Sperry Top-Sider
Established 1935Founded in 1935 by Paul A. Sperry, Sperry Top-Sider is the original brand of boat shoes. Paul A. Sperry was an avid boater who wanted to tackle the problem of injuries while walking on the slippery deck of his boat. Inspired by his cocker spaniel, Prince, who ran across the ice on a winter’s day, Sperry copied the pattern of his dog’s paws on the sole of a canvas upper-shoe.
The herringbone-like pattern on the sole of the Top-Sider maximized the traction of the Authentic Original Sperry Top-Sider boat shoe. Sperry’s first shoe featured a white outsole, which prevented the shoe from leaving marks on a boat’s deck. Paul Sperry is also credited with being one of first to use Canvas Vulcanized Oxford on the outsole. In 1939 the U.S. Navy negotiated the right to manufacture the Top-Sider for its sailors. Today, Sperry shoes are not restricted to the boating life and can be found in modern day wear on dry land, as well.
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