Figure 1.--We are not sure what kind of school this is. The boys look to be about 9 years old. We would guess the photograph was taken in the 1950s. Note that only onev boy wears sandals.

We note many Australian boys goiing barefott to school in the 19th century. This was especially common in rural primary schools. Boot like shoes were common at the turn of the 20th century. Gradualy low cut oxfords became standard. We note some primary boys wearing English-style school sandals, but they were never nearly as popular as in England. Many schools required children to wear leather shos, often black leather shoes. Australian children by the 1970s began wearing sneakers to school. For the most part they are still only allowed at public schools.

Created: May 1, 2004
Last updated: May 1, 2004