Saddle shoe

Saddle shoe

Girl wearing saddle shoes and a poodle skirt

The saddle shoe is a low-heeled casual Oxford shoe (hence the alternate name "saddle oxford"), characterized by a plain toe and distinctive, saddle-shaped decorative panel placed mid foot. Saddle shoes are typically constructed of leather and are most frequently white with a black saddle, although any color combination is possible.

Saddle shoes are worn by both men and women in a variety of styles ranging from ultra-high platforms to golf cleats.

Some groups identify with this type of shoe irrespective of current fashion trends. Those associated with ska, sometimes known as rudeboys, often wear them in some combinations since both the classic look and the black/white color scheme represent the genre as a whole.

In popular culture

In 1957 Elvis Presley wore saddle shoes in Jailhouse Rock.

Bert from Sesame Street often wore saddle oxfords, but was only ever seen with them in books that showed his whole body.