Saddle shoes were the type of shoes to easily combine comfort and style in a unique way, and that's exactly why they've been around since the 1900s and still manage to capture the hearts of many people with different styles!
With a unique design of white leather and a distinctive contrasting color saddle-shaped panel that stretches across the middle of the shoe, they became classic timeless shoes and have gained huge popularity.
Saddle shoes' journey in fashion started in the 20's as masculine footwear, but the comfortable fit and the eye-catching design were more than enough for students and young adults to claim them as their favorite shoes!
Over the years, saddle shoes gained more popularity among teenagers, especially teen girls, who rocked them with poodle skirts and bobby socks, and pencil skirts. That's when they went from just indoor sports shoes to a fashion statement and an iconic symbol of 1950s Americana.
The Origin of Saddle Shoes
Let's look back at the origins to see how they made a lasting impact on fashion history, with a very humble beginning as functional sports footwear to a style icon with a unique name, distinctive design, and quality materials.
The early 1900s: the emergence of saddle shoes
Saddle shoes first made their appearance in the early 1900s. They were born out of a need for comfortable and practical shoes that could withstand the rigors of outdoor activities. Initially, they were primarily worn by athletes and active individuals who required casual footwear for sports like golf and tennis.
How saddle shoes got their name
As you're reading, you're probably wondering how they ended up with this name. It's quite simple! The name was derived from the design element that distinguishes these shoes: the saddle-shaped panel that stretches across the middle of the shoe. This panel often features a contrasting color, resembling the shape of a saddle placed on a horse's back. The clever name perfectly captured the essence of the unique design.
The original design and materials used
For shoes to live that long and become an iconic style isn't easy, but the original design of saddle shoes was rooted in functionality. They aren't just plain shoes!
They typically featured a white piece of leather, providing durability and flexibility. The contrasting saddle panel was made of a different type of leather or sometimes a different material altogether, such as suede or canvas. The panel not only added visual interest but also helped reinforce the shoe's structure.
For the color combination, the original design started with a classic style of black and white shoes. However, as they became more of a fashion statement, they introduced other color combinations, allowing more people to express their personal style.
The Popularity of Saddle Shoes
Saddle shoes have a captivating journey from just a regular gym shoe to the iconic shoe style of Hollywood films!
The rise of saddle shoes in the 1920s and 1930s.
The period between the 1920s and 1930s was the golden era for saddle shoes, and this is when it all started. As mentioned, they were initially embraced by male athletes who wanted comfortable and stylish footwear.
However, the 20's was a revolutionized era for women as there were many movements for gender equality, which made saddle shoes more appealing and in demand for grown-up women at the time as they were breaking gender norms!
The 30's, on the other hand, was a challenging period for all people due to the Great Depression at the time, but the shoe managed to stay relevant by using cheaper material while keeping the same level of comfortability.
How saddle shoes became associated with athletic and collegiate fashion.
Thanks to their design and comfortable fit, saddle shoes became synonymous with athletic and collegiate fashion due to their early adoption by athletes and college students.
The shoes were practical for sports like golf, tennis, and bowling, with a fashion taste
that gave people all that they wanted in one!
As their popularity grew, saddle shoes started to make their way into everyday casual wear. Their association with sports and academia gave them an air of youthful energy and sophistication, making them a go-to choice for many individuals.
The impact of Hollywood on the popularity of saddle shoes.
Hollywood played a significant role in catapulting saddle shoes into the spotlight and boosting their popularity. During the 1940s and 1950s, saddle shoes entered popular culture and began to appear in films, particularly those set in high schools and college campuses.
As Hollywood movies reached a wide audience, the fashion showcased on screen became influential. The presence of saddle shoes in popular films made them even more desirable, especially among young people who wanted to emulate the stylish characters they saw on the big screen, and it became a must-have item.
The 1950s and 1960s
Let's dive into the vibrant world of saddle shoes during the rockabilly and sock hop culture of the 1950s and 1960s.
Saddle shoes in rockabilly and sock hop culture
Rockabilly, a music genre that blended rock and roll with country and blues, had a distinct aesthetic that embraced a vintage style, as well as the sock hops, which were popular social events featuring lively music and dancing.
During the 1950s and 1960s, saddle shoes became closely associated with rockabilly and sock hop culture by complementing the retro fashion of rockabilly enthusiasts.
The iconic shoes were often seen on the dance floors paired with poodle skirts, circle skirts, rolled-up jeans, and letterman jackets, capturing the spirit of youth and rebellion during this era, remarked as the favorite dance shoe for many people!
Evolving styles and color schemes
While the classic black and white saddle shoes remained popular, the 1950s and 1960s saw the emergence of new color schemes and styles for saddle shoes to include more people with different tastes.
It started with introducing more color combinations, including navy and white, lighter shades of brown and white, and even bolder choices away from the dark tones, like red and white or pink and white. There were also customizable options with unique embellishments like studs, rhinestones, or painted designs.
Styles also evolved during this period. Saddle shoes with higher heels and sleeker silhouettes became fashionable among women, while men's saddle shoes retained their classic low-heeled design. The variations in heel height and overall shape allowed for more versatility in styling, catering to different preferences and occasions.
Were they popular in the 70s?
Saddle shoes' journey got hindered during the 70s and experienced a huge decline in their popularity for several reasons, and the most significant of them was the shift in fashion trends.
The 1970s witnessed a surge in the level of popularity of platform shoes, bell-bottom pants, and a more bohemian and casual style. The bold and flashy designs of platform shoes, along with the overall aesthetic of the era, overshadowed the classic and understated appeal of saddle shoes, and they became less aligned with the prevailing trends.
Another reason that made them fall out of fashion was the changing cultural landscape. The 70s culture was all about individuality, nonconformity, and breaking away from old school values and traditional norms through countercultural movements, such as the hippie movement. Saddle shoes, with their association with more conservative and mainstream styles, didn't resonate as strongly with the counterculture movement, leading to a decrease in their demand.
The classic saddle shoes journey from the 1900s to the 70s wasn’t an easy one. They started as practical footwear for athletes and evolved into a fashion icon, especially among female teenagers between the 20s and the 30s, and they were the first pair of shoes to introduce bolder colors. They also evolved through periods like rockabilly and sock hops,
showcasing their timeless appeal.
While their popularity waned in the 1970s, the pair of saddle shoes remained classics with its unique design, enduring charm, and periodic comebacks, making it a beloved choice for those who appreciate the timeless and nostalgic qualities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why were black and white Saddle Shoes so popular back in the 50s and 60s?
Black and white Saddle shoes were popular in the 50s and 60s due to their timeless and sophisticated style, versatile nature, and ability to reflect social norms of proper dress codes. The contrasting colors offered a clean and elegant look that could be paired with various outfits, making them suitable for both formal and casual occasions.
2. Are saddle shoes formal?
Saddle shoes were not considered formal footwear. They were more commonly associated with casual shoe styles, particularly popular among students and grown adults. However, their charm and classic appeal have transcended fashion trends, making them a piece of shoe history even when they are not at the height of popularity.
