September 15, 2016

You asked: Where can I find vintage style saddle shoes?


The return of September always puts me in the mood for collegiate styles, no matter how many years it's been now since I last sat in school desk, and clearly I'm not the only one.

In the past few weeks, I've received seven different email questions from folks around around the world (in places spanning the globe from Germany to Australia, Brazil to America), asking me to help them track down modern sources of vintage style saddle shoes.



{Once an incredibly common and much beloved style of footwear, especially amongst the youth of the day, saddle shoes are now a fair bit trickier to come by. Thankfully though, numerous online sources for such do exist and we'll take a look at several of them in today's post.}


While saddle shoes (also sometimes called saddle oxfords) are not, of course, strictly school day related attire, they were a very, very common for students in the years spanning the 1930s to the 1960s (with a revival for them appearing in both the 1970s and 1980s, respectively).

As a new season of classes are kicking off this month for countless folks of all ages the world over, now seemed like a perfect time to share some information here with all of you, in case you're also on the hunt for a new pair of vintage appropriate saddle shoes.

But first let's explore...



A brief history of saddle shoes

The humble - and immensely appealing - saddle shoe received its start in life very early in the twentieth century and was first designed primarily as a sports shoe, worn commonly by male basketball, football, golf, and baseball players in particular. American shoe brand A.G. Spalding is believed to have been the first company to introduce the saddle shoe to the American market, doing so back in 1906.

The saddle shoes gets its name from the piece of leather (or imitation leather) that is attached over the top of the front of the shoe (an area that is technically called the waist of the shoe) and which, as its name implies, resembles a horse riding saddle (though, interestingly, saddle shoes themselves are not particularly well suited to horseback riding and are rarely worn for such).

Though similar to spectator shoes in many ways, the two differed primarily because spectator styles also include contrasting areas on other parts of the shoe as well, such as the toe area.



{Actor Harold Lloyd sporting a pair of saddle shoes for what looks to be a fun day of boating, c. 1920.}


Saddle shoes quickly gained popularity amongst athletes both while they were engaging in sports and off the court/field, as they were comfortable, durable, casual but still stylish, and budget-friendly to boot.

In no time at all, female classmates, girlfriends, and cheerleaders all began to borrow this style from their male peers and before long, companies were producing ladies saddle shoes, too - and in fact, though they remained popular with box sexes for decades, as time went on, saddle shoes became even more frequent a footwear choice for female wearers.

Saddle shoes were not exclusively the domain of the young however, and many folks who were long past their schooldays adopted them for golf wear, as well as general leisure attire. In addition, they proved hugely popular with dancers during the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, especially those who engaged in swing and big band related forms of dance, such as the Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, and swing.



{Youngsters and their shoes at a sock hop dance that took place in Oklahoma City, back in the late 1940s.}



Though saddle shoes were most warmly embraced in North America (even being sported for a time by the Girl Scouts of America as part of the organization's official uniform), their reach spread far and wide around the globe and today they stand as one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable elements of mid-century fashion.

Their lasting appeal, and our fascination with saddle shoes to this day, stems both from a sense of nostalgia, as well as from the fact that - somewhat uncommonly for the era - they were also a unisex garment in an age and time when extremely clear distinctions were usually still being drawn between male and female fashions.

Back in the day - especially during the 1940s through to the early 1960s - saddle shoes were created in a dazzlingly array of colour combinations, the most famous of which is arguably the classic pairing of black and white. 

Other beloved versions included navy blue and white, green and white, brown and white, dark and light brown (or tan), red or burgundy and white, grey and black, and cream and brown, amongst others. Saddle shoes were typically made with genuine leather uppers, but canvas, suede, and imitation (faux) leather versions were also produced.

Laces were often, but not always, white or brown and could be either flat (sneaker style) or rounded (more like those of an oxford or dress shoe). Saddle shoes were commonly sported with crisp white socks (including the now, also iconic, bobby socks of the 1940s, 50s and early 60), especially by girls and ladies, though just about every type of socks, tights and nylons were paired with saddle shoes at one point or another in time.



