Topsiders

What is a top sider?

What is a top sider?

History

Previously, boaters were present only in the men's wardrobe, but women quickly adopted this fashionable trend. These shoes appeared thanks to Paul Sperry. During the walk, he drew attention to the paws of his dog, who was walking on the ice and did not slip at the same time. Since Paul was an avid fan of yachting, he was interested in inventing shoes that would allow him to walk freely on a slippery deck. As a result, new shoes appeared that were intended for yacht owners and yachting fans. It happened in 1935.

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

Design

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

  1. Top siders are at the same time similar to sneakers and moccasins, but do not belong to any of these varieties of shoes.
  2. A light sole is one of the features of boaters. Indeed, from the light sole there is no trace left on the snow-white deck of the yacht. Although designers are increasingly moving away from this rule and creating models with soles of other colors.
  3. The sole is distinguished not only by color and unique material, but also by the shape, the presence of notches and grooves that create a unique pattern. Due to this sole, the top siders adhere well to a slippery surface and prevent slipping.
  4. Seams are distinguished by their durability and unique structure, which promises high practicality.
  5. Socks with such shoes are not worn.Otherwise, you can tell the world about your bad taste.
  6. The laces perform not only a decorative function, but also practical, as they reliably fix the foot and prevent slipping. Lacing is not as long as on other shoes. Shoelaces should run diagonally along the bottom so that horizontal parallel lines form on top. In this case, the top sider will look neat, the leg will be well fixed, but not crushed.
  7. Initially, top siders were produced in limited color variations. Only classic colors were used: brown, white, blue. Modern designers do not limit themselves in choosing colors. All kinds of colors and shades are used, which are combined at the discretion of the designer.

Kinds

The first top siders were exclusively summer and male. Now, such shoes can be women's, children's, demi-season, autumn and even winter. To create warm top-siders, a thick sole and wool insulation are used. All of these options are very popular, which only increases over time.

Also, boaters differ in the size of the sole. The models with the lowest soles are manufactured under the Sperry brand. Manufacturers have significantly expanded the range of materials from which boaters can be created. The length of the tongue is another of the distinguishing characteristics. Next to it is the number of holes for the laces. There can be from two to six.

How do boaters differ from moccasins?

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

  1. Boaters were originally created for comfortable and safe control of the yacht, and moccasins were everyday comfortable shoes.
  2. The sole on moccasins is soft, without a grooved pattern, able to provide maximum comfort when worn. The color of the sole on the moccasins often matches the primary color of the top. In the boat side everything is different. The sole is white, less often black, with a pronounced relief, the material does not leave marks on the surface, is rigid and difficult to bend.
  3. Shoelaces are another hallmark. In topsiders, they replace the edging, pass through 4 holes and carefully tie. This distinguishing feature allows the shoe to stay well on the foot. Moccasins simply fit the leg well, and the laces, if any, perform an exclusively decorative function.
  4. The only decor that can be present on boaters is shoelaces. Moccasins in this regard are more democratic, because 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 a leader in this field. The manufacturer is located in the USA and if you order shoes on the official website, it will take a lot of time to deliver.
  • Sebago produces high-quality boaters who can compete with any manufacturer. This company also has American roots.

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

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

What to wear?

Boaters cannot be considered rough shoes, as modern female models will look good even in a romantic look. In general, there are many options for combining boaters with things, as well as limitations. The following options will make it easy for you to choose the look in which boaters will be present.

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

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

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

  • In the summer, shorts made of jeans, linen, cotton or any other light material can be present. Classic shoes are preferable for such images, but no one forbids you to play with flowers and create bright bows. For example, red boaters will look good with a tank top, blue jeans and a white strap that will repeat the trim on the top.

Boaters go well with skirts.

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

Dresses and sundresses can also be present in the same image with boaters. Actual models are mini and slightly elongated options, floral and geometric print.

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

The images

  • An excellent walking city bow is based on simple things that together look relaxed, original and very stylish. The combination of boyfriends and striped sweaters is always successful in youth fashion. The restrained color of the boaters echoes the color of the strip 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 here is present here: a slightly elongated sundress, a cute shirt with a small floral print, fashion watches, successful accessories in the form of glasses and a hat, and, of course, boaters who echo the color of the sundress. Chic, brilliance, beauty - this is how you can characterize this image.

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