Story
Previously, topsiders were present only in the men's wardrobe, but women quickly adopted this fashionable trend. This shoe came from Paul Sperry. During the walk, he drew attention to the paws of his dog, who was walking on the ice and at the same time did not slip. Since Paul was an avid fan of yachting, he was interested in inventing shoes that would allow free walking on a slippery deck. As a result, a new shoe appeared, which was intended for yacht owners and yachting fans. It happened in 1935.
Boatmen began to be produced en masse, but did not receive much popularity. Over time, these shoes were worn by sailors of the fleet of America, which gave impetus to their popularization. Boatmen could never become so popular and in demand if it were 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.
- Top siders look like sneakers and moccasins at the same time, but do not belong to any of these types of shoes.
- Bright outsole is one of the characteristics of topsiders. After all, the bright sole does not leave marks on the snow-white deck of the yacht. Although designers are increasingly moving away from this rule and create models with soles of other colors.
- The sole is distinguished not only by color and unique material, but also by the shape, the presence of notches and grooves, which create a unique pattern. Due to such a sole, the top siders adhere well to the slippery surface and prevent slipping.
- The seams are distinguished by their durability and unique structure, which promises high practicality.
- Socks with such shoes are not worn. Otherwise, you can tell the world about your bad taste.
- Laces perform not only a decorative function, but also practical, since they reliably fix the foot and prevent slipping. Lacing is not as long as other shoes. The laces should run along the bottom diagonally, so that horizontal parallel lines form from above. In this case, the top-sider will look neat, the leg will be well fixed, but not crushed.
- Initially, the top siders were produced in limited color variations. Only classic colors were used: brown, white, blue. Modern designers do not limit themselves to the choice of color. In the course are all kinds of colors and shades that 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 used thick sole and wool insulation. All these options are very popular, which only grows over time.
Also, topsiders are different in size soles. Models with the lowest sole available under the brand Sperry. Manufacturers have significantly expanded the range of materials from which topsiders can be created. The tongue length is another distinctive feature. Next to it is the number of holes for the laces. They 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 still there are differences between them.
- Boatmen were originally created for comfortable and safe control of the yacht, and moccasins were everyday comfortable shoes.
- The sole on moccasins is soft, without a corrugated pattern, capable of providing maximum comfort when worn. The color of the sole on moccasins often corresponds to the base color of the top. Topsiders are different. The sole is white, less often black, with a pronounced relief, the material does not leave marks on the surface, is tough and difficult to bend.
- Laces - another distinctive feature. In topsiders, they replace the edging, go through 4 holes and neatly tied. Such a distinctive feature allows the shoe to keep well on the foot. Moccasins just fit the leg well, and the laces, if any, perform an exclusively decorative function.
- The only decor that can be present on topsiders is the laces. Moccasins in this respect are more democratic, since they can be decorated with a variety of prints, rhinestones, pendants, embroidered motifs.
Manufacturers
Boatmen are now produced by many manufacturers, but the following companies should be highlighted among them:
- Sperry top-sider - The first company that began to produce such shoes. At this time, she is a leader in this field. The manufacturer is located in the United States and if you order shoes on the official website, the delivery will take a long time.
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Sebago produces quality topsiders that can compete with any manufacturer. This firm also has American roots.
- Chatham marine Offers a two-year warranty on your shoes. As far as you need to be confident in the quality of your goods, to take such a desperate step. This manufacturer is located in the UK. In addition to the topsiders under the brand Chatlam Marine, stylish clothing is offered, so you can easily create a harmonious image. The company takes individual orders for the creation of shoes.
- Timberland - A well-known brand of quality shoes, among which there are also topsiders.
In addition to these foreign firms, there are quite a few Russian manufacturers who produce decent shoes. And of course, Chinese shoes, among which you can find topsiders, though not of very high quality.
What to wear?
Boatmen cannot be considered coarse shoes, as modern female models will look good even in a romantic bow. In general, there are quite a few options for combining topside with things, as well as limitations. The following options will make it easier for you to choose an image in which 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 a simple-cut shirt made of fabric that repeats the material of the trousers.
If you pick up jeans, then again 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 repeat the shade of jeans or stand out against their background. For the top, it is permissible to choose a top, blouse, shirt or a light sweater. A good option would be a polo shirt.
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In the summer image there may be shorts made of jeans, flax, cotton or any other lightweight material. Classic shoes are preferred for such images, but no one forbids you to play with flowers and create bright bows. For example, red topsiders will look good with a top, blue jeans and a white strap, which will repeat the edging on the top.
Top-sellers are perfectly combined with skirts.
A luxurious option would be 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 topsiders. The actual models are mini and slightly elongated versions, floral and geometric print.
As accessories you can use a variety of bags and clutches, scarves and light scarves, glasses, watches, bracelets, belts.
Images
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Excellent walking city bow is created on the basis of simple things that look at ease together, original and very stylish. The combination of boyfriends and striped sweaters is always successful in youth fashion. The restrained color of the topsiders echoes the color of the strip on the sweater, which is a good solution. The highlight of this image is a hat, without which the image would not be so stylish and expressive.
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This image can be called romantic, insolent, stylish, fashionable, fairly simple, but expressive. Here is everything that we wrote about earlier: a slightly elongated dress, 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 dress. Chic, glitter, beauty - this is how you can characterize this image.