Now it is already impossible to imagine a shoe store, in the assortment of which there are no top siders. Shoes made of leather or textile, with a corrugated light sole and lacing on the upper edge, which allows you to securely fix the shoes on their feet. Fashionable and practical top-siders are fantastically popular among men and women.
Who invented the top siders and why?
The history of top siders began in the 30s of the last century. The idea of creating this shoe belongs to sailor Paul Sperry. A former sailor and a great sailing enthusiast, he was injured more than once, slipping on a wet deck. Pursuing his hobby, Sperry had a strong need for shoes that would not slip.
The idea of creating top-siders came to Mr. Sperry by chance while walking with a dog. Drawing attention to the fact that his pet was running on an icy road and did not fall, Sperry came to the conclusion that the convex patterns on the paw pads prevented sliding. The enterprising yachtsman immediately decided to create shoes with a corrugated patterned sole, which will provide people with stability on slippery and smooth surfaces. In 1935, Paul Sperry created the company Sperry Top-Sider and released a party of boat shoes, which received a middle name - top siders. Safe and at the same time stylish shoes quickly captivated fans of sailing.
In 1939, Sperry became the customer of the US Navy, and top-siders officially included in the uniform for sailors. Shoes are made of genuine high-quality leather and are impregnated with a water-repellent composition. The unique sole allows you to stay on a wet surface, and the white rubber from which it is made does not leave marks on a clean deck.Due to its originality, top-siders have become widely known and in great demand in a few years.
Who is wearing the top siders now?
Previously, top-siders were worn only by wealthy men who love sailing, special footwear declared their high status or belonging to the marine business. Now they are boldly worn by urban residents, regardless of the level of material well-being or age. Having received a large army of female fans, top siders became a unisex model.
Modern fashion offers various options for female, male and even children's models of top siders. The design of the invention of Sperry has not changed much, they differ from other types of shoes with a ribbed light sole and a small lacing. Great demand has expanded the range, there are products made of suede, multi-colored leather, dense fabrics, with various lacing options and a variety of finishes.
The main and unchanged qualities of top-siders remain comfort and reliability. The significant advantages of fashionable shoes were highly appreciated by young people who prefer a free style and active pastime. Versatile and functional shoes fit perfectly into the summer wardrobe of girls and young people.
How to choose?
The main distinguishing feature of top-siders is the sole. When choosing a top-sider, you must pay attention to its quality. Unlike the original version, the sole color may be dark, but it must necessarily be rubberized and grooved. The classic boaters were brown, but now in the shops you can find many colorful, colorful models.
Choosing a top sider, it is worthwhile to carefully study the material of the top, because they will have to be worn in the hottest time of the year. If the boots are made of leather, then it should be soft, high-quality and carefully stitched. In summer, light textile top-siders are relevant. They are considered an economical and affordable option for summer boots. When choosing fabric top-siders, it is necessary to check the quality of the seams and in the process of trying to understand how comfortable they are in the legs. After all, they are designed for daily wear, and in summer shoes are often worn without socks.
When buying shoes, it is always advisable to consider it not only from the outside, but also to look inside the product. It should be remembered that light and white insoles quickly become dirty and subsequently look less neat.
How to wear?
In the summer everyday look, fashionable top-siders play an important role, they can complement and decorate it. But to create an interesting costume, you need to know how to wear these summer shoes, and most importantly, what clothes to combine with.
Top siders were invented as an option for summer shoes, so traditionally they are worn only on bare feet. Wearing such shoes with socks is considered bad form, with the exception of socks - footprints that are sometimes worn for hygiene. Such socks remain invisible to others and the tradition of deck shoes is maintained.
Men and women can perfectly combine this type of shoe with cropped summer trousers, shorts or jeans. It is not advisable to wear boat shoes with long trousers that cover the ankle.
Men are recommended to wear boat shoes with summer sportswear, T-shirts, T-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts. Boaters are categorically not compatible with classic trousers and suits.
Female boaters surprise and delight with an abundance of colors and materials. Fashionable women are given ample opportunity to combine boaters with various wardrobe items. Ladies can combine stylish and comfortable shoes with skirts or even dresses. Lovers of free style do not interfere with a closer look at these shoes, it is in perfect harmony with the summer casual image.
We must not forget that boaters are a kind of sports shoes, so it is better not to supplement them with a classic image. With elegant dresses, deck shoes will look out of place and rude.
The images
Men's images with top siders are distinguished by style and ease. With the dress code, it is quite possible for the casual to appear in the top siders at work. With simple gray-blue cropped trousers, a double-breasted jacket and a light checkered shirt, dark blue shoes look very noble and businesslike.
If the work is creative, then summer shoes can be more vibrant. Leather tricolor top-siders add to the summer look originality and colorfulness. Fancy shoes stand out against the background of the strict gray-blue gamut of the rest of the costume, and white leather inserts on top siders are in harmony with a white shirt. The image looks interesting and bohemian.
In combination with jeans, top siders look incomparable. Beige top-siders blend perfectly with a slim-fit sports jacket in the same color. Classic blue jeans complete the flawless masculine look.
Top siders look great with any shorts. In this image, the emphasis is on burgundy shorts, and the shoes make up a pair of a blue shirt.
Using top siders in female images, you can not limit yourself to fantasies. With short sports dresses, summer shoes look great. If the summer look is replete with diverse and colorful details, then you can choose solid top-siders to it. The dress in white and blue sea stripes blends perfectly with white top siders. It turns out the classic image of a traveler and adventurer.
For a walk, even if it is not marine, you can safely put on top siders with shorts. Bright blue shoes with a characteristic white lacing look elegant and summer. The blue-blue gamut of the image is emphasized and complemented by brown accessories.
Jeans or denim shorts are equally safe for boaters. Shoes of different beige shades harmoniously with blue jeans.
Top-siders with a skirt look sporty and attractive. Black tanned siding tops harmonize perfectly with a white short skirt.
