To date, it is not a problem to buy men's topsiders, because they appear in the TOP offers of numerous shoe and clothing stores. They are shown by models from fashion catwalks, such shoes protect the feet of celebrity on yachting, they are equally popular among successful businessmen and ordinary citizens. As this model is not called: topsiders, top-siders, Top-Sider, yachting shoes, Boat Shoes, deck shoes. But this does not affect the quality and durability of shoes. Moreover! Manufacturers are constantly creating new variations of Top-Sider, which are sometimes more like loafers, very much like ordinary moccasins or sneakers. And all just to satisfy the needs of buyers! Do you also dream of topsiders, but do not know how to choose them correctly or with what to wear? Our recommendations will help you maintain harmony in a stylish man's look with Boat Shoes. Join, it will be interesting!
Men's topsiders: history of creation
Paul Sperry created a practical yachting shoe by observing a spaniel running carefree on a walk with its paws completely non-slip on wet ice. It features a tough rubber outsole with signature herringbone cuts for maximum grip on wet decks, even when rolling.
Sperry's signature Boat Shoes outsole – keeps the yachts safe when walking on deck
The official year of birth of the legendary model is 1935, when the first pair of Sperry men's topsiders saw the light. But deck shoes did not remain a niche product for long. Already in 1939, the leadership of the US Navy drew attention to them, which signed a contract for the production of this shoe for the needs of the fleet.
Like many styles of clothing popular today (jeans, trench coats), deck shoes were soon borrowed from army uniforms by ordinary citizens with pleasure. Due to its many competitive advantages, Boat Shoes gained wide popularity and spread quickly around the world. In a short time, they have become a truly classic shoe for men and women.
After being included in Lisa Birnbach's 'Official Guide to Preppy Style', topsiders have experienced a rebirth and renewed consumer interest. It happened in 1980. After that, this shoe was recognized as a must-have of the preppy style. At that time, men made up about 90% of the buyers of this model.
Characteristics of Boat Shoes
Boat shoes are a cross between moccasins and regular sneakers. However, they have a number of distinctive features by which we recognize them:
- Traditional Boat Shoes are hand-sewn.
- The white color of the sole is conceived with one goal in mind – not to leave marks on the snow-white deck. And there is nothing surprising here, since Paul Sperry was an avid yachtsman. He knew exactly how to save ship owners from constantly scrubbing the deck.
- Leather lace distinguishes sperry topsiders from classic moccasins. It is passed through the perimeter holes of the upper part of the foot, is extremely durable and perfectly holds the shoe on the foot. However, sometimes the lace is completely absent or it can be made of a different material.
The first Top-Sider Sperry models were similar – comfortable, practical, durable
- The special anodized coating of the lacing holes does not rust and withstands the effects of aggressive environments for several seasons. It will pleasantly surprise any practical man who prefers high-quality and durable shoes.
- The specially processed leather from which this style of yachting shoes is sewn is also considered a trademark. It is water-repellent and can withstand repeated wetting. This is one of the main advantages of this model. In addition, after just a few toes, the leather upper takes on the shape of a foot, which creates incredible walking comfort.
- Traditional Boat Shoes are renowned for their unusual shape and durable thread-finished piping. This is an innovation invented by Sebago.
Color solutions
Sperry initially introduced the Top-Sider with a white sole and brown leather upper. This color has become traditional for this brand. A black upper was later added, but the outsole remained pristine white. However, Boat Shoes are currently available in a variety of top colors: black, all shades of brown, blue, white, red, sand, gray, burgundy, and all sorts of combinations. Including printed ones.
Modern topsiders are presented by manufacturers in a variety of color variations.
As for the sole, in addition to white, manufacturers also actively use other light shades. For example, beige.
Popular manufacturers of male topsiders
Despite the fact that the creator of Top-Sider was the Sperry brand, today there are a number of other manufacturers of this legendary model. And they are no less popular:
- Timberland is the main competitor of Sperry;
- The already mentioned company Sebago. Since the 60s of the XX century, she has been releasing her own version of this shoe style (called docksides);
- Tommy Hilfiger;
- Storm;
- Paraboot;
- Rockport;
- Lacoste;
- Other.
Under the influence of the growing demand for such shoes, manufacturers are constantly developing new models. In addition to leather, there are also deck shoes made of textiles, suede, canvas and denim. In any case, these shoes are of a high level of quality.
What to wear with men's Boat Shoes?
The Top-Sider model goes well with jeans, chinos and straight-cut cotton or linen summer trousers. Feel free to wear trousers with tucked legs if you like to show others your stylish clothes and shoes!
Topsiders are not alien to the neighborhood with shorts. The priority is medium length. They can be yachting shorts, understated bermuda shorts, or more colorful Hawaiian style shorts.
Boat Shoes, skinny jeans and a bright T-shirt – what could be more attractive and stylish 
Marine style – Top-Sider shoes in an ensemble with frayed jeans and long sleeve 
Yachting shoes have proven themselves in the urban wardrobe, organically combined with trendy chinos and a white shirt Shoes can be matched to the color of a discreet cardigan, all you have to do is add jeans and a set in a casual style is ready! 
Men's topsides, cargo shorts and striped pullover create a stylish look with a preppy look
As for the top, deck shoes organically fit into ensembles with button-down shirts, polos, thin pullovers, T-shirts, long sleeves, blazers. In such images, the undisputed leader is clothing in nautical, smart-casual and preppy-style. But a strict classic suit is inappropriate here.
Boat shoes and socks: can they be worn together?
This is a traditional question for all fashionistas who are trying to diversify their everyday wardrobe. But there is no definite answer to it. Why? Because initially deck shoes were conceived as a comfortable and safe safety footwear for walking on a ship, they were worn exclusively on bare feet.
But time passed. Gradually, socks were added to the Boat Shoes ensemble – an indispensable attribute of urban wardrobe. Sometimes men use high socks, but more often these are low invisible models.
However, not everyone is a fan of the yachting shoes + socks duo. There are also avid conservatives who pay tribute to tradition. Men’s rejection of socks is also largely influenced by the fashion of recent years, which suggests wearing shoes on bare feet. As a result, the dispute between supporters of a total or a different opinion does not fade away to this day! Therefore, today every man decides for himself whether to wear topsiders with or without socks. The result depends on personal desire, preferred style of clothing, as well as the place and event where you plan to go in this shoe. How do you wear Boat Shoes?
Boat Shoes Tommy Hilfiger
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Boat Shoes Paolo Vandini
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Quiksilver Boat Shoes
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Timberland Boat Shoes
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Boat Shoes Tommy Hilfiger
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Boatmen El Tempo
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Finally
Not only owners of luxury yachts, but also students, ordinary citizens, vacationers and all those who value the comfort and practicality of high-quality shoes can afford to wear men's topsiders today. These shoes are relevant in college, out-of-town travel, walking through city streets or a seaside resort. They give the outfit a light frivolity and refined gloss, thereby emphasizing the individuality of a particular man. In an urban look, Boat Shoes brings back fond memories of a seaside vacation or a cruise on the Cote d'Azur. Top-Sider have become a stylish component of democratic images, in which there is no place for starched collars and arrows on trousers.
What brand of topsiders do you personally like and why? Write in the comments, your opinion is important to us!
