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I keep hearing the same thing from editors, stylists, and my most fashionable friends: it’s a pony hair shoe spring. And once you notice it, you really can’t unsee it. From street style to Fashion Week season’s most photographed outfits, pony hair has shown up time and again this spring.
Naturally, I had to try the trend for myself. I landed on a pair from Sabah, and I truly haven’t worn anything else since.
Why Pony Hair Is Trending
After years dominated by ultra-minimal leather and basics, texture is back, baby. Pony hair hits that sweet spot: it reads as luxe without feeling unwearable, adds visual interest without requiring bold color, and utilizes heritage materials while still feeling modern.
We’ve seen it consistently across recent collections and in off-duty model style, often paired with otherwise understated outfits to add texture and visual interest. Search-wise, interest in “pony hair shoes” and “cow print flats” has been steadily climbing, signaling what fashion people already know: this isn’t a micro-trend.
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About Sabah: The Brand Story
Sabah started with a pair of slippers. Founder Mickey Ashmore was gifted a special pair while living in Istanbul, and to say he wore them everywhere is an understatement. When they finally wore out (soles disintegrating and leather tearing), he went looking for the person who made them.
That search led him to Orhan, a craftsman whose family had been making this style of shoe since the late 1800s. What began as a simple request for a more durable version turned into an order of 200 pairs shipped to Ashmore’s East Village apartment. By inviting friends over, pouring drinks, and casually mentioning he was now in the shoe business, he started Sabah.
Today, Sabah has grown into a small global operation, with “Sabah Houses” in cities like New York, San Francisco, and London, and workshops in both Turkey and El Paso, Texas.
Craftsmanship & Materials
What sets Sabah apart isn’t just the design, but how the shoes are made. Each pair is made entirely by hand, using a combination of high-grade leather, a hand-stitched sole, and (most importantly) time. The shoes are designed to fit snug at first, then soften and mold to your foot with wear. This was immediately evident to me after one full day of wear.
Testing the Shoes: Fit, Comfort, and Style
I’ll be honest: I expected these to be stylish. I did not expect them to be the most comfortable shoes I’ve worn all year. I pulled them out of the box and immediately walked over 30K steps across NYC, and didn’t get a single blister. Not one. Which truly feels unheard of for a shoe that requires zero break-in time.
The fit molds quickly to your foot, thanks to the soft leather lining, and the structure somehow manages to feel supportive without being rigid. I wore them with thin socks to add an extra layer of protection, but that wasn’t necessary.
At the end of the day, pony hair shoes might be trending, but Sabah proves they’re more than just a fad. They strike the rare balance between statement and staple. After putting them to the test, I can confidently say these shoes don’t get the hype they deserve. They’re beautifully made, genuinely comfortable, and effortlessly stylish. If you’re going to invest in the trend, this is the pair you’ll have forever.
In Our Editor’s Carts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pony hair shoes, exactly?
Despite the name, pony hair refers to a type of leather made from cowhide with the hair left on.
Are pony hair shoes durable enough for everyday wear?
Yes, especially when made well. Pony hair is more resilient than it looks, and high-quality pairs (like Sabah) are designed to wear in, not wear out. You’ll want to avoid heavy rain, but for daily city wear, they hold up surprisingly well.
How do you clean pony hair shoes?
A light, soft-bristle brush is usually enough to remove dirt and keep the hair looking smooth. For deeper cleaning, spot-treat gently. Water saturation isn’t recommended.
Do Sabah shoes stretch over time?
Yes, the leather lining softens and molds to your foot, creating a more customized fit after a few wears. They’re designed to fit snug at first. The leather will stretch and mold to your foot over time. If you’re in between sizes, I’d recommend sizing down.
Are Sabah’s worth the price?
If you value comfort, craftsmanship, and cost-per-wear, they absolutely are.
Where are Sabah shoes made?
Sabah shoes are handcrafted in workshops in Gaziantep, Turkey and El Paso, Texas.
Why You Should Trust Us
At The Quality Edit, we evaluate brands through the lens of craftsmanship, materials, and long-term wearability helping our readers discover pieces that feel truly worth the investment, especially timeless wardrobe staples like a great (and comfortable) pair of shoes. For this review, our fashion editor, Mia McManus, tested Sabah to learn more about the design, durability, and craftsmanship that set the brand apart.
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