Tales of swashbuckling adventure on the high seas fascinate us all. There’s something about the life of a sailor that has captured the American imagination throughout history, and one enduring symbol of the nautical lifestyle is the Sperry Top-Sider. As iconic as they are functional, Sperry men’s shoes help you live boldly, whether on deck or in your daily life.
Paul Sperry was in love with the sea. As a lifelong sailor and Navy veteran, Paul’s sailing experience and knowledge was vast, but one day he nearly lost his life when rough seas and a slippery deck made for treacherous conditions that he was not equipped to handle. Paul became determined to create a shoe that would keep sailors safe by providing reliable traction on wet surfaces. His legendary breakthrough came in 1935 as he watched his dog run across the ice on a cold Connecticut day. Paul cut grooves into a rubber sole, mimicking the grooves in his dog’s paws. Popular with everyone from America’s Cup winners to Navy sailors to JFK himself, SperryTop-Siders quickly became a symbol of American innovation and style.
Seafarers aren’t the only ones who love Sperry shoes. With wet-weather boots, chukkas, sandals, sneakers, oxfords, and lace-ups in addition to the celebrated boat shoe, there are Sperry shoes for men from all walks of life. For your next adventure—nautical or otherwise—choose an American legend with Sperry.
