Saddle shoes

[Audrey Horne]

Funny, I forgot all about them having saddle shoes, but I wore almost nothing but these (from payless) and converse my senior year of high school. Glad they still have them!

I was about to order them from Payless when I had a moment of wondering if I'm too old for them. Then I remembered that I still wear Converse all the time so I guess there's no difference. I just placed my order

 

[swingkitten85]

I was wondering if those of you who own the Payless saddle shoes could weigh in on how comfortable they are? My husband and I are taking dance classes in January (yay!), and I desperately need a pair of shoes that will stay on my feet and not be too uncomfortable (plus be cute. Always a requirement. haha!). I was thinking of picking these up to tide me over until I can invest in a bit better dance footwear going forward.

Thanks bunches in advance!

 

[Lusti Weather]

I have saddle shoes from Payless and think they're pretty comfortable. That said, I have never done any dancing in them, so I can't help you out much there. Since they're so reasonable, I would say to give them a shot.

 

[Babydoll]

I bought a pair of them for my first social dancing shoes. They were okay when I was dancing just a couple hours a week in them, but as I danced more and more (eventually up to 5 nights a week), they got uncomfortable. I eventually put a pair of cushioned insoles in them and they were better, but still not my favorite shoes.

 

[ThesFlishThngs]

I use mine as walking around shoes, like most people use sneakers. They've been very comfortable for me, but I've never danced in them. I only dance in heels.

 

[swingkitten85]

Thank you for your opinions, ladies! I think I'm probably going to just start out with these, since I don't have any other suitable dancing shoes in my closet at the moment.

 

[MissMeraRose]

I just love my saddle shoes! I think they're super comfortable and go great with plenty of outfits.

 

[zombi]

anyway, I called Muffy's and talked to a really nice gentleman and after some discussion and going back and forth regarding fit and my particular needs....

So I would measure your foot carefully at home or at a shoe store on a Brannock Device then talk to the folks at Muffy's to determine what best will fit you. It'll be worth it - I love mine so much I am saving up for the green and white ones!

I have been wanting to order some saddles from Muffy's but my feet are usually dreadful to fit -- they are two different sizes and I usually have to try on various pairs to see which foot can deal with the poor-fitting shoe the best, the good one or the bad one. I am not made of money so usually buying two pair is out of the question.

I will try measuring my feet on one of those thingies and then calling them! I hadn't thought of that; thanks!

 

[zendy]

I just love my saddle shoes! I think they're super comfortable and go great with plenty of outfits.

These look so unique, are they vintage?

 

[MissMeraRose]

Sadly, no they are repro's. I have a hard time finding saddle shoes I like because most of them have a really thick sole, and I prefer something more flat.

 

[SayCici]

The lighting in the photo makes me think they are from Urban Outfitters, haha.

 

[MissMeraRose]

The lighting in the photo makes me think they are from Urban Outfitters, haha.

They actually are, haha

 

[cherry lips]

I live in Sweden and got my saddle shoes here: http://www.jigwalk.com/

They're not cheap, but good quality. Jigwalk has great communication, service, and is a Swedish company.

 

[Grnidwitch]

Never to old

I've read through the thread and I have to tell you girls, you are NEVER to old to wear saddles. I'm 52 and I wear mine in the Spring and Fall..mostly.
I don't keep to a vintage style all the time so I sport them with just current style jeans and T's. I get alot of comments. Men seem to really like them (go figure).

I purchased mine on Ebay. They have a plaid fabric lining. They could be Payless brand, I'm not sure.

My mother (who's 81 now) wore hers with bobby socks, rolled jeans and my grandfather's flannel shirt. I do the same thing.

 

[Miss Bunny]

I ordered a pair off the 'net and UPS says they are sitting on my doorstep right now. Can't wait to get home and try them on - I haven't had a pair in about 25 years or so.

 

[rubyredlocks]

I am a firm believer in the virtues of a quality saddle shoe. I am on my second pair of the brand Willits. My first pair was by Capezio, which was definitely softer and comfortable right away. They made it a solid 2 years. My first pair of Willits I purchased in 1996 and retired last year. I just need to get these broken in and I can look forward to another 13 years of service. Wow, I wonder how that cost per wear breaks down? I think they were in the 80ish region this time.

Edited to say: Thank you Inky for mentioning the break-in technique,which had completely slipped my mind. These have been sitting in the box for the past year unworn. I didn't think I could make it for a whole day in them, and now I remember I never started out with a whole day.

 

[cherry lips]

I am a firm believer in the virtues of a quality saddle shoe. I am on my second pair of the brand Willits. My first pair was by Capezio, which was definitely softer and comfortable right away. They made it a solid 2 years. My first pair of Willits I purchased in 1996 and retired last year. I just need to get these broken in and I can look forward to another 13 years of service.

The ones I posted above are Willits as well. Here's lovely Ava Gardner in saddle shoes:

 

[TheSwingingBee]

I'll second a recommendation for Muffy's, but per Kitty's post, the communication may not be that great.

I haven't had any trouble with them (except they can't keep the saddles I want in stock!) and like Lizzie said, they hold up extremely well with a polish every now and again.

The other shoe that might be cute is a Mary Jane. Muffy's (geez, I'm like a Muffy's ad) has a few different types... this is the one I like:

Mary Janes are good cause they willl give you a vintage-y look, but you can still find them just about anywhere nowadays.

Thank you for posting this. I found a pair of oxblood mary janes by Dr. Martin's at Ross for $15 so I got them, I wasn't aware that they are a vintage style. I'm always looking for vintage styled casual shoes, nice to know I have a pair! I also really want a pair of saddle shoes, but I'll need to wait on those.

 

[rubyredlocks]

Cherry Lips- Love that pic of Ava, really want a pair of brown and white.

 

[Avalon]

I'm so glad I popped in here. For some reason I had it in my head that Payless only had saddle shoes for kids! Now I can't wait to stop by there soon.