At the time, Cherokee was best known for its footwear made for walking, dancing and everything in between. You’d see girls in slip-ons, wedges or strappy sandals, all with that signature Cherokee look. The company leaned into sturdy materials and padded insoles, making shoes that could hold up through a full day of classes and still feel okay by dinner. They weren’t designed to be loud or fashion-forward — they were dependable, stylish in a low-key way, and easy to wear.
The brand had a wide lineup too. Cherokee made high-heeled wedges, soft-soled flats, slide-on sandals and closed-toe shoes. Each pair promised a comfortable fit, and they mostly delivered. And while their focus was on women’s shoes, the company also made children’s footwear, work shoes, and even added clothing, handbags and accessories to the mix. By the mid-80s, you could wear Cherokee head to toe.
Teen girls especially took to the brand. Whether it was the Santa Cruz high-heel slip-ons or leather sandals with thick soles and solid stitching, Cherokee’s shoes were often found in closets right next to Dr Scholl’s ‘exercise’ sandals and Famolare platform wavy wedge shoes. The ads from the time made it clear: these were American-made, designed for real life, and built to feel as good as they looked. There was even a bit of brand pride built in — Cherokee often reminded customers that it took up to 50 people to make just one pair of shoes.
To help bring back those memories, we’ve rounded up a bunch of original Cherokee shoe photos and old ads from the 1980s. These snapshots show exactly what was on the shelves — and on our feet — back when Cherokee ruled the comfort shoe game.
“I get my kicks from Cherokee!” (1981)
“For comfort, they’re super. For walking, they’re great. For dancing, I love ’em… And they’re wonderfully made. By people who know feet like the back of their hand…
1980s Cherokee Santa Cruz slip-on high-heel sandals (1982)
Imagine a shoe so sweet to your feet, you feel like you’re walking on air. The incredible Cherokee shoe. The best-feeling, best-looking shoes afoot. A colorful example: our Santa Cruz style, shown here.
And, to go right along with ’em, we have a whole collection of fabulous Cherokee pants and tops and bags. American-made — Designed to make you feel good all over. P S. Cherokee Shoe Co., Inc. makes service shoes and children’s shoes too.
DON’T MISS! The jelly shoes 80s & 90s fad: Bright colors were more important than comfort
Cherokee brand brown leather sandals and heels (1982)
Now open for your Spring-Summer pleasure, the freshest-looking styling in the whole comfort field. Makes for an incomparable combination of fashion that feels good. Naturally, by Cherokee. The American-made shoe that goes all out for you. Suggested retail to $35.
Shown left to right. Raven, Bessie, Alamo, Gringo, Mae. PS: Cherokee makes pants, jeans, handbags and legwear, too.
YOU MIGHT LIKE: Vintage Famolare shoes: The wavy-sole platform wedges that were hot in the ’70s
Vintage 80s Cherokee shoes – Wedge, high-heel slide and Beep (1982)
We worship the feet you walk on: Cherokee brand saw-tooth sole wedge heels (1982)
If you think Cherokee shoes look super — wait ’til you feel how they feel! So comfortable, they wouldn’t hurt your feet’s feelings for anything. All Cherokees are born right here in America, under our own careful supervision. It takes up to 50 people to make one pair of Cherokee shoes. A name so wonderfully wearable… soon, everyone will speak Cherokee.
All American-made — Cherokee of California. P.S. Cherokee is also making great jeans and baggies, like those shown here.
Vintage 80s brown close-toe shoes from Cherokee (1982)
MORE: These vintage 80s clothes for girls were charming, chic & totally awesome
Old Cherokee boots and clothing (1984)
Feel the feeling and comfort of Cherokee as you take to the outdoors! Always famous for comfort, Cherokee now sports a new fashion look: Boots, with all the comfort and excitement of real shearling!
Cherokee shoes and clothes (1985)
Old Cherokee brand sandals and apparel (1985)
Retro 80s Cherokee strappy sandals and white dress (1985)
Cherokee metallic skimmer shoe with narrow wedge heel (1986)
Cherokee brand flats – Shoes from the 1980s (1986)
1980s Cherokee brand shoes and clothing (1986)
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