What’s the deal with the nautical looking boater’s shoe? Wearers of the Sperry Topsider “A Passion for the Sea” shoes rave that the shoes exhibit comfort, classic style, and a sporty finish with any outfit.
I first saw the shoes because my grandpa, who is all about running his horse sale/show and trailer sales businesses, but also finds time for leisure and poolside afternoons, has sported them since I can remember as a little girl. They always look so crisp on his tanned feet, from the hours he spends outdoors, and winters he spends in the heat of the Florida Keys. The shoes, I have since discovered, have been around since 1935, and were created by Paul Sperry to be worn during activity in and around boats. The bottoms of the shoes work great for slippery environments because of their traction.
This past spring, I began recognizing the sailboat label, as well as the tan shades of the “classic” shoes, on my college campus as a few individuals would sport them to classes and school events. Then this summer, at a rodeo in Wyoming, I saw girls and boys alike lounging around in their work clothes and Sperry shoes, or going out dressed to the nines, in their Sperry kicks.
When I headed to my place of summer employment one July afternoon, I brought up the shoes that had sparked such an interest in my curious-natured mind, and learned that one of my oldest friends (also a coworker) had a couple of pairs, one a classic look, and another a HIGH TOP pair, with gray cheetah printed on the flaps. Hearing this caught my interest, because she had one of the most hip, yet unique styles of any of my friends.
Another of my good friends had a pair and was planning to buy a “fun” version soon. I’d decided a few weeks before I’d like a pair of my own, and typical me, I bought a classic tan “Angelfish” pair. Maybe eventually I’ll buy a “fun” pair, with some kind of design. For my first pair however, I wanted to be reminded of my grandpa whenever I wore them, and I also thought it was the most fair way to test the wear-ability of the shoes by opting for a classic look. When I buy an expensive purse, I opt for brown, black, or gray. Similarly, when I buy a pair of nice shoes, I automatically go for the classic shade.
Sure enough, when I bought the shoes form Nordstrom and my grandpa next came over and saw me wearing them, he commented right away. “I have those shoes, the exact same ones…they’re so comfortable. I can’t believe you have them too!” he remarked.
Midsummer, at a movie with friends, “Charlie St. Cloud,” starring drool-worthy Zac Effron, each of the sail boat owning characters sported the Sperry Topsiders. The movie advertised the shoes by displaying posters at the boating events in the background of many scenes. This brought more attention to the classic shoe brand. Obviously the movie represented the shoes at a perfect time; walking into department stores, Journey’s Shoes, and other popular shoe stores, a large display of the shoes could (and can) be found. Now the sailboat isn’t only recognized by the longtime fans of the shoes, or just by boaters, but also by Zac Effron fans, fashion buffs, and anyone who cares to research/invest in a comfortable, unique, cute shoe.
I can speak for myself, as well as each of my friends that have a pair of the shoes, that they are completely comfortable and are convenient to slip on, as they are classy and neutral. I wear the shoes with shorts, jeans, dresses, etc. because I can’t get enough of them. I love wearing them when I walk to campus, because they are supportive but breathable. Each time I’ve worn them, girls in my classes will comment on them, and declare that they’ve been thinking about buying a pair as well.
The more I look around, the more I notice the shoes on male feet, paired with jeans, shorts, or comfortable clothes.
The classic shoes are trendy for the times, but will not fade away, as they have many loyal wearers. I only have one pair, but I know it won’t be my only. If you’re looking for a fashionable, cute, classy, nautical shoe, SPERRY TODAY! Even if you don’t fancy the classic looks, shop the website for more looks, that are more personable to you, and you won’t be disappointed as these shoes always deliver quality.
Keeping your best shoe forward,
Kelly
PS… A few tips!:
Order the shoes a half size smaller than what you’d normally buy, wear the shoes with or without socks, but the best sock for the shoe are the no-show fit.
Check out the websiteeee! 🙂
http://www.sperrytopsider.com/store/SiteController/sperry/home
But a girl can dream…dream of Ugg & Jimmy Choo boots dazzling her feet and even keeping them warm while doing so.
