Late 1950s/Early 1960s Saks Fifth Avenue Fenton Last Black Textured-Fabric Low-Heel Pumps, Modern US 9.5/10 Narrow

Description

A beautifully understated pair of mid-century Saks Fifth Avenue pumps made on the Fenton Last.

The uppers are covered in finely textured black fabric with a subtle linear grain. The matte surface gives the shoes more depth than a smooth pump while preserving a versatile, quietly polished finish.

A low-cut vamp leads into a softly tapered almond-to-square toe. The low curved heel offers a balanced silhouette that feels elegant without the height or delicacy of a stiletto. Each heel is wrapped in the same black textile, keeping the design visually uninterrupted.

Inside, pale blush-beige leather linings carry metallic-gold Saks Fifth Avenue / Fenton Last branding. The dark leather outsoles show substantial evidence of previous wear.

These move easily between day and evening. Pair them with cropped trousers, dark denim, a narrow midi skirt, a simple black dress, or a fuller mid-century silhouette.

Details

Brand: Saks Fifth Avenue
Collection / Last: Fenton Last
Estimated Era: Late 1950s to early 1960s
Production Status: True vintage
Style: Closed-toe low-heel pumps
Color: Black
Upper: Fine-textured textile
Heel Finish: Matching textile wrap
Interior: Pale leather lining with metallic-gold branding
Toe Shape: Softly tapered almond-to-square toe
Heel: Low curved heel
Closure: Slip-on
Outsole: Leather
Marked Size: Outsole stamp is heavily worn; confirm in hand
Estimated Modern Size: US 9.5/10 Narrow
Estimated Width: Narrow
Quantity: One pair
Condition: Good Vintage Condition

Fit Notes

The marked size is not fully legible in the supplied photographs. Based on the visible proportions, narrow last, and relevant documented Fenton Last examples, the pair is estimated to best fit a modern women’s US 9.5/10 narrow.

The shoe is streamlined through the forefoot and waist. A current US 10 with a slim foot may find them workable, while a standard or wide US 10 may experience a closer fit through the toe box and vamp.

The tapered toe extends slightly beyond the natural toe line, so the visible shoe length should not be treated as entirely usable interior space.

For the strongest fit comparison, check the interior footbed length and widest outsole measurement against a similarly shaped pump already in your wardrobe.

Condition

Good Vintage Condition.

The black textile uppers retain their shape and present evenly overall, with gentle creasing, light surface rubbing, subtle tonal variation, and small lint or handling marks consistent with age and previous use.

Light wear is visible around the toe and sole edges. The matching textile-wrapped heels show minor rubbing and surface variation.

The pale leather interiors remain intact and clearly branded, with expected darkening, creasing, and signs of use. The leather outsoles show substantial forefoot abrasion, darkening, and surface loss.

Both heel tips remain present but show visible wear, including exposed lighter material around their bases. Heel-tip servicing may be advisable before regular outdoor use.

No major tears through the textile, broken heel structures, or obvious sole separation are visible in the supplied photographs. Please review all images closely, particularly the toes, toplines, interiors, leather soles, wrapped heels, and heel tips.

Styling Notes

Wear these with cropped cigarette trousers, an A-line skirt, a simple sheath dress, or dark straight-leg denim. The lower heel gives them enough polish for tailoring without making them feel strictly formal.

For a more period-specific look, pair them with a fitted knit and full skirt. For something contemporary, use them with a relaxed trouser suit, cuffed jeans, or a long minimal dress.

Curation Note

Each Quirk piece is hand selected by our team for quality, construction, styling potential, and point of view.

Brand and Attribution Note

The interiors are marked Saks Fifth Avenue / Fenton Last. Historical museum records identify Fenton Footwear as a manufacturer of shoes retailed through Saks Fifth Avenue, while another documented pair uses the wording “retailed by Saks Fifth Avenue; last by Fenton.” (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)