Saddles Shoes are named properly yet worn improperly on a daily basis. Guys wear saddle shoes as a casual shoe that can be beat up and they never consider what the shoe is named for or how to wear it or take care of it.

How to Style Saddle Shoes

First, think about the name. Saddle refers to the “saddle” of leather across the instep of the shoe. No one ever thinks about the shoes are horse-riding shoes so they never wear the appropriate attire with them.

Now, think about how formal equestrian riders dress. It’s pretty snazzy isn’t it? So, you can’t just throw on some mess and use your saddles as a fall back shoe that you throw in the corner when you don’t need it.

Dress up the saddle. Wear it to the yacht club dinner with nice khakis, a navy sport coat, and a sharp (and darker) belt. The saddle should pop from your outfit no matter what you do. Wear darker jeans, or jeans that are tight enough that folks will be able to see the two-tone character of the shoe. Pair them with navy slacks and let the typical browns and tans shine.

How to Care for Saddle Shoes

The wrong materials oft undo caring for these shoes.

• Men, please do not shine your saddle shoes. Almost every saddle shoe you can buy is oil-tanned and that means the leather needs to be treated and not shined.
• H.S. Trask makes a wonderful substance called “Buffalo Butter” that treats oil-tanned leathers and keeps the leather the proper color.
• You could just as easily use a neutral shoe cream (not polish) to keep the leather from turning too light and to keep scuffs in check.
• If you don’t have your Buffalo Butter handy then you can always use oil from your forehead or behind your ears to clear up a small scuff before you walk in the room. It works!

Just don’t forget to enjoy them (and that means dressing them up) and your saddles will be happy for years to come.

Pictures of Saddle Shoes

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