{Saddle shoes were a shoe store and mail order catalog for numerous decades of the last century, when a page such as this from 1953 edition of the Sears catalog would have been a very common sight, especially in North America.}


Saddle shoes - which are, essentially, a (usually) low heeled version of a classic brogue or oxford shoe - were produced in sizes ranging from infant to adult, children's, and both men's and women's, and even though many were made from genuine leather (often with sturdy rubber soles), most pairs of saddle shoes were quite affordable, which further upped their widespread adoption and long-term popularity.

The vast majority of North American shoe stores, department stores (including both Sears and, here in Canada, Eaton's), (some) five and dimes, and clothing and/or footwear related mail order catalogs sold saddle shoes from the early to mid-twentieth century and it was rare to encounter a family during that time in which at least one (if not all) member(s) of the household had a pair of saddle shoes.

Much as like white bucks, another beloved footwear choice from the era, saddle shoes could be tricky to keep clean, but such was certainly doable and a new - or newly cleaned - pair always cut a dashing footwear figure, just as it continues to do to this day (one of my personal favourite ways to clean saddle shoes is with a lightly damp, basic variety of Mr Clean Magic Eraser Sponge; do check in an inconspicuous area of your shoes first to make sure that the dyes used on your particular pair of saddle shoes are colourfast and that the eraser sponge won't otherwise damage the material of your shoes either).



{Actress Dorothy Jordan wearing saddle shoes in a promo photograph for the MGM film "Love in the Rough", 1930.}


Just about everyone wore saddle shoes back in the day. They were an ubiquitous type of footwear that crossed cultural lines, spanned age groups, united both genders, and which frequently appeared on the feet of celebrities, such as actors and musicians, as well.

Prior to the mid-1960s, you would have been hard pressed to find a footwear or department store that didn't sell saddle shoes, but these days, things can be quite a different story indeed. Thankfully however, there are still brands that are putting out 21st century versions of the classic saddle shoe, and today we'll delve into exploring some of the online sources of such.



Where to buy vintage style saddle shoes



Naturally, this list of ten different online sources, is not a complete and total roundup of every single possible website that currently sells saddle shoes, but it should be a good jumping off point for those, pretty much anywhere in the world, who are looking to pick up their first pair of saddle shoes or grow their existing collection of this classic two-tone style of footwear.



-Amazon: While most verities of saddle shoes currently available from Amazon are the timeless B&W style, they currently stock a few others as well, including these immensely pretty - and very reasonably priced - white and pink saddle shoes as well.



-B.A.I.T. Footwear: B.A.I.T. has become a huge player in the vintage appropriate/retro/just plain darling vegan footwear sphere in recent years and are a firm favourite amongst many vintage, repro, rockabilly, and pinup girl clothing fans. Their classic saddle shoe inspired offerings come in a range of punchy hues, including (at present) such delightful options, as seafoam green, mustard yellow, red, and lavender purple, as well as classic black and white.



-Eastland Shoes: Celebrating their 60th year of business in 2016, Eastland Shoes offering up a lovely little selection of saddle shoes, including navy blue and white, black and white, and a very appealing two-tone brown suede version (pictured above).



-G.H. Bass & Co: One of the oldest and most respected footwear brands in America, Bass, as the brand is frequently known by, was founded back in 1876 and is still going strong to this day. Their saddle shoe selection currently include both traditional and somewhat more modern colour combinations for both ladies and gents (in addition, Bass is a great source for numerous other vintage shoe styles, including loafers and weejuns).





-ModCloth: As one might expect given their fabulous passion for yesteryear styles, ModCloth's offerings include this low heeled B&W version with a chic black sole.





-Muffy's: For many years now, Muffy's has been one of the best and most complete online sources for vintage style saddle shoes in a wide range of sizes, colours, and styles for men and women alike. If you're having trouble tracking down a certain type of saddle shoe, I highly suggest checking this much loved website out first.






-Payless Shoes: Though at the moment, they only have a traditional black and white version in stock, over the years, I have seen other colourways available from Payless and can attest (as I've owned some) that their budget friendly Predictions line saddle shoe (which is available in US ladies sizes and half sizes spanning 5 - 12), pictured above, is very comfortable (even if you have hard to fit feet like mine).





-Swedish Hasbeens: Though their own version is not, at present, available on their website any longer, I was still able to track down Swedish Hasbeen's chic, understated take on the classic saddle shoe for sale from UK seller Spartoo.



