The saddle shoe, also known as "saddle oxford", is a low-heeled casual shoe, characterized by a plain toe and saddle-shaped decorative panel placed mid foot.^[1] Saddle shoes are typically constructed of leather and are most frequently white with a black or dark blue saddle, although any color combination is possible.

Saddle shoes are worn by both men and women in a variety of styles ranging from golf cleats to school uniform shoes. They have a reputation as the typical shoes of school-girls, especially in the 1940s.

In popular culture

• In 1957, Elvis Presley wore saddle shoes in Jailhouse Rock.^[2][3][4]
• Bert from Sesame Street often wore saddle oxfords and they can be seen in his song and dance called "Doin' the Pigeon".^[5][6]
• The Peanuts comic strip character Lucy van Pelt wears saddle shoes.^[7]
• Character Audrey Horne in Twin Peaks is often seen wearing saddle shoes.^[8][9][10]
• Character May from Sid the Science Kid is always seen wearing her saddle shoes.
• In Family Matters, saddle shoes were part of Steve Urkel's distinctive, "nerdy" fashion sense^[11]
• Character Jelly Otter in PB&J Otter wears saddle shoes.
• Character Rory Gilmore in Gilmore Girls wears saddle shoes as a part of her school uniform.^[12]
• Character Elaine Benes from Seinfeld wore them frequently.
• India Stoker, the protagonist of the 2013 film Stoker, receives a pair of saddle shoes every year on her birthday.^[13]