Features
Topsiders are a kind of shoes on grooved soles, always with a lace that is tied to a bow. The grooved sole is flexible and non-slip. In wearing, such shoes are comfortable and practical.
Boaters switched to everyday fashion from yachting. These shoes were part of the outfit for yachtsmen, which is why the grooved sole does not slip, and the material from which this deck shoe is made is specially processed and repels water well. Very comfortable, light and pleasant to wear shoes perfect today not only for yachting and a respectable lifestyle, but also for a busy busy life in the metropolis.
It is believed that boatmen were invented by Paul Sperry during a rainy walk with his dog. Mass production of tospidera was established in the 60s of the last century. The fame session of the Kennedy family in products from Sperry Top-Sider brought fame to this beautiful and practical type of shoe. But the peak of popularity came in the 80s. Boaters were even listed in The Official Preppy Handbook - the preppy style encyclopedia.
Initially, only men wore boat shoes. But gradually this type of shoe migrated from the men's wardrobe to the women's. In the 90s, the mass audience lost interest in boaters. They stopped buying men under 40 years old. Then the manufacturers launched a new advertising company, which explained to customers that boaters are not only expensive and luxurious, but convenient and practical. Special lines for youth and for women have been developed. In the zero female boatsiders have rapidly become fashionable.
In their appearance and characteristics, female boaters are similar to male boaters and accordingly have the same properties.
The most famous manufacturer of boaters is Sperry Top-Sider. Every year the production of this company is improved, its products do not cease to amaze with its thoughtfulness and manufacturability. The most popular collection is called Authentic Original (A / O), traditionally sewn from leather, suede and canvas. The limited edition Gold Cup collection is made from hand-crafted leather, and the lace holes are plated with real 18K gold.
Democratic and high-quality boaters are released by American companies Timberland and Tommy Hilfiger.
Boaters are like loafers. They also do not have a heel, the sole is flexible, made of lightweight durable materials. Boaters are distinguished by a mandatory lacing and a white reflex sole. The lace here performs not only a decorative function, but also reliably fixes shoes on the foot. The white sole was originally conceived in order not to leave marks on the deck.
If you are going for a boat trip, don’t forget to wear boat shoes. Their sole has special grooves and indentations so as not to slip on a wet deck. It will be convenient for you, and the owner of the yacht and her team will appreciate your concern for cleanliness and order.
Boaters are a good alternative to sneakers for those over 30. They correspond to a more mature solid style, while being universally combined with sports and urban styles.
Models
Classic colors for boaters are white, blue or brown. Initially, shoes were made only in these three colors. But today there are no restrictions - the range is great.
In the mid-2000s, Poul Smith came up with his famous topsiders of rich burgundy, green and brown colors, and thereby introduced a fashion for inventing the most unusual colors. There are even combined boat-siders, but they, as a rule, are in less demand. There were even printed boatside sailors. And also, along with the fashion for leopard print, leopard boatsiders also appeared.
Initially, boaters were made only of leather. Today, there are no material restrictions. The production uses thin suede, nubuck, canvas, modern technological elastic materials, denim.
The top of the boaters remains unchanged: a slightly narrowed rounded toe, a lace around the perimeter and a conditional bow. But in all the designers are experimenting not only with colors, but already with the sole and materials for it. Even the number of holes and armholes for laces began to vary.
Classic boaters have a solid sole. Later, female boaters began to appear a small monolithic heel, then a low platform and even a wedge heel.
Women prefer classic models, as they are easily combined with feminine styles. Teenagers choose youth models on the platform and wedges, which are conveniently combined with a sporty style.
What to wear?
Boaters must wear without socks. To put on boaters with socks is a bad manners.
This shoe belongs to the sports style for its purpose, while they look elegant and aristocratic, so they allow you to combine them with clothes in different styles.
The usual combination is with lightweight cotton banana trousers, a polo and a sports bag. This kit can be supplemented with a fitted jacket.
It is also customary to combine deck shoes with tucked up jeans and a light linen shirt. Jeans can be replaced with shorts. Short denim shorts on a high waist are perfectly combined with leather tospidera.
Boaters with skirts go well together. It can be a tennis skirt with polo or a pleated skirt of medium length complete with a jacket. Skirts here can be combined with jumpers, sweatshirts and pullovers, if we are talking about the classic preppy style.
An A-line safari dress can and should be worn with classic boaters. And printed floral and loose sundresses from flying fabrics of medium length are perfectly combined with combined boatsiders.