-Unique Vintage: Purveyors of all kinds of swoon worthy vintage style, rockabilly, and pinup fashions, US based Unique Vintage carries a small assortment of saddle shoes style from various brands, including this classic B&W pair, and the incredibly charming Baby Pink & Cream Retro Halle Oxford Saddle Shoes (shown above), which are a very appealing 21st century spin on traditional saddle shoes.





-Zappos: If you're looking for an iconic black and white pair of saddle shoes with sturdy red rubber soles just like many of those back in the mid-twentieth century had, US online shoe mega site Zappos has you covered (and this particular style is even available in three different widths, including wide).







{To learn more about a specific image used in today's post, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}



Saddle shoes continue to come back in and out of style, sometimes in slightly modified form (such as with a high heel, like this pink and white pair, or in more of a creeper design), but even during the 1980s, when the forties and fifties looks had some real sartorial moments again, they have never reached the zenith that they did back during the 1920s - 1960s.

Luckily for us though, because they still remain desirable amongst vintage fashion fans, dancers, historical costumers, theater and movie costumers, natty dressers, and folks just looking to reunite with a wonderful fashion trend for their earlier days, saddle shoes can still be had online and - just as back in the day - don't have to break the bank.

Saddle shoes were, and remain, just plain fun. If you get a pair that fits you well, they're also usually highly comfortable and indeed, I almost always tuck my saddle shoes into my suitcase when we travel, as they make a wonderful choice for long days of walking, light hiking, or sightseeing (or even, as in the case of our 2014 trip to Vancouver Island, whale watching).



{Then, as now, saddle shoes are an excellent option if you're going to be on your feet a fair bit, be it while on vacation, running errands, or doing work at home, as this stylish 1950s woman attests to.}


I would argue that they're such a true vintage wardrobe basic that anyone with an interest in sporting mid-century fashions today, would be well served by having at least one pair in their closet.

Though genuine vintage pairs of saddle shoes can be found online (eBay and Etsy are both great sources for such), if sizing and/or price and/or colourways are a factor - as such will be for most folks - then opting for modern vintage inspired saddle shoes such as those from the ten different online sources highlighted in today's post may be a better (or at least equally appealing) option.

Saddle shoes are amongst my favourite types of vintage footwear ever. My first ones were an adorable pink and white pair that my paternal grandparents brought me back from a trip to the States (bless my grandma's heart, she totally "got" and supported my early childhood love of vintage) when I was all of about six of seven years old. I've rarely been without at least one pair in my closet since then and suspect that such will always be the case.

Are you a fan of these classic two-tone shoes as well? Do you currently own any yourself? Do you have any favourite online saddle shoe sources that I didn't mention here in today's post?

Please feel free to share them in the comments below if you do, so that this post can be an even bigger roundup of such for all those the world over who are looking to track down a pair of vintage style saddle shoes for their own wardrobe, too.

70 comments:

  1. My aunt was in college during the 60's and walked so much to and from class she bought a new pair of saddle oxfords every quarter!

    I bought my son cute saddle shoes from Stride Rite when he was a toddler. So cute and went with everything!

    Great article!

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    1. What wonderful family memories of these iconic shoes. Kids saddle shoes are just the cutest thing ever! How sweet that you bought a pair for your son when we was a toddler.

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment. I hope that you're having a fantastic September.

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  2. I too LOVE my saddle shoes! Mine are Eastland and I bought them from J.C. Penneys some time last year. I wore them throughout the fall and winter season and even into spring. I did change the laces out for flat ones ( I thought it would look better.) and I get so many comments when I wear them. I did put them to the comfort test earlier this year when I went to California for 6 weeks to see my sister and celebrate my birthday. I spent 4 days at Disneyland and wore these the entire time. They are just as comfortable as if I was wearing my sneakers! There is a really great tutorial on You Tube by Rachel Dixon showing how to make a pair of saddle shoes with some fabric paint and a pair of white cheap sneakers. So that is always a great project if someone want a pair to match a certain outfit. :D

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    1. Hi Samantha, thank you very much for your terrific comment (including the reminder of that video; I've seen it before, too, and would love to give it a spin at some point - especially with saddle shoes being such a rarity in shops around these small town parts). I'm with you completely regarding the comfort level of a well fitting pair of saddle shoes. They really are as comfy and practical as sneakers - I almost always pack mine with me when I travel for days with extended walking.

