide variety of styles, all with that vintage-inspired edge:
- Mary Jane shoes — the classic strap-across-the-instep silhouette in prints, solids and statement designs. A retro wardrobe staple.
- Kitten heels — low, elegant heels with bold personality. Perfect for all-day wear without sacrificing style.
- Canvas sneakers — retro-style sneakers in fun prints including florals, plaid, Elvis-inspired graphics, Halloween and Christmas designs.
- Rockabilly boots — statement boots that pair beautifully with jeans, swing skirts and rockabilly dresses.
- Low heel shoes — vintage-inspired heels that add height without the discomfort of stilettos.
- Colourful statement shoes — quirky, printed and eye-catching styles for women who like their footwear to do the talking.
How to Style Retro Shoes
The beauty of retro shoes is how versatile they are. A pair of Mary Janes looks stunning with a full-skirted retro dress or a rockabilly dress — but they're equally at home with high-waisted jeans and a vintage-inspired top for a more casual look. Kitten heels dress up a work outfit or a garden party without putting your feet through the wringer. Canvas sneakers are the everyday option that still makes a statement — wear them with swing skirts, shorts or jeans for an effortlessly retro vibe.
For a complete head-to-toe look, browse our retro handbags and accessories to pull the outfit together. If you're shopping for a full wardrobe refresh, our plus size rockabilly clothing range has plenty of options to pair with your new shoes.
Our Retro Shoe Brands
We stock some of the best retro footwear brands available in Australia, including:
- SugarPOP — bold, vintage-inspired kitten heels and Mary Janes in statement prints and colours. Available in extended sizing AU4–AU14 depending on style.
- Hot Chocolate Design — iconic illustrated Mary Jane shoes with detailed artwork on the sole and upper. A favourite for collectors and fashion lovers alike.
New styles are added regularly, so it's worth checking back if you don't find exactly what you're after today.
Why Shop Retro Shoes at Poison Arrow Retro?
- Curated range of genuine retro and vintage-inspired styles — not fast fashion knockoffs
- Extended sizing available on selected styles
- Ships Australia-wide, with free shipping on qualifying orders
- International shipping available to the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand and more
- Brands chosen for their design quality and retro authenticity
Frequently Asked Questions — Women's Retro Shoes
What are women's retro shoes?
Women's retro shoes are footwear styles inspired by fashion from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Common styles include Mary Janes, kitten heels, T-bar shoes, canvas sneakers and low-heeled pumps, often featuring bold prints, bright colours, quirky details and vintage-inspired silhouettes. They're popular with women who love rockabilly, pin-up, swing and vintage fashion.
What brands of retro shoes does Poison Arrow Retro stock?
We stock SugarPOP kitten heels and Mary Janes, Hot Chocolate Design illustrated shoes, and a range of other vintage-inspired footwear. Our range is updated regularly — browse the full collection to see what's currently available.
Do you stock retro shoes in extended sizes?
Yes — selected styles are available in extended sizing up to AU14, depending on the brand and design. Check individual product pages for size availability, as this varies by style.
What outfits do retro shoes go with?
Retro shoes are incredibly versatile. Mary Janes and kitten heels pair beautifully with full-skirted retro dresses, pencil skirts and swing skirts. Canvas sneakers work well with jeans, shorts and casual skirts. Rockabilly boots suit jeans, denim skirts and rockabilly dresses. Essentially — if you love vintage-inspired fashion, retro shoes will fit right in.
Do you ship women's retro shoes Australia-wide?
Yes — Poison Arrow Retro ships Australia-wide, with free shipping available on qualifying orders. We also ship internationally to the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand and more. See our shipping page for current rates and thresholds.
What is the difference between Mary Jane shoes and kitten heels?
Mary Jane shoes are defined by a strap across the instep and can come with a flat or low heel. Kitten heels refer specifically to the heel style — a short, slender heel typically between 3–5cm high. Some shoes are both — a Mary Jane kitten heel combines the strap detail with a low kitten heel. Both styles are popular in retro and vintage-inspired fashion.