For whom topsiders were invented?
Fashion experts have been saying to society for several seasons: “Do not 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 a hint of openness and looks ridiculous.
But few people know that in fashion collections there is another shoe model, which is customarily worn only on bare feet and, oddly enough, it does not differ in open tailoring. Topsiders call such shoes, but the most interesting thing is that it was invented thanks to the Cocker Spaniel dog, and sailors and yachtsmen were the first to appreciate it. Why are they and where is the dog? To answer this question will have to look into the past.
For whom and for what topsiders were invented
One interesting idea that came to mind to the most experienced sailor Paul Sperry in the cold winter of 1935 contributed to the appearance of topsiders. Walking with his dog through the snowy American streets, he struggled to keep his feet and not flop on the ice. At the same time, he noticed, not without envy, that his cocker spaniel was running along slippery paths without any discomfort, and his legs, for completely unknown reasons, did not slide on the surface.
Watching this picture, Sperry remembered how many times he, a sailor, had to fall on the slippery surfaces of the decks during a storm. So he decided, having studied the structure of the legs of his pet, to reproduce a similar pattern on the sole of the shoe, thereby making it absolutely non-slip.
Replacing the chaotic spikes of old soles with more ordered horizontal slits, adorned with wavy convex patterns, he achieved perfect friction. By bringing the design to the ideal, he ensured the safety of seafarers and at the same time entered his name in the world fashion history. And nevertheless, the demand for topsiders was markedly noticeable cyclical.
Fashion history of marine shoes
The first topsiders began to produce under the brand Sperry Top-Sider in 1935. After some time, they began to be actively purchased by Abercrombie & Fitch, and by 1939 already by the Navy of America. Twenty years later, Sebago began to produce its topsider model, though it was called docksides.
Worldwide fame for yachting shoes came in the 80s, when they became the main symbol of luxurious life. 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 readily.
In the 90s the popularity of footwear began to decline. Production was sharply reduced in price, and models of top-sellers began to appear no longer in elite boutiques, but in the back streets of second-hand. A new era of demand began for this shoe at the end of the 2000s, when female models began to actively produce. Today, not only Sperry or Sebago are engaged in the production of topsiders, but also other brands that nourish the love of marine subjects. And the shoes, which American style call 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 supported by the durability and practicality of footwear.Everything in the design of this model is thought out to the smallest detail, and every detail plays its important mission. What are the characteristic features of Boat Shoes from other shoes?
- Snow-white outsole. Today, this feature is the highlight of the model, although initially it played an important practical significance. Since decks on ships should 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. It gives elegance and chic, because it usually contrasts favorably against a darker background of footwear. Practical value of a lace is to keep shoes on the foot well, ensuring the safety of a sailor during sharp body movements.
- Stainless hole for laces. Since seafarers always have to deal with moisture, simple metal or plastic lace rings are inappropriate. Special anodized coating provides absolute non-susceptibility of footwear to aggressive environments in marine conditions and durability in everyday.
- Treated genuine leather. It is this that serves as the basis for the creation of shoes. Special coating makes the material completely waterproof, but at the same time elastic, which ensures a perfect fit on the foot.
In terms of yachting shoes resemble a cross between classic moccasins and sneakers, which allows them to be combined with casual clothing, as well as sports and sometimes classic.
Fashion trends
The traditional Boat Shoes model has a white sole, brown top with a beige edging on the edge. It was in such a combination of shades that it was first released in 1935. The current pace of life requires diversity, so the classic combination has already moved to the background, and new color combinations have come to the forefront of fashion. Blue, red, mustard, gray, brown, burgundy and sand colors of the top compete with each other in popularity. But what even modern designers have 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 fashionable 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 experiments. The rule is covered in the ban on socks and if you think about it, this is not a trivial whim of designers, but a solution that is quite justified from a practical point of view. Why?
- Boatmen have a rather low backdrop, so when combined with socks you can give yourself a very untidy look.
- This model is sewn from a very elastic skin, so it does not make sense to cover the leg with an extra layer of additional fabric.
You can justify wearing shoes for yachting with socks commonplace rules of hygiene, but even in this case, it is better to combine these shoes with traces, I mean socks, which literally stick to the heel and toes, so do not look even from under a low backside.
Stylish images
In the rest, you can not adhere to absolutely no rules of compatibility, because topsiders ideally harmonize with almost all elements of the wardrobe. Here are some successful combinations:
- Rolled jeans, striped sweater successfully combined with dark topsiders. The image in casual style is ready!
- Classic shorts, shirt, sweater, worn over the shirt, which harmonizes in color with one of the accessories in the image - the perfect outfit for a walk on a yacht.
- The classic suit, consisting of trousers and a jacket, and a simple-cut shirt is a combination that even the famous Arnold Schwarzenegger has liked.
Taking into account the fact that modern models of yachting shoes are made not only from leather, but also from jeans, suede, textiles, and canvas, it can be said with confidence that they have evolved from specialized footwear to universal.