      I really enjoyed hearing about some of your saddle shoe related happenings. Thank you very much for your lovely comment.

      Have a beautiful week,
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  3. I still don't have a pair of saddle shoes. I need to add a pair to my collection of shoes.

    Sarah
    www.sewcharacteristicallyyou.com/blog

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    1. I really hope that you're able to track down a pair that you love, my dear. They're such a handy type of yesteryear footwear to include in one's vintage wardrobe.

      Wishing you all the best with your search.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. great informative post I had authentic saddle shoes but the soles fell off! Twice, I got them repaired the first time but now I think i need a new pair altogether

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    1. Kudos to you on repairing them. So often these days, we (as in society at large) forget about the services of our local cobbler(s) and throw away (or banish to the backs of our closets) shoes that could easily be repaired and enjoyed for months or even years longer. Nothing lasts forever though, and it definitely sounds like it's time for a new pair or two on your end. I hope you're able to track down a pair that you love just as much as the one's you've been sporting.

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Great post Jessica (and welcome back!). I bought my pair of saddle shoes from Zulily, who often have more quirky or vintage inspired brands and styles available, including BAIT themselves :) xx

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet CiCi. Hard to believe that we've been home for a week and a day already now. Awesome! Zulily is such a great site.

      Oodles of hugs & happy start of fall wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. I love the historical detail and depth you go to, even for simple vintage things! This entry is the best. I loooove the sock hop picture, TOO cute!

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    1. What a lovely compliment, dear gal, thank you very much. Isn't it though? Photos of mid-century youth culture always make me so nostalgic for a time that I never even got a chance to experience firsthand.

      Many hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Saddle shoes are so darn cute! I have the bright red BAIT ones, but may need to invest in some more colors!

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    1. That's awesome!!! I sooo want to try out B.A.I.T's offerings, but with my hard to fit feet, I'm always sooo leery of buying footwear online. I'm sure I'll take the plunge eventually though. Their offerings are fabulously charming.

      Big hugs & thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. Welcome back from your trip! I hope you had a good one.

    I'd always wondered where the name came from for these shoes. I don't own any, though I do own some brogues that have a similar contrast colour section in the middle. Not quite 'saddle' shaped though!

    I did see a pair at a car boot sale recently. Not my size, else I would have snapped them up for sure.
    x

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    1. Thank you so much, my dear friend. We had a really lovely time in Edmonton. Like most trips, it went by at the speed of light - always a good sign of a vacay well spent. :) It's exciting that you've been getting in some recent travel of your own lately, too.

      That's cool! Brogues are one of my fave shoe styles (Tony's a big fan, too). So classic, sophisticated and (usually) comfortable.

      I hope that you're able to find a great pair of saddle shoes. It's such shame they're no longer readily available.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. Saddle shoes are adorable! Love the pink pairs you found :)

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    1. Thank you very much, lovely lady. The pink ones are so fabulous! My dream saddle shoe colour right there (with red, navy, blue, and brown right on pink's heels).

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. You are such a gem. I posted an old picture of saddle shoes on Instagram and the same thing happened. I had all sorts of people asking me where to get them. Saddle shoes are in the air these days. That's cuz they're so darned cute. And so are you! Thanks for all of the VERY useful information.

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    1. Aww, what a wonderfully nice comment and compliment, sweet Connie. Thank you so much!

      I hope that your September is going great. Hard to believe we're just ten days away from October (my fave month of the year).

      Many hugs & heartfelt thanks,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. You can't much more iconic than vintage saddle shoes! Great write up and thanks for sourcing them for us :)
    The Artyologist

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    1. My pleasure, sweet dear. Definitely! They were one of the most iconic and popular shoes for decades. It's a sincere shame that they're no longer readily available at most shoe and department stores. I love that some of us in the vintage fashion world help to keep them alive and well.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. Saddle shoes are just adorable. I remember seeing them back in the Seventies as nostalgia for the Fifties. Welcome home, Jessica, and thanks for the fun comments you left on my little online home.

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    1. You're very welcome, Ally. It was great to catch up on your latest posts. Some of the 70s versions were so cool! I found a navy and white pair for my shop a while back and they flew off the shelves in a snap.

      Many thanks for your wonderful recent blog comments, too. I hope that you're having a terrific September.

