Topsiders and the history of their creation

The favorite footwear of sailors and yachtsmen, which has confidently won the world's podiums and the hearts of fashionistas. A piece of a summer sea cruise in one pair of shoes. All this is about topsiders, who have become a real must-have for several seasons and are not going to leave the fashion scene in the near future.

The favorite shoes of yachtsmen and urban dandies appeared thanks to unusual circumstances. Namely, thanks to observations of a spaniel merrily running and playing. Unlike the owner's legs, the dog's paws refused to slide on wet ice. Based on his observations and studying the soles of his pet's paws, Paul Sperry invented the perfect yachting shoe. The main distinguishing feature, even rather the hallmark of this shoe, was its rubber sole with a characteristic herringbone pattern, reminiscent of the sole of an animal's paws. Due to the peculiarities of the pattern, the outsole provides maximum grip even on very wet decks with strong pitching.

Just like many items of clothing that are popular today, which have passed into everyday wardrobe from military uniforms, topsiders quickly migrated to the everyday wardrobe of citizens. People quickly appreciated the benefits of such shoes and they became world famous as a comfortable men's pair of shoes.

K. Reingold extended a helping hand. He actively replicated to the masses the idea that topsiders are not only an ideal pair of shoes for members of yacht clubs, fishermen and sailors, but also distinguished by practicality, men's shoes for everyday wear.

With his filing, the assortment was replenished with models for women, and later for children. The nautical theme burst into fashion. From this moment, a new round of popularity of everyone's favorite shoes begins to count. And when they were also included in the "Official Preppy Style Guide", there was no end to the buyers. Varsity lovers were actively buying up the iconic accessory all over the world. Thanks to its appearance and incredible convenience, the model still remains one of the most popular among men's and women's shoes.

Topsiders outwardly resemble something between moccasins, loafers and sneakers. But this fashion accessory has a number of differences that distinguish it from other shoe models:

• Traditional models of topsiders are made exclusively by hand.
• The sole must have a light, mostly white color. This feature appeared for a reason: the white sole of the shoe does not leave marks on the snow-white decks of yachts. Since the model was originally conceived specifically for yacht owners, this feature saved from the need to constantly scrub the decks.
• Leather lace is a distinctive feature, as well as a mandatory attribute of topsiders. In this shoe, lacing is located around the entire perimeter, performing a decorative and fixing function. In the traditional version, the lace should be leather, but many modern models use laces from different materials.
• The lacing holes have a special coating that is protected from moisture. Thanks to this element, the service life of the shoe increases, a pair of topsiders will delight the owner with an unchanged look for several seasons.
• Leather, which is the material for classic models, has water-repellent properties and is particularly soft. Such leather is so soft and practical that after a couple of days of wearing, the shoes take the form of the foot of their owner. Currently, leather is no longer the only material for the production of topsiders.
• And finally, the classic model has a traditional shape, somewhat reminiscent of the shape of moccasins and thread edging around the perimeter.

Such fashionable shoes as topsiders are now produced not only for men, but also for women and children. Modern design solutions regarding fashion trends have affected not only the shape, but also the color, decor, tongue shape, material, and the number of armholes for the lace. Brand stylists compete in skill to offer us the most interesting options.

The original model had a non-marking brown upper and a white sole. Now in the shop windows of shoe fashion masters you can see different colors of these shoes. The most popular colors are:

• Beige. A light and noble shade can now be found both in the upper part and on the sole. The color gained popularity due to its versatility and excellent combination with light summer clothes.

• Sand became a more democratic replacement for brown. Lighter, successfully complementing any images in an urban style.

• milky color looks more noble than white, besides it is less easily soiled, which is ideal for urban shoes. This color contrasts beautifully with brown laces and piping.

• Dark blue or, as it is also called, blue navy is the base color for nautical and preppy clothing. Practical and not easily soiled, he has earned the attention of fashionistas and fashionistas.

• Blue becomes a great addition to sets with a sport chic or youth cruise style.

• Crimson bright color harmoniously dilutes sets of snow-white clothes. Gives personality to the style of urban fashionistas and dandies.

• Prints also became a frequent decoration of topsiders. Nautical motifs - stripes, anchors - are widely used. You can also find floral, sometimes animalistic drawings.

Traditional leather has given way to more democratic fabrics. The most popular are:

• Textile. Summer models made of textiles are extremely practical, they are distinguished by affordable prices, for which young people fell in love.

• Nubuck - perfect material for the off-season and rainy weather.

• Suede leather less practical, but soft and presentable, has become a favorite material of respectable fashionistas and fashionistas.

The model itself already has decorative elements, such as lacing around the perimeter and edging. But some designers go further and offer additional decoration of shoes with fringe, drawings, and embroidery.

Over the past few years, different brands have been changing the production technology of topsiders, forming a new round of fashion trends for these shoes.

• shoe brand Sperry launched the 75th collection on the market, for which for the first time they used the “Washed leather” technology.

• Italian brand stylists Buttero presented to the public the Color Welt line, consisting of suede and leather models. As a hallmark of the collection, they added piping to the sole and covered the lace with a strip of leather around the perimeter.

• Paul Smith played with color, presenting to the fashionable public topsiders in bright colors in the preppy style: in wine, emerald and classic brown.

• Giorgio Armani used the cruise theme when creating his collection. His boat shoes were made of soft deep blue suede, and the lacing resembled a rope.

