We call this vintage style shoe iconic for a reason! The Saint Savoy RIVIERA is our most popular and recognizable creation. Designed with a timeless 1920s T-strap silhouette, it’s a shoe built on balance—combining vintage elegance, proper foot support, and thoughtful engineering. This style is kickass elegance at its best!

But with three distinct heights and a shifting spectrum of colourways, choosing the right pair is all about understanding how each model is constructed so that you can make the right choice for your usage and situation.

So when shopping for vintage style shoes online, it generally comes down to a few essential questions:

• How will they fit?
• Will they actually be comfortable all day?
• And which style is right for my life?

Here is a look inside the RIVIERA family to help you find the style, fit, and heel height that best suits your feet and your wardrobe.

1. The RIVIERA Classic: The Versatile All-Rounder

Not too high, not too low… just right! The Saint Savoy RIVIERA Classic is the signature foundation of the line and one of the most adaptable shoes in our collection. Its clean, feminine lines and sturdy low to mid-height heel of 3.5 cm (just under 1.38 inches) are a little dressed up but not too dressy, striking a perfect balance between nice and casual, making it an effortless choice for everything from office wear and weddings to stage work and social dancing.

• Heel & Stability: The 3.5 cm mid-height heel features a relatively wide, stable base. This provides solid footing and confidence during dynamic movement while still giving the posture and refined outline of a proper heeled shoe. It’s a true multi-tasker across many different dance styles and daytime events.
• Fit & Support: Like all Saint Savoy footwear, the RIVIERA Classic relies on a carefully engineered three-layer cushioned footbed. A long adjustable strap accommodates various foot shapes—including both higher arches and flatter feet—while a generously shaped heel counter securely cups the back of the foot.
• A Legacy of Colour: Colour has always been part of the RIVIERA Classic’s identity. Since its introduction, it has appeared in numerous colourways, from enduring neutrals to memorable shades that change with the collections—like our early light sky blue and fresh, vibrant green.

Best for: Anyone seeking an all-day, all-occasion shoe that moves smoothly between everyday life, special events, and the dance floor. Not just for dancing!

Rated 5 out of 5
Scarlett Luxe
The most stunning vintage inspired shoes! These were my first pair of Saint Savoy Shoes and I am blown away by the quality, attention to detail and comfort of these shoes. I have quite wide feet but these slip on beautifully and are the perfect finishing touch to a vintage inspired outfit. They are not just for dancing but are perfect for vintage events and evenings out. The heel height is perfect, enough of a heel that they make you stand tall but you can also wear them all night long without the pain of usual heels. Thank you Saint Savoy, I cant wait to try out more styles!

2. The RIVIERA High: High-Heeled Elegance with Surprising Comfort

The Saint Savoy RIVIERA High is higher than the Classic, but still not too high. At 5 cm (1.97 inches), it’s the perfect height to give you that little bit of extra elegant boost without being too high for comfort.

In some ways, the High is quite a different shoe from the Classic, and often a pleasant surprise. A higher heel often comes with hesitation, but this model is designed around a completely rethought fit tailored specifically to the angled position of the foot.

• Re-Engineered Fit: To make a higher heel feel natural, the vamp is set slightly higher to hug the front of the foot securely. More importantly, extra room is designed into the ball of the foot and across the flex zone where the foot naturally bends. This thoughtful shaping prevents pinching and allows the foot to rest comfortably, leading many customers to prefer the fit of the RIVIERA High even over lower styles.
• Heel & Ankle Security: The heel features a stable, wider base with a subtle feminine curve. It delivers an elegant lift suitable for glamorous occasions and dance styles like Balboa, Latin, Tango, and Ballroom. A high ankle strap holds the foot snugly, keeping the shoe securely in place.
• The Glamour & Wedding Choice: Graceful proportions make the RIVIERA High a classic choice for brides, wedding guests, and evening wear. It’s crafted to be lived in and danced in rather than merely admired from a chair.
• Sizing Advice: The fit is slightly more generous than many other styles. Stay true to your usual size, or consider sizing down if you are between sizes or have a narrow foot.