      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Saddle shoes are so cute! I love the mint green colored ones. I don't own any, but maybe one day I'll pick up a pair.. Or five!

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    1. The mint ones are sooo sweet!!! Shoes + pastels are always a winning combo in my books. :)

      Good luck in your hunt for a pair (or five :)) of saddle shoes.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. I seem to remember having worn saddle shoes many years ago, in the Eighties and early Nineties. They certainly are a great classic and staple, in that they suit both sexes equally well, go well with just about any type of clothes, and look good in any season. I'm notoriously hard to fit for shoes, though, since I have a high instep. There have been many times I've left a shoe store without any shoes, since none of them fit me just right.

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    1. They definitely had a moment back then, too (the 80s adored the 50s so much). IMO, they've not come back into vogue to the same degree since the 80s. We've seen smaller surges in popularity (including when swing dancing hit the ground running again in the 90s), but not to the same degree. I keep hoping they will - I'd love to be able to stock up on some new pairs in an array of colours.

      I hear you there! My feet are very hard to fit and I have an uber high instep as well. It sounds like we might have similar shaped feet. I'm sorry that you have a challenging time finding well fitting shoes as well, my dear. In recent years, Payless has been my footwear salvation, as some of their "Comfort Plus" pairs work well for me.

      Many hugs & happy start of autumn wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Hi Jessica, lovely post! I've never owned a pair of saddle shoes, but they definetly stir up a sense of nostalgia, and remind me of bowling and roller skating shoes. Your saddle shoes worn on a whale watching trip look great on you! Xxx

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear. I love the fact that my saddle shoes matched the colours of the orcas we saw that day. :)

      Many hugs & happy start of fall wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Thank you so much for this post, Jessica! I love this kind of shoes and think about shopping a pair of them, now. ;-)

    Many hugs,
    Sandra <3

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    1. You're very welcome, my dear. I hope you find an awesome pair. I can completely picture them looking fab on you.

      Oodles of hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. I had a pair of saddle shoes years ago which I loved and have been meaning to buy another pair... I loveee the pink and mint ones you have linked in this post! x

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    1. Aren't they sensational? I'd love to see more pastel hued saddle shoes on the market. I hope you're able to find a terrific pair, honey.

      Many hugs & thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. LOVE my saddle shoes! And everytime I wear them I get asked where I got them. I actually purchased mine brand new on Ebay about 5 years ago. They were a seller in the states selling them in all sizes. They fit perfect and are my go to shoe.

    Great source!

    Liz :)

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    1. Three cheers for a fab eBay find! I get a lot of questions about mine, too - probably more than any other type of shoes that I wear. I love that most folks over the age of 40 - 50 have personal memories of wearing them back in the day. I've heard a lot of cute/fun stories from strangers over the years pertaining to such. Have you encountered that, too?

      Many hugs & happy start of fall wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. Loved this post, Jessica! I bought a pair of the black and white ones from Payless last year, but haven't worn them much because they're so bright white - I'm afraid of getting them dirty! I think this was just the nudge I needed to take 'em out for a walk this fall! :-)

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    1. How awesome that you picked up a pair from Payless last year. I really appreciate that they sometimes stock (albeit much more so in the US than up here in Canada) classic B&W (and occasionally, pink) saddle shoes. If only more shoe and department stores would take their lead.

      Big hugs & joyful start of autumn wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Hello.
    Are you settling in nicely? :)
    This post is wonderful. There is some serenity to two-toned flat shes with laces. I suppose those are made or the school kid in every one f us (or is it just me that finds these shoes to have a special school vibe to them?)
    Just, allow me to digress, ok?
    This last photography. IT tells a story, actually. About a kitchen life, as a matter of fact. Look. Look UNDER those lovely two-toned shoes. Yup, a rug. But not your usual, any kind of a rug. That my friend is a "warm feet" rug. One of the things folks back in time did not have was flooring (tiles, decking, not even concrete - if we're to go that much back in time). It got cold in the winter, and wet. So, the lady of the house invented a genius thing: a small, somewhat shabby rug, big enough for her to rest her feet onto, and stay away from the dreadful cold. Times changed, folks got even floor heating systems installed, but the legacy of "warm feet rug" remains.
    Whoa..
    Thanks for reminding me of that story. ;)

    Huge hug.
    Marija

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    1. There's definitely a very youthful vibe to saddle shoes that make me think of school days and collegiate styles alike, too.

