Customer Reviews School Issue Varsity (Adult)

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Rating Summmary:

178 total reviews

Review Breakdown:

65%5Rated 5 stars out of 5

16%4Rated 4 stars out of 5

6%3Rated 3 stars out of 5

9%2Rated 2 stars out of 5

4%1Rated 1 star out of 5

Customer Fit Survey:

65%"Felt true to size"

76%"Felt true to width"

68%"Moderate arch support"

Additional Reviews

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Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Yes, these look most like the Real Deal. The are very substantial compared to the thin but rigid Bass versions. The toe box is high (deep) and rounded, allowing for real feet to fit in there with reasonable thick socks. I found the Bass shoe to have a long narrow and not very tall toe box, forcing you to order a half-size larger, and still not only pinching the toes but the toes being long enough to trip over, like some ladies' pumps have. These have a very firm, molded foot shape, and the leather is much thicker than Bass shoes or many other hard-leather brands I've purchased. My only complaint would be that in the wide versions, the toe box is perhaps a bit too generous, so if all you need is width at the toes, not throughout, then the toes box will look every-so-slightly disproportionately large, making for a (in my picky opinion) slightly bulbous or clown-shoe effect. The 7.5's were the right width but too long, yet the 7W were not quite wide enough; I would say that, strangely, the "W" here is a C width in the 7, and a D or even E width in the 7.5. If your feet have high insteps or wide farther back toward the heel (all over, basically), then they will be perfect. They're without doubt the cutest saddle shoe available. They have the best foot shape and are much likelier to hold that shape over time than the Bass, and even the JJ Kids, which I found too narrow and just so-so on the shape. I wish these had adult unisex or woman's in a better range of colors--what about brown, denim and black suede? Bass has all those and more, sad to say.
I'd also recommend:
Panama Jack, other walking Oxfords.
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32 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Love this shoe. Classic styling. Been searching for a while now and this brand most closely resembles a true saddle shoe from days gone by. Not a flimsy shoe either, very substantial and appears well made. Had some issues with sizing, but as always, Zappos was there with an immediate replacement (I mean next day...how do they do it?). I would suggest sizing up. I typically wear a woman's 9, but eventually went with a woman's 10. The fit is perfect and I can wear a somewhat thicker sock for extra cushioning and comfort if necessary. Watch the sizing when ordering as it is listed as unisex, but box and shoe were both labeled as womans. Zappos reps were a big help. Don't hesitate to speak with them when ordering to ensure the correct item is ordered. Thanks again Zappos, your customer service is #1.
I'd also recommend:
Born, Frye
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16 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I am very pleased with my shoes. I have a wide foot and they are a perfect fit as I choose the wide width. I was surprised that the material is very stiff but yet very comfortable. They have a rounded toe and I like that. They are a little big in the heel, but still stay on nicely. They have non slip soles which I like also. The only problem I am having is that the tongue of the shoe comes up high and it hurts like crazy as it digs in my top part of my foot. I'm sure once I break them in, that will solve itself. The white is very white and I, myself, like that. All in all very happy with them and plan on wearing them with a black jumper I have. I'm 70 but have a young heart and if people think I'm nuts wearing these, will don't watch me walk. I hope these come back in style. Just a super cute shoe. Give me a 'c' for cute.
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11 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
This shoe is true to size. It is extremely comfortable. I will get a second pair! 2 thumbs up!
I'd also recommend:
dr. Martens
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7 found this review helpful.
Overall2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Comfort2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Style3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Narrow, pointy toes. I think that saddle shoes should have round toes, not pointy. Very hard upper. Ouch. Sadly, the search for cuteness continues.
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7 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Besides the shoes being exactly what I wanted both in appearance and high quality build, the service was outstanding! I paid no shipping cost to have them sent to me and when they were the wrong size, I paid no shipping to exchange them. It was a quick and easy exchange and I couldn't be happier!
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6 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
7.5 W here, I disagree with others that these run small. They fit me well, and I also have very high arches. Super cute. Really fun.
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4 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I purchased these to wear with trousers and chinos when I know I will be doing a lot of walking. The white was too stark so I had my shoe repair folks dye the white a deep cordovan color. The look is eye-catching and my feet are now clad in comfortable and supportive real shoes instead of sneakers. I am a happy walker! The styling is slimmer than traditional saddle shoes but this appeals to me because I wear them with tailored/slim pants.
I'd also recommend:
School Issue (clunker, traditional saddle shoes)
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4 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I love these shoes! They're super well made; I love the stitching in the soles. They are also comfortable. The leather is hard, as one reviewer noted, but it didn't cause blisters or bother my feet. The toes are not pointy at all, but nicely rounded. These look and feel exactly like the saddle shoes I had as a kid.
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3 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I love these shoes. They are comfortable and look so cute. As other reviewers have mentioned they are a snug fit or maybe a bit narrow, depending on the shape of your foot. I just wear thin socks and haven't had a problem.