• brand Timberland I decided to look at shoes from the side of youth. As a result, in their collections you can see modernized boat shoes that differ from the classic model. The brand's stylists did not limit themselves to expanding the color range. They got to the lace, changing its width, making changes to the usual number of holes for lacing, endowing the shoes with fringe and tassels.

• In collection Sebago by Ronnie Fieg one could meet a model called Mohican, embodying a combination of textures and colors. For the manufacture of models, a combination of suede and leather was used.Topsiders were presented in a calm classic range, dominated by graphite, green, beige, wine colors and their combinations. Fringe was used as decoration.

Before you start choosing your ideal pair, you should familiarize yourself with the list of the most popular manufacturers. Top-Sider was created thanks to the efforts of the Sperry brand, but in the wake of popularity, many brands wanted to add this shoe to their collections. We present you a list of the most famous manufacturers:

• Timberland, producing unusual pairs for young people.
• Sebago has been producing topsiders since the 60s of the last century. They call their model docksides.
• Tommy Hilfiger, who produces cruise collections of clothes and shoes.
• Paul Smith.
• George Armani.
• Sebago by Ronnie Fieg.

A few general rules for choosing topsiders:

• When trying on, walk around the store, make sure that the shoes do not press you, the leg should feel comfortable.
• For everyday wear, choose models made from natural materials.
• If you choose a basic pair of shoes, refrain from an abundance of decorative elements.
• If you already have a pair of boat shoes at your disposal and you want variety, choose a second pair with your favorite decor, made in an unusual color.
• Make sure that the material of the boat shoes is soft enough if you have to wear them barefoot.

The lace of this shoe has not only a decorative function, but also serves to fix the boot on the leg. Therefore, when lacing a topsider, tighten the lace so tight that the shoe fits snugly, but does not pull the leg.

The front lacing is the same as for any other pair of shoes. The free ends of the laces can be hidden inside.

Pay attention to the leather laces, their edges are not processed in any way, this is done so that, if necessary, the lace can be cut to the desired length. You can take advantage of this.

The most important question that torments everyone who decides to buy a pair of yachting boots: can they be worn with socks?

The answer is obvious: topsiders should only be worn barefoot. Why? There is a logical explanation for this: the shoes were originally invented for yachting enthusiasts, it was understood that they should be worn without socks. The second argument: after all, topsiders are a summer model for everyday, not business style.

Another mistake: combining topsiders with a business suit or extremely extravagant outfit. Preppy or casual style is the maximum that lovers of these shoes can afford. Light and casual yachting boots will look strange in combination with a business style or too extravagant bright things.

What then can be combined with them? The choice is wide enough, it is important that the clothes have a relaxed relaxed look and style. Fabrics choose light, calm inactive tones.

Trousers in linen or cotton with a straight-cut thin cotton shirt. You can throw a club jacket over your shoulders.

Jeans with a straight cut, possibly rolled up with a polo shirt and a cardigan.

Beach wear. Bermuda shorts with a polo or t-shirt.

Topsiders are representatives of unisex shoes for everyday wear. We have selected for you the best urban looks for men and women, representing the combination of topsiders with clothes in different styles.

• Create a smart casual summer look. Choose blue straight-cut jeans, a gray club jacket and a light white shirt. Pair with classic brown boat shoes. In order to emphasize the relaxed and informal look, or just to keep it warm, roll up the sleeves of the jacket and the legs of the jeans.

• For a walk around the city, choose chinos in a pale lemon color, match them with a loose linen shirt in dusty blue, and a light beige pair of shoes will perfectly complete the look.

• Don't give up on your favorite shoes in spring or early fall. Pair sand-colored chinos with a white long-sleeved jumper. Bright blue chunky-soled boat shoes will spice up your look.

• Would you like to embody the image of a successful yachtsman? Easily! Choose Bermudas in a calm shade and match them with a T-shirt or shirt. You can put on a jacket. The image welcomes slight negligence and expensive accessories. Topsiders choose noble colors and forget about the sock.

• Would you like to create a preppy look? Complement skinny trousers and a white shirt with a fitted jacket. Topsiders choose brown. Dilute the set with appropriate accessories, such as a scarf, bow tie.

• Do not be afraid to experiment, topsiders will complement almost any summer look. Shorts, jeans, trousers - all this is in perfect harmony with soft shoes in a relaxed style.

Women in fashion matters are not limited by strict limits, they can afford to try on any combination, while remaining in trend.

• Want to stand out from the crowd? Choose a leopard print cardigan and black skinny pants. The relevance of the image is successfully emphasized by three-color bright topsiders.

• Do you have long legs and are you confident in the impeccability of your style? Match pink shoes with bright red socks. This combination would be appropriate with short shorts. Support the active color of the socks with other accessories, such as shopper bag handles.

• Choose a tank top and skinny jeans for a nautical look. Bright red boots will refresh the look, and a hat will add romantic femininity to it.

• Pick up topsiders and a clutch with the same print, this combination will be the highlight of the image. To make your set fresh and summery, choose layering and light colors.

• In order not to part with soft slippers even in autumn, replace your usual shoes with them. Choose topsiders in calm colors. They go great with a wool coat and skinny pants.

Do you gravitate towards the sound of the surf, white sails and salt water, because sometimes you really want to take the summer with you? A pair of soft boat shoes will brighten up your city routine and help you create inspiring sets in a nautical style and beyond.