      There's so much to see in that image, I agree. What a wonderfully detailed take on it, my insightful friend.

      It's hard to believe that we've been home for eight days already. We're settling in well, but I've got a long way to go physically until I've bounced back from our trip (this is 100% normal for me when I travel).

      How is September going for you so far, sweet dear?

      Many hugs & thanks for your fantastic comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. Wonderful post on a classic. I love saddle shoes with just about any outfit. I've got a brown Bass pair and would like to own a white pair as well. It is great to have you back to posting. It has been very hot and humid this summer in PA so I'm excited for fall. XOXO!

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    1. Oohhh, you lucky lady, I'd flip for a brown pair. I wear quite a bit of brown and I know they'd get tons of love in my wardrobe. How lovely that have some of Bass' awesome offerings. I hope you're able to pick up a white pair. They're wonderfully versatile as well.

      Thank you so much for your touchingly lovely comment. It's a pleasure to be back again. So looking forward to an autumn of seasonal, festive, travel and other assorted new posts.

      Many hugs & joyful autumn wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. Wonderful post and great resources! Love the gingham interior on one of the options! And also love that outfit the girl at the stove is wearing. Welcome back from your vacation, too!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Karen. Hard to believe another long awaited holiday has come and gone already. No idea when the next one might transpire, but it's fun to start daydreaming about possible destinations already. :)

      Same here! I really enjoy and appreciate it when the insides of shoes are extra special like that.

      Oodles of hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. So many saddle shoes and so many colors! I just got my first pair of saddle shoes a couple months ago. I'm already thinking of all the dresses I can pair with them for fall! <3 Fun post Jessica!

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    1. That's really exciting! Many happy congrats on your first pair of saddle shoes. How are they working out for you? IMO, saddles really are the perfect fall time shoe. They call to mind classic collegiate style, provide warmth without much bulk, are great for long walks on brisk days, and partner well with both pants and skirts/dresses.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. Thank you for this great story. I had no idea what "saddle shoes" were/are and I guess women's golfing shoes in my childhood memory would be the closest I can think of - they had leather fringing at the top of the leather. Your pink and white ones sound gorgeous. My world has expanded a whole heap more. I LOVE the girl in the kitchen photo! xx

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    1. Lovely comparison. Both styles of shoes share much in common for sure and have been around for quite a few years at this point. I'm delighted to have helped expand your knowledge on saddle shoes, dear Elizabeth. They're such a fun staple of yesteryear fashion.

      Many hugs & happy mid-September wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  25. I love this informative post. I have one pair of saddle shoes (didn't know they were called that) which I found at a charity shop years ago. It's funny, but I left school even longer ago, and I still have that feeling about September. The month always signifies new beginnings to me. Maybe it's because my birthday is in September. Many hugs, Ann xxx

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    1. How exciting that this is your birthday month, sweet Ann (as fall is my favourite season, I always secretly wished my b-day fell during it, too; alas, I'm a summer baby, but we were able to have an October wedding, which in turn naturally means a fall anniversary, and it's pretty spectacular, too :)). I hope that you have a fun filled, fantastic one!

      Oodles of hugs coming right back at you,
      ♥ Jessica

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  26. I also love saddle shoes, dear Jessica, they are really amazing! I would say that yes, they are very beautiful today - the "modern versions", and the best I found was the G.H. Bass ones - but the best were the ones you showed, from the past, in my opinion. I have some saddle shoes, but one in particular, unfortunately I think I've lost (during the trips), can't find it anywhere :( It is (or was :( white, blue and red and even people on the streets stopped me to ask where I got them. I hope I find it again when back to the UK :( Hugs and regards, dear Jessica!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    1. Oh my word, they sound amazing! What an awesome colour combination for a pair of saddle shoes. I really hope that they'll still manage to turn up somehow, somewhere for you, dear Denise. Bass' offerings are terrific, I completely agree. I really applaud them, as a company, for still offering various colours of this endlessly classic shoe (and hope they never stop producing them).

