FRYE (USA) Saddle Oxford Shoes

Saddle oxford shoes are basically oxford shoes with a saddle-shaped, contrast-colour decorative patch in the middle. Especially popular in the 1920s ~ 1940s, this laced-up footwear has endured the ebb and flow of trends, and more and more shoe designers are creating their own version of this shoe in recent years.

This interpretation by American heritage label Frye updates the vintage style with a cute pointy toe.The full-grain leather saddle --over rich, smooth contrast-colour suede-- is perforated in the classic style. The suede interior is luxe, while the 0.25” / 0.64cm heel delivers a secure step. This is one shoe that’s as comfy as it is eye-grabbing.


FRYE
Rooted in the classic American West, Frye footwear is one of just a handful of brands that has not only merely survived the test of time, but has thrived. Founded in New England in 1863 –that’s 149 years ago!— by John A. Frye, a well-to-do shoemaker from England, Frye holds the record of being the oldest continuously operating boot manufacturer in the United States.

Frye products have a long and illustrious history. Frye boots were worn by soldiers on both sides of America’s Civil War, soldiers in the Spanish-American war, and Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. When home-steading drew adventurous New England families to the West during the mid- and late-1800s, many of the pioneers wore Frye boots for the long journey. During World War II, Frye supplied thousands of servicemen with boots - by mail order. And when searching for items to represent the America of the 60's, the Smithsonian Institute chose a pair of Frye boots, which remain on display today.

Today, Frye is practically the Samsonite of the shoe world, trusted for its classic styling and time-proven durability. The brand is even undergoing a vigorous revival of sorts, as the fashion world clamor for classic American footwear (saddle shoes, boat shoes, penny loafers, and the like).