Best for: Special occasions, vintage style glamour, and dancers who love a high heel without sacrificing stability and room in the forefoot.

3. The RIVIERA Flat: Spacious Freedom in a Refined Profile

I designed the Saint Savoy RIVIERA Flat to prove that a genuinely comfortable, spacious flat does not have to look heavy or utilitarian. It has perhaps the best footbed I have ever designed. It combines a wonderfully generous fit with an elegant, light and airy appearance, something that can be surprisingly difficult to achieve in a flat shoe.

Designing a flat shoe that offers generous internal space without losing a delicate look was a challenge, but this style pairs a light, airy aesthetic with an exceptionally comfortable footbed construction. With a 1.5 cm (.59 inch) heel, these just slightly elevated flats truly are a dream to wear!

• The High-Volume Toe Box: The defining feature of the RIVIERA Flat is its high, rounded, and spacious toe box. The upper curves subtly upward and beyond the edge of the sole rather than pressing down against the toenails. Combined with generous width across the forefoot, this vertical toe room gives the toes complete freedom, making it a relief for sensitive feet.
• Traditional Leather Craft: The RIVIERA Flat stays true to classic craftsmanship with a full leather sole and a leather-finished low heel, giving the shoe a distinct feel underfoot and a beautiful way of wearing in over time.
• Sizing & Volume: Built on a substantial, cushioned footbed with generous internal volume, this style is ideal for wider forefoots or those who need extra space, though it may be too spacious for very narrow feet. If you are between sizes, sizing down is recommended.

Best for: City walking, long hours on your feet, and anyone looking for a roomy, foot-friendly flat that retains a delicate, feminine look.

5 out of 5
Maria
These shoes are fantastic! I have quite wide feet and was a bit afraid that they would be too narrow, but they have enough room for my toes and adapt very well (I ordered my regular size and it fits perfectly). The padded sole is also very comfortable. Besides the comfort, they look very beautiful! I love the combination of colors and textures in the leather.

Comparing the RIVIERA Family at a Glance

Feature	RIVIERA Flat	RIVIERA Classic	RIVIERA High
Heel Profile	Ultra-low / Flat (1.5 cm / .59 in)	Sturdy Mid-Heel (3.5 cm / 1.38 in)	Elevated with Wide Base (5 cm / 1.97 in)
Forefoot Fit	Generous width & high vertical toe room	Balanced standard fit	Roomy across ball of foot & flex zone
Ankle / Strap	Classic T-Strap adjustment	Long adjustable T-Strap	High-set secure ankle strap
Best Suited For	Sensitive toes, non-stop walking, casual chic	All-day wear, work-to-evening, multi-style dance	Weddings, formal wear, Balboa, Tango, Ballroom

Conscious Craftsmanship: The European Leather Difference

As an online shoe buyer, I’m sure you want to know that what you are putting on your feet is built to last, gentle on the skin, and responsibly made. At Saint Savoy we craft our leather footwear exclusively using European-sourced leather, adhering to strict environmental and animal welfare regulations. European tanneries operate under stringent EU standards—such as REACH and German environmental guidelines—which strictly limit heavy metals like Chromium VI, enforce rigorous wastewater treatment, and eliminate hazardous chemical residues. This means the leather hugging your foot isn’t just exceptionally soft and breathable; it’s safer for your skin and significantly less impactful on the planet.

Beyond environmental safety, choosing European leather guarantees a level of artisanal quality and ethical integrity that mass-market footwear simply cannot match. Because raw hides in Europe are sourced strictly as by-products of local agriculture, supply chains are shorter, transparent, and subject to higher standards of animal care. When paired with Saint Savoy’s fair-wage European manufacturing, every pair of RIVIERA shoes reflects a commitment to long-lasting durability, ethical production, and timeless vintage luxury.

A Conscious Choice: The Vegan RIVIERA FLAT ECÒ

For those seeking an animal-free option without compromising on vintage elegance or comfort, the Saint Savoy RIVIERA FLAT ECÒ brings the magic of the signature T-strap silhouette to a thoughtfully constructed vegan shoe. Ethically made in Europe, this model pairs a cotton and linen-cotton upper with an antiperspirant, padded Ecotex Unifresh Advance insole for breathable all-day support.