      Big hugs coming right back at you,
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. Thank-you Jessica for this interesting post on saddle shoes, currently I own a pink and white pair from B.A.I.T Shoes, I would love to buy the traditional black and white one day in the future though! :)

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    1. My pleasure, sweet dear. How awesome that you own B.A.I.T's pink version. They're endlessly cute!

      Many hugs & thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  28. I really appreciate this post! I had a much loved pair of black and white oxfords (not quite saddle shoes, but similar in appearance) that recently bit the dust, and I've been thinking that I should finally just give in and get a pair of real saddle shoes. The links that you posted are an excellent resource, thank you!

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    1. I'm sincerely happy that this post proved timely and helpful to you, my lovely friend. Fingers (toes? :)) crossed that you hit upon a fabulous pair of classic black and white saddles.

      Big hugs & joyful start of autumn wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. I wou8ld die for those 30s saddle shoes ... the perfect little heel to still look and walk like a lady!

    XX
    Ms Falcon

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    1. Aren't they jaw droppingly incredible? Saddle shoes suit the trend for "sportiness" that characterized many 1930s styles to a tee. It's awesome that these classic shoes work wonderfully for so many different decades and the present day folks who enjoy dressing in outfits from such.

      Many hugs & thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  30. Thank you for this great post, Jessica! I've always fancied a pair of saddle shoes and never owned one. But they really are a great low/flat-heel option for those of us who don't do too well with heels! Sometimes that is tricky in vintage outfits, they always look so great with heels but I just can't do them any more!

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    1. Great point, Tanith dear, they most certainly are an excellent option for those who who want a classic form of footwear, without a hefty heel (oxfords and brogues can be good bets there, too). Thank you for bringing up that up.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  31. Dear Jessica, Very informative and interesting post. Never worn saddle shoes myself. My mother has a vintage pair that she occasionally wears to 50s dances. Back in my school days, I did have to wear lace-up Bass shoes as part of my uniform. I guess the black & white ones are exempt from the ''no white after Labor Day'' rule. I liked the pic of Harold Llyod--one of my favourites!

    Best wishes,
    Dee

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    1. Hi sweet Dee, thank you very much for your lovely comment and for sharing one of your childhood memories with me. How fascinating that Bass' offerings were a part of your school uniform. I'd love to get my hands on a pair of their (adult sized) offerings these days - especially Bass' brown saddle shoes. My knees turn to Jell-O each time I see those. :)

      Many hugs & happy start of autumn wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. I have a pair of black and white saddle shoes that I got at Payless last year (from the children's section... I have very small feet, haha) and while they aren't the best quality, I still love them!

    Sarah A.

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    1. That's the thing about saddle shoes, isn't it? They're one of those items you fall in love with and find comfort in, even if they aren't the absolute highest end option available. So endearing! :)

      Thank you for your lovely comment. Have a weekend!

      ♥ Jessica

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  33. Saddle shoes bring back memories of my elementary school - I went to a private school where we wore uniforms and saddle shoes. At the time I disliked saddle shoes because I was required to wear them every day, but in recent years I've been hankering for a pair again - especially those cute modern ones in pastel colors!

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    1. How lovely that these classic shoes were part of your schooldays uniform. I went to a public school and secretly yearned for a uniform - it seemed so very British and American to me, which was so appealing to be a youngster whose nose was always buried in a book from one of those countries of the other. :)

      Aren't the pastel ones fabulous? I hope that more branches launch not only saddle shoe lines, but offerings in more light coloured hues, too.

      Many hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. I really enjoyed reading this history of saddle shoes. I think they look wonderful with all sorts of outfits. I got my pair from Rocket Originals who have a great range of vintage style shoes.

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    1. Rocket Originals are such a fabulous brand! I've been daydreaming about owning a number of their offerings for several years now (hopefully one day!). It's awesome that your pair of saddle shoes hails from them. What colour did you opt for you?

      Big hugs to kick off October,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. I went for a classic white and blue for my first pair which I love. I would consider other colours though if I ever get to have another pair!

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    3. Great choice! To date the only pair of vintage saddle shoes that I've had in my Etsy shop were dark blue and white (delightfully, they flew off the shelves - if only I could find many more pairs of vintage saddle shoes to list there; hopefully at least the occasional one will come my way as time goes on). I'd love to add a pair in that classic combo to my closet one day, too.

      Sending lots of hugs & happy weekend wishes your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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