Topsiders

What is a top side?

What is a top side?

History

Previously, topsiders were present only in men's wardrobe, but women quickly adopted this fashion trend. This shoe came from Paul Sperry. While walking, he drew attention to the paws of his dog, which was walking on the ice and did not slip. Since Paul was an avid yachts fan, he was interested in inventing shoes that would allow walking freely on slippery decks. The result was a new shoe designed for yacht owners and yachting aficionados. It happened in 1935.

Topsiders began to be produced in large quantities, but did not receive much popularity. Over time, these shoes began to be worn by the sailors of the American Navy, which gave impetus to their popularization. Boatmen could never have become so popular and in demand if it were not for Craig Reingold. It was this man who in the 90s gave the Sperry brand a second life and inspired the whole world that such shoes can be everyday and it is not at all necessary to have a yacht for personal use in order to wear topsiders.

Design

Top siders are recognizable for several characteristics that are mandatory for this type of shoe.

  1. Top-siders are similar to sneakers and moccasins at the same time, but do not belong to either of these shoe varieties.
  2. Light-colored sole is one of the features of topsiders. After all, there are no marks from the light sole on the snow-white deck of the yacht. Although designers are increasingly deviating from this rule and create models with soles in other colors.
  3. The sole is distinguished not only by the color and unique material, but also by the shape, the presence of notches and grooves that create a unique pattern. Due to this outsole, the top-siders grip well on slippery surfaces and prevent slipping.
  4. The seams are distinguished by their durability and unique structure, which promises to be highly practical.
  5. Socks with such shoes are not worn.Otherwise, you can tell the world about your bad taste.
  6. The laces serve not only a decorative function, but also a practical one, as they securely fix the foot and prevent slipping. The lacing is not as long as on other shoes. The laces should run diagonally across the bottom so that horizontal, parallel lines form at the top. In this case, the top side will look neat, the leg will be well fixed, but not squeezed.
  7. Top siders were originally produced in limited color variations. Only classic colors were used: brown, white, blue. Modern designers do not limit themselves in the choice of color. All sorts of colors and shades are used, which are combined at the discretion of the designer.

Views

The first topsides were exclusively for summer and for men. Now such shoes can be women's, children's, demi-season, autumn and even winter. A thick sole and wool insulation are used to create warm topsides. All these options are very popular, which only increases over time.

Also topsiders differ in the size of the sole. The models with the lowest soles are produced under the Sperry brand. Manufacturers have significantly expanded the range of materials from which topsiders can be created. The length of the tongue is another distinctive characteristic. Next to it is the number of lace holes. There can be from two to six.

What is the difference between topsiders and moccasins?

Boatmen are often confused with moccasins. Indeed, these two types of shoes are very similar to each other, but there are still differences between them.

  1. Topsiders were originally created for comfortable and safe yacht handling, and moccasins were everyday comfortable shoes.
  2. The sole on moccasins is soft, without a grooved pattern, capable of providing maximum wearing comfort. The color of the sole on moccasins often matches the main color of the upper. It's different in topsiders. The sole is white, less often black, with a pronounced relief, the material does not leave marks on the surface, it is rigid and difficult to bend.
  3. Shoelaces are another distinctive feature. In topsiders, they replace the edging, go through 4 holes and tie neatly. This distinctive feature allows the shoe to keep well on the foot. Moccasins just fit the leg well, and laces, if any, perform an exclusively decorative function.
  4. The only decor that can be found on topsiders is laces. Moccasins in this respect are more democratic, since they can be decorated with a variety of prints, rhinestones, pendants, embroidered motifs.

Manufacturers

Topsiders are now produced by many manufacturers, but among them it is worth highlighting the following companies:

  • Sperry top-sider - the first company to start producing such shoes. At this time, she is the leader in this area. The manufacturer is located in the United States and if you order shoes on the official website, then delivery will take a long time.
  • Sebago produces quality topsiders that can compete with any manufacturer. This firm also has American roots.

  • Chatham marine offers a two-year warranty on its shoes. How confident you need to be in the quality of your product to take such a desperate step. This manufacturer is located in the UK. In addition to topsiders, the Chatlam Marine brand offers stylish clothing, so you can easily create a harmonious look. The company accepts individual orders for the creation of footwear.
  • Timberland Is a well-known brand of quality footwear, among which there are also topsiders.

In addition to these foreign firms, there are many Russian manufacturers that produce decent footwear. And of course, Chinese shoes, among which you can find topsiders, though not of very high quality.

What to wear with?

Boat shoes should not be considered coarse shoes, as modern women's models will look good even in a romantic bow. In general, there are many options for combining topsiders with things, as well as restrictions. The following options will make it easier for you to choose the look in which the topsiders will be present.

Pants can be straight, made of lightweight material such as linen or cotton. In addition, you can choose a blouse or shirt of a simple cut made of fabric that repeats the material of the trousers.

If you choose jeans, then again we focus on a straight or slightly flared cut. You can safely combine topsiders with skinny, boyfriends or cargo, which are now very popular.

The color of the shoes can match the shade of the jeans or stand out against their background. For the top, it is permissible to choose a top, blouse, shirt or light sweater. A polo shirt is a good option.

  • In a summer look, shorts from denim, linen, cotton or any other lightweight material can be present. Classic shoes are preferable for such looks, but no one forbids you to play with flowers and create bright bows. For example, red boat shoes will look good with a top, blue jeans, and a white strap that will echo the piping on the top.

Boat shoes go well with skirts.

A chic option would be a pleated mini skirt in light shades and a white top. This look must be diluted with bright shoes.

Dresses and sundresses can also be present in the same look with topsiders. Mini and slightly elongated versions, floral and geometric prints are relevant.

As accessories, you can use a variety of bags and clutches, shawls and light scarves, glasses, watches, bracelets, belts.

Images

  • An excellent walking city bow is created on the basis of simple things that together look casual, original and very stylish. The combination of boyfriends and striped sweaters is always a hit in youth fashion. The restrained color of the topsiders echoes the color of the stripe on the jacket, which is a good solution. The highlight of this image is the hat, without which the image would not be so stylish and expressive.

  • This image can be called romantic, daring, stylish, fashionable, moderately simple, but expressive. Everything that we wrote about before is present here: a slightly elongated sundress, a cute shirt with a small floral print, fashionable watches, successful accessories in the form of glasses and a hat, and of course topsiders that echo the color of the sundress. Chic, brilliance, beauty - this is how this image can be characterized.

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