Unlike the traditional leather-soled models, the ECÒ features a smooth, durable rubber sole, giving you a versatile balance between indoor floor response and outdoor readiness. Striking in black with vibrant white, blue, and yellow accents, it delivers the same 4-ply cushioned comfort, arch support, and roominess of the RIVIERA Flat in a completely non-leather design.

The Perfect Vintage Style Wedding Shoes

The Saint Savoy RIVIERA has earned a special place as the ultimate wedding shoe for brides and wedding parties who want timeless elegance without the usual foot pain. We all know the classic wedding dilemma: choosing between looking gorgeous in photos or actually being able to dance past midnight! The RIVIERA eliminates that trade-off entirely. Thanks to its secure T-strap, supportive padded footbed, and stable heel options—from the graceful RIVIERA High to the effortless Classic or Flat—everyone in the wedding party can find their perfect fit. Plus, with colourways ranging from soft whites and romantic metallics to vintage neutrals and even a little “something blue,” these shoes seamlessly complement any dress while keeping you light on your feet from the aisle to the final song of the night.

Rated 5 out of 5
Celia – The shoes are beyond my expectations. Beautifully crafted, very comfy. I measured my feet according to the size chart and stick with the recommandation. It was perfect. Communication with Rani was wonderful too. I can’t wait to wear them for my wedding and more !

 

 

A Top Choice Among Vintage Style Enthusiasts

The Saint Savoy RIVIERA has earned a devoted following among vintage style enthusiasts who appreciate authentic retro design paired with modern craftsmanship. Inspired by the iconic 1920s T-strap silhouette, it offers the perfect balance of period-accurate aesthetics and wearable comfort. Whether styled with 1930s tea dresses, tailored 1940s trousers, or contemporary wardrobe staples with a retro twist, the RIVIERA captures timeless glamour without feeling like a costume piece. Vintage lovers adore how the elegant lines, thoughtful details, and rich spectrum of colourways elevate any ensemble, making it an indispensable go-to for vintage weekends, Dapper Day, historic events, or simply adding a touch of classic sophistication to everyday wear.

 

 

The Perfect Shoes for Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Other Dances

The Saint Savoy RIVIERA has become a true staple on dance floors around the world, earning a dedicated following among Lindy Hoppers, Balboa dancers, and enthusiasts of Latin, Tango, and Ballroom styles. Swing dancers in particular love the RIVIERA Flat and Classic for their incredible stability, footbed cushioning, and floor-tested leather soles that offer just the right balance of glide and traction. If you watch major swing dance competition videos on YouTube or look around the floor at any international weekend festival, you are practically guaranteed to spot a pair of RIVIERA shoes in motion! From fast-paced footwork and energetic jams to smooth, elegant partner dancing, these shoes are engineered to absorb impact, hold the foot securely, and support hours of non-stop social dancing while keeping you looking effortlessly sharp.

Rated 5 out of 5 – CLASSICS
Olivia Aserr
These are my most comfortable dance heels! The quality is wonderful and the inside is soft and supportive. I’m a huge fan of the type of sueded bottom that’s used, I’ve had no problems on any dance floor no matter how sticky or slick. I’m also in love with this color combo – I have medium tan skin and they make my legs look really long and somehow also match everything I own. I’ve been wearing mine for a very dance-heavy two months and they still look new.

Bianca and Remy both wearing Saint Savoy shoes: 

Rated 5 out of 5 – CLASSICS
Leila
I have several pairs of Saint Savoy shoes, and I love these as much as all the others! They are beautifully made, elegant, and comfortable all at the same time. I can dance in my Saint Savoys for hours! I was really happy to get a dressy pair of flats to alternate with my heels. I also appreciate the very thoughtful packaging, which protects the shoes in transit, and is a joy to unpack. Thank you, Saint Savoy!

