For whom were topsiders invented?
Fashion experts have been telling the public for several seasons: "Don't wear sandals with socks." This statement is quite justified, because these shoes are designed to open the maximum areas of the foot, and the combination with socks destroys the hint of openness and looks ridiculous.
But few people know that in fashion collections there is another shoe model that is usually worn exclusively on bare feet and, oddly enough, it does not differ in open tailoring. They call such shoes topsiders, but the most interesting thing is that it was invented thanks to the cocker spaniel dog, and sailors and yachtsmen became its first connoisseurs. Why exactly they and where does the dog? To answer this question, we have to look into the past.
For whom and for what topsiders were invented
The appearance of topsiders was facilitated by one curious idea that came to the mind of the most experienced sailor Paul Sperry in the cold winter of 1935. Walking with his dog through the snowy American streets, he struggled to stay on his feet and not flopping on the ice. At the same time, he noticed, not without envy, that his cocker spaniel runs along slippery paths without any discomfort at all, and his paws, for completely incomprehensible reasons, do not slide on the surface.
Watching this picture, Sperry remembered how many times he, a sailor, had to fall on slippery deck surfaces during a storm. So he decided, having studied the structure of his pet's paws, to reproduce a similar pattern on the sole of the shoe, thereby making it absolutely non-slip.
By replacing the chaotic studs of the old soles with more orderly horizontal slits adorned with undulating raised patterns, he achieved perfect frictional force. Having brought the design of the model to the ideal, he ensured the safety of the sailors and at the same time entered his name in the world fashion history. And yet, the demand for topsiders was noticeably cyclical.
Fashion history of marine shoes
The first topsiders began to be produced under the Sperry Top-Sider brand in 1935. After some time, they began to be actively purchased by Abercrombie & Fitch, and by 1939, by the American Navy. Twenty years later, Sebago began to produce its model of topsiders, although it was called docksides.
Yachting shoes became world-famous in the 80s, when they became the main symbol of luxury living. This model, as an indicator, made it possible to determine that everything is fine with a person’s financial situation. It is interesting that by that time both male and female models of shoes were produced, but the representatives of the stronger sex still bought such shoes much more willingly.
In the 90s, the popularity of shoes began to decline. Production was drastically reduced in price, and topside models began to appear no longer in elite boutiques, but in the back streets of second-hand shops. A new era of demand began for these shoes at the end of the 2000s, when women's models began to be actively produced.Today, topsiders are produced not only by Sperry or Sebago, but also by other brands that have a love for the marine theme. And the shoes, which in the American style are called Boat Shoes, are again at the peak of popularity.
Features and benefits of shoes
And the main secret of the extraordinary popularity of topsiders lies not even in the fact that they are absolutely non-slip, but in the fact that this important feature is backed up by the durability and practicality of the shoe. Everything in the design of this model is thought out to the smallest detail, and every detail plays its important mission. What characteristic features distinguish Boat Shoes from other shoe models?
- White outsole. Today, this feature is the highlight of the model, although initially it played an important practical role. Since the decks on ships must always be polished to a shine, the white sole of the shoe made it possible not to leave dirty marks on the surfaces.
- Leather lace on the side of the model. Gives elegance and chic, as it usually contrasts favorably against a darker background of shoes. The practical value of the lace is to keep the shoes on the foot well, ensuring the safety of the sailor during sudden movements.
- Stainless steel eyelets. Since sailors always have to deal with moisture, simple metal or plastic lanyard rings are out of place. A special anodized coating ensures that the shoes are completely resistant to aggressive environments in marine conditions and durable in everyday life.
- Treated genuine leather. It is she who serves as the basis for the creation of topside shoes. A special coating makes the material completely waterproof, but at the same time elastic, which ensures a perfect fit on the foot.
In terms of cut, yachting shoes resemble something between classic moccasins and sneakers, which allows them to be combined with casual wear, as well as sports, and sometimes classic.
Fashion trends
The traditional Boat Shoes model is distinguished by a white sole, a brown upper with beige piping along the edge. It was in this combination of shades that it was released for the first time in 1935. Today's pace of life requires diversity, so the classic combination has already moved into the background, and new color combinations have entered the cutting-edge fashion stage. Blue, red, mustard, grey, brown, burgundy and sandy uppers compete in popularity. But what even modern designers decided not to change is the color of the sole, which still remains snow-white, milky or, in extreme cases, beige.
How to wear
It is curious that fashion experts advise wearing yachting shoes with the obligatory observance of one rule, and this despite the fact that modern fashion gives the green light to almost any experiment. This rule lies in the ban on socks, and if you think about it, this is not a banal whim of fashion designers, but a decision that is quite justified from a practical point of view. Why?
- Topsiders have a rather low back, so when combined with socks, you can give yourself a very untidy look.
- This model is sewn from very elastic leather, so it simply does not make sense to fit the leg with an extra layer of additional fabric.
You can justify wearing yachting shoes with socks with banal hygiene rules, but even in this case, it is better to combine these shoes with footprints, that is, socks that literally stick to the heel and toes, so they do not even peek out from under the low heel.
Stylish images
Otherwise, you can not adhere to absolutely any rules of compatibility, because topsiders are in perfect harmony with almost all elements of the wardrobe. Here are some good combinations:
- Rolled up jeans, a striped sweater are successfully combined with dark topsiders. Your casual look is ready!
- Classic shorts, a shirt, a sweater worn over a shirt, which is in harmony with one of the accessories in the image - the perfect outfit for a yacht trip.
- A classic suit, consisting of trousers and a jacket, and a simple-cut shirt - a combination that even the famous Arnold Schwarzenegger liked.
Taking into account the fact that modern models of yachting shoes are made not only from leather, but also from jeans, suede, textiles, as well as canvas, it is safe to say that they have turned from specialized shoes into universal ones.
