Go-go boots burst onto the fashion scene in the 1960s and 1970s, capturing the attention of a generation eager to embrace daring, new styles.
Originally popularized in the mid-60s by French designer André Courrèges, these sleek, knee-high boots with low heels complemented the energetic mod style that was sweeping through London and beyond.
As women became more empowered and confident in asserting their individuality, go-go boots were often paired with mini-skirts and colorful dresses, epitomizing the era’s sense of freedom.
The term “go-go” is derived from the French expression “à gogo,” meaning “in abundance” or “galore,” which itself comes from the Old French word “la gogue,” meaning “joy” or “happiness.”
Another explanation traces “go-go” to a 1964 back-formation of the 1962 slang term “go,” referring to something that was extremely popular.
By 1965, the term “go-go dancer” had made its way into print, capturing the vibrant energy of the era.
The go-go boot, closely linked to this dance culture, likely took its name from this dynamic scene.
The fashion house Golo is often credited with the invention of the go-go boot, a design that gained attention when Barbra Streisand wore them in a photoshoot by Richard Avedon for the August 1965 issue of Vogue.
The earliest versions of these boots, as seen in the work of designer André Courrèges, were mid-calf, white, and flat-heeled.
Courrèges, sometimes recognized as the creator of the style, emphasized simplicity and minimalism in his design, which made it easy to replicate for the mass market.
Over time, go-go boots evolved, becoming higher on the leg and featuring alternative colors, while their heels grew chunkier.
Initially crafted from materials like leather and patent leather, later versions were made from PVC, vinyl, and other synthetic materials.
In 1966, Nancy Sinatra’s hit song “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” featured her wearing go-go boots, solidifying their status as a symbol of the era.
According to fashion expert Tim Gunn, Sinatra’s influence helped transform the go-go boot into a powerful representation of female strength and empowerment.
Female dancers on popular 1960s television shows like Hullabaloo and Shindig! frequently wore short, white go-go boots, contributing to their widespread appeal.
In fact, the boots became so associated with the show Hullabaloo that they were sometimes referred to as “hullabaloo boots.”
This connection was reflected in advertisements, such as one from January 1966 promoting “hullabaloo boots” with “kooky heels and zipper backs”.
(Photo credit: Derrick M. Johnson via Flickr / Wikimedia Commons / Enhanced by RHP).