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The saddle shoe is a low-heeled casual Oxford shoe (hence the alternative name "saddle oxford"), characterized by a plain toe and distinctive, saddle-shaped decorative panel placed mid foot. Saddle shoes are typically constructed of leather and are most frequently white with a black saddle, although any color combination is possible.
Saddle shoes are worn by both men and women in a variety of styles ranging from ultra-high platforms to golf cleats.
Some groups identify with this type of shoe irrespective of current fashion trends. Those associated with ska, sometimes known as rudeboys, often wear them in some combinations since both the classic look and the black/white color scheme represent the genre as a whole.
In popular culture
In 1957 Elvis Presley wore saddle shoes in Jailhouse Rock.
Bert from Sesame Street often wore saddle oxfords and they can be seen in his song and dance called "Doin' the Pigeon".
The Peanuts comic strip character Lucy van Pelt wears saddle shoes.
For decades, Woody Allen has worn saddle shoes.