A Closer Look at Saint Savoy RIVIERA Sizing

By the way, did you know that our various models of the RIVIERA are available in inclusive sizing, from size 34 to 43? To find your ideal fit, measure the length of your foot from heel to longest toe while standing with your full weight on a sheet of paper. Compare your measurement to the inside shoe length tables below.

Because the RIVIERA Flat and RIVIERA High feature a slightly more generous forefoot construction, their inner lengths differ slightly from the RIVIERA Classic.

 

RIVIERA Classic Size Chart

EU Size	Inside Length (cm)	Inside Length (Inches)	US Size (Women’s)	UK Size
35	22.0 cm	8.66 in	5	2.5
36	22.7 cm	8.94 in	6	3.5
37	23.4 cm	9.21 in	6.5 – 7	4.5
38	24.0 cm	9.45 in	7.5 – 8	5.5
39	24.7 cm	9.72 in	8.5	6.5
40	25.3 cm	9.96 in	9 – 9.5	7.5
41	26.0 cm	10.24 in	10	8.5
42	26.7 cm	10.51 in	10.5 – 11	9.5
43	27.4 cm	10.79 in	11.5 – 12	10.5

 

RIVIERA Flat & RIVIERA High Size Chart

EU Size	Inside Length (cm)	Inside Length (Inches)	US Size (Women’s)	UK Size
35	22.6 cm	8.90 in	5	2.5
36	23.3 cm	9.17 in	6	3.5
37	24.0 cm	9.45 in	6.5 – 7	4.5
38	24.6 cm	9.69 in	7.5 – 8	5.5
39	25.3 cm	9.96 in	8.5	6.5
40	25.9 cm	10.20 in	9 – 9.5	7.5
41	26.6 cm	10.47 in	10	8.5
42	27.3 cm	10.75 in	10.5 – 11	9.5
43	28.0 cm	11.02 in	11.5 – 12	10.5

Rated 5 out of 5
Melissa Towne
These are so lovely and elegant. I really appreciate the inclusive sizing! They are so well made and pretty.

Rated 5 out of 5 – CLASSIC
kate
This is a fantastic shoe. I wore out my first pair and just bought my second. For someone who doesn’t earn much money, it’s an investment I can wholeheartedly recommend. As a woman with size 43 feet, I am just so glad this shoe comes in a larger size. 10/10 for the shoe and the service.

 

Quick Sizing Tips

• How to Measure: Stand on a sheet of paper with your full weight, trace around your heel and longest toe, and measure the distance in centimeters or inches.
• Choosing Your Size: Your foot measurement should be slightly shorter than the shoe’s inside length to allow space for your toes to rest comfortably.
• Between Sizes?
  • For the RIVIERA Classic, stay true to your standard size.
  • For the RIVIERA Flat and RIVIERA High, the extra volume in the toe box and forefoot means that if you sit between sizes (or have a narrow foot), sizing down is usually the best choice.

Shipping & Delivery

We are based in Vienna, Austria and ship worldwide using the Austrian Postal Service to ensure fair working conditions and safe, reliable delivery. Join our global Saint Savoy shoe community! Learn more about our shipping details here.

Stress-Free Returns & Exchanges

We want you to be completely in love with your Saint Savoy shoes! If you need a different size or style, or if the fit just isn’t quite right, we make returning or exchanging your shoes friendly and simple.

You can return or exchange your order within 30 days of receipt, provided that:

• The shoes are completely unworn (be sure to try them on at home on a clean carpet!).
• The shoes are back in their original box, with the protective foil intact on the soles (if applicable).
• You include the completed Return/Exchange Form inside your package, noting your Order Number, reason for return, and whether you’d like an exchange or a refund.

Please refer to our Return & Exchange page for all the details.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Pair?

Whether you’re drawn to the effortless versatility of the RIVIERA Classic, the head-turning posture of the RIVIERA High, the roomy comfort of the RIVIERA Flat, or the animal-free innovation of the vegan ECÒ, there’s a style of vintage style shoes built for your feet.

Explore our full collection of timeless RIVIERA colourways today, and feel free to reach out if you need a personalized sizing recommendation!