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3 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I used to wear these all the time when I was younger because I went to a catholic school and they were a part of my uniform. Who would have guessed years later I'd wear them because I actually liked them?! Just got these in the mail today. I was afraid they were going to be too small by looking at them but they fit perfect. Normally I wear a 9.5 in regular sneakers so I'm glad I looked at the size chart because I went up to a 10. A 9 would have definitely been too small so definitely use the size chart and measure your feet! The arch support is spectacular. My feet feel really good in these. Love them!
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3 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Great shoes -- recommended! I am a female and I bought them for myself. Nice business causal shoes to wear with pants. Be warned -- they are huge! I sent them back because they were way too big. Even when I got the replacement shoes at half a size smaller, they are still a smidge large. If you're a size 7, order a size 6.5, or even 6!
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3 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I have searched for these for many moons ! Ahhhh, they look exactly how I expected. Definitely a narrow shoe, but perfect for my narrow feets! Great arch support; not for wide feet, that's for sure. I love them! I typically wear a 36 in Danskos, and a 6 in Fryes. I have room to move in both, but these fit like a glove, but not too tight! Sweet!
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2 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I bought these shoes to wear as part of my dance troupe's costume. I danced/marched in these for 7 hours straight one day and 5 in the next and my feet felt great. They are stiff, and seem to run small, so I went up a size. I did add some moleskin to the inside of the shoe, since I had to dance in them for so many hours, and that helped a lot. A very well made shoe!
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2 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I ordered the white/navy combination in 1/2 size smaller than what I normally wear. It was too small so, I called Zappos. In less than 15 hours, I had the correct size in my hands! How do they do this? Anyway, the shoes are just what I wanted and I love them. (I also love Zappos.)
I'd also recommend:
Doc Martens
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2 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I love my saddle shoes I wear them all the time they fit just great and feel good I have had so many compliments on my shoes. Vicki Cole
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2 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
This shoe has a nice snug, supportive fit without being too tight. I have a size 6.5 slightly wide foot and my feet like being in these! Their look is a bit striking as the white leather is really white. I've always loved saddle shoes and I'm on a mission to bring them back! My only complaint would be the very stiff, sharp edge to the heel area. I use shoe horns to put them on without the edge digging into my heel. But once they're on, they feel great.
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2 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I bought these shoes to complete a Halloween costume. I have worn them two more times since then! I absolutely love them! I am on a one woman crusade to bring back saddles!! They are so comfortable.
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2 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Love the clunkier style of these Saddle oxfords, over other brands. Size runs a smidge big. Did rub 2 big blisters on both heels first time I wore them.
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2 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
These are comfortable and absolutely fun. People you don't know will stop you and want to know where you got them. Of course I say my favorite place -- Zappos. I think they make you feel younger and kind of sassy. What more can you ask from a shoe - fun, comfortable, and makes you feel good. Don't be a square, buy them.
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2 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I love these shoes. I like the quality of the shoes. They don't look cheap. The only complain I have about this shoe is that you have to break them in. When I first wore them, they were so stiff my feet hurt, but as I kept wearing them the shoe got softer. Other than that I am happy with my purchase.
I'd also recommend:
Birkenstock
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
So I normally wear an 8. And I have a wide foot, so will order a wide when I can get it. I ordered these in an 8.5 wide and they were too big. Thankfully, Zappos has the best customer service so they honored the sale price on the new size. The shoe felt comfortable, and it doesn’t seem like they’ll be hard to break in.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort1Rated 1 star out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I ordered an 11 and they were way too small. Cute shoes I recommend you ordering a size up. I will be returning them.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Love these shoes, everyone comments how cool they are (you know, in a retro way). They do seem to run a bit tight in length and width. Maybe order a half size larger and the width will be fine. If you plan to wear thick socks, go a full size larger. The soles are somewhat stiff for those of you that need structure and support -- if you're looking for cush stuff, these are not flexible enough. As a chef, these work great for me on my feet all day. (And they match my white chef coat and B&W houndstooth pants -- these shoes are becoming my signature look!)
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I bought this shoe for my 9yrs old son. These are so hard to fine in the stores in his size. I love this shoe is fit true to size and my son states that they are very comfortable. No regrets.
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1 found this review helpful.

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