I have been wanting a pair forever, the shoe is a timeless classic and will go well with so many of my vintage outfits. A couple years ago I had an old pair of Stride Rite tan and beige with a red rubber sole that looked like they were from the 40's but they were a narrow width (I used to wear a narrow width at one time and after owning that pair of Stride Rite's I realized I was no longer a narrow, I now wear a medium).
I have a picture of Louise Brooks in the Louise Brooks Biography book by Barry Paris and she has on a great tennis outfit and the shoes she had on in that picture - I could have sworn they were saddle shoes - however when I found the pic online I realize they were not. I was going to say if they were...wow! Saddle shoes have been around since the 20's. I read online that actually they were but girls did not wear them back then. I guess they have been around since 1906. They became very popular in the 50's for both guys and gals.
Another fashionista that liked her saddle shoes was Audrey Horne the sultry sex kitten from twin peaks. She knew how to rock a pair saddle shoes. Some day I will have to do a fashion post just on the lovely Ms. Horne alone.
The lovely Louise Brooks and her tennis attire. Note her shoes are very similar to a saddle shoe. |
The very pretty Audrey Horne from Twin Peaks with sweater, her fab plaid pleated skirt, and black & white saddle shoes. |