Fur, Velvet, and Rubber Soles: The Story of 1940s Gaytees Overshoes
A $10 Thrift Find Worth $150
I recently got an email from a follower with these AMAZING carriage boots and a question: What era are they from? Let’s just dive in!
Judging by their look alone, I’d guess these are pre-1950s carriage boots, possibly even from the early 1900s. Carriage boots were designed to be worn over heels, protecting them while traveling—whether in rain, snow, or mud. Given the rabbit fur trim and velvet-like fabric on these boots, I’d bet they were intended for snowy weather. The rubber soles are a classic feature. I actually have a similar pair from my great-great-great-aunt Stella’s galoshes collection!
Research Time!
First, I popped the boots into Google Lens and found several similar or identical pairs. Fun fact: my follower snagged these for just $10, which is a total steal, considering similar pairs seem to be going for $50 to $150 online. There’s even a stunning, similar pair from 1955 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art! Most of the pairs I found dated between 1930 and 1950.
Brand Discovery: Gaytees
Next, I checked the brand name stamped on the rubber sole: Gaytees. Google Lens brought up a ton of results, including several vintage ads from the 1940s. One ad features a boot nearly identical to this pair, labeled the “Peerless” style boot:
“A fur-trim, boot of snow-shedding velveteen.”
Sounds like our boots! I’m guessing 1940s based on this. Another ad listed the price for similar Gaytees boots at $1.35 to $4.95—which, adjusting for inflation using 1948 as the base year, would be around $17.68 to $64.84 today. Not bad for such stylish and practical winter wear!
A Little Brand History
Gaytees was a brand produced by the U.S. Rubber Company (founded 1892). Though Gaytees exact founding date is unclear, the brand seems to have emerged in the 1920s and specialized in carriage boots, overshoes, and galoshes. These were essential winter accessories for keeping shoes dry and protected during travel. While rubber soles were the key feature, the uppers came in various materials like furs, velveteen, and even faux reptile-skin.
Unfortunately, Gaytees—and fashionable overshoes in general—faded out by the 1960s, but they remain a fascinating piece of fashion history.
Styling them!
In terms of styling, for a vintage inspired look, I would opt for this beautiful long coat (Depop: $125) over a fun blouse (Etsy: $99.33), a 1930s cloche hat (Etsy: $46), matching gloves (Bixley Shop: $24), a handbag (Depop: $8) and these shoes!
For a more modern approach, I think the boots would look great with a long knit dress like this (Karen Millen: $239), along with some chunky jewelry (Bracelet: Wolf & Badger: $88, Earrings: eBay: $16)
Huge shoutout to Briana for submitting the boots and as always, if you have any questions on vintage pieces, please send me your favorite mystery vintage finds here—I’d love to see them!
Until next time, stay cozy, stylish, and curious!
These are really cool and a super fun deep dive. I'm curious, though, about how to wear them nowadays. Would you still have to wear them with a specific type of heeled shoe that would fit inside? Or can they be worn like a regular boot?
Love this - so fabulous! Would be great to connect with one another through our publications, we just launched Worn, a secondhand style magazine on Substack that debuts in print in 2025!X