How to Wear Men's Saddle Shoes
If you’re wondering how to wear men’s saddle shoes, have no fear the answers are all here. The saddle shoe has been a classic look since the 1950’s and is currently enjoying quite the resurgence in men’s fashion. You can wear saddle shoes casually or dress them up, either way; you are guaranteed to grab attention while making a bold fashion statement.
A Brief History
The saddle shoe is a leather or suede shoe with a “saddle” or patch of leather or suede sewn across the instep of the shoe. The classic black and white combo saddle shoe first surged to popularity back in the 1950’s. Back then, it was common to see boys and girls, men and women wearing these sporty shoes. Since then, the saddle shoe has come and gone in the ever changing world of fashion, but once again, the saddle shoe is making a huge comeback.
Plenty of Variety
Saddle shoes are now fairly common and easy to find. Some top designers currently distributing men’s saddle shoes include Bass, Bostonian, Cole Haan, Florsheim, Johnston & Murphy and even Ralph Lauren. A handful of retail outlets also offer their own version of the saddle shoe including preppy retail giant J. Crew and the always distinguished Brooks Brothers. Most retailers provide a full array of saddle shoes in a variety of styles in both leather and suede, as well as in a multitude of color options from the traditional black and white to everything in between. Other common color combos include black and brown and navy and beige.
These stylish shoes are fairly inexpensive, with most suede styles averaging around $75 per pair, to the leather versions pricing out around $100-$125 in total.
When and Where to Wear a Saddle Shoe
Men’s saddle shoes offer plenty of fashion and versatility and can be worn almost anywhere and for any occasion. Whether at an afternoon cocktail party or an evening concert in the park, saddle shoes offer the perfect fashion statement for any outfit and every occasion.
For a dressier look that can be worn to a casual wedding, a gathering at the country club or yacht club, or an afternoon cocktail party, wear saddle shoes with khakis or navy slacks and sport coat.
For a more casual appearance outfit your saddle shoes with a pair of slim cut dark denim or white jeans and a classic oxford button down or polo shirt. The slim cut jean will allow more of the saddle shoe to show, creating the exact effect you want.
Another popular fashion trend is to roll your jeans or khakis slightly above your ankle offering a better view of your saddle shoe while making a bolder fashion statement.
Keep in mind, the key to wearing saddle shoes is that you want the shoe to “pop.” So make sure your color selection stands out and/or compliments your outfit, in order to draw plenty of attention to your feet.
