How to choose stylish topside shoes. What are topsiders

To date, it is not a problem to buy men's topsiders, because they appear in the TOP offers of numerous shoe and clothing stores. They are shown by models from fashion catwalks, such shoes protect celebrity legs on yachting, they are equally popular among successful businessmen and ordinary citizens. As this model is just not called: topsiders, topsiders, Top-Sider, yachting shoes, Boat Shoes, deck shoes. But this does not affect the quality and durability of shoes. Moreover! Manufacturers are constantly creating new variations of the Top-Sider, which are sometimes more like loafers, very reminiscent of ordinary moccasins or sneakers. And all just to satisfy the needs of customers! Do you also dream of topsiders, but do not know how to choose them correctly or what to wear with? Our recommendations will help you maintain harmony in a stylish masculine look featuring Boat Shoes. Join, it will be interesting!

Men's topsiders: the history of creation

Thanks to observations of a spaniel carelessly running on a walk, whose paws did not slip at all on wet ice, Paul Sperry created practical shoes for yachting. It features a hard rubber outsole with signature herringbone cuts that gives you maximum grip on wet decks, even when rocking.

official year The birth of the legendary model is 1935, it was then that the first pair of men's Sperry topsiders saw the light. But deck shoes did not remain a niche product for long. Already in 1939, the leadership of the US Navy drew attention to them, which signed a contract for the production of these shoes for the needs of the fleet.

Like many styles of clothing that are popular today (jeans, trench coats), soon deck shoes were happily borrowed from army uniforms by ordinary citizens. Due to its many competitive advantages, Boat Shoes have gained wide popularity and quickly spread around the world. Behind short term they became truly and women.

After being included in Lisa Birnbach's Official Guide to Preppy Style, topsiders have experienced a resurgence and a return of consumer interest. It happened in 1980. After that, this shoe was recognized as a preppy style must-have. At that time, men made up about 90% of the buyers of this model.

Features of Boat Shoes

Topsiders are a cross between moccasins and regular sneakers. However, they have a number of distinctive features by which we recognize them:

• Traditional Boat Shoes sewn by hand.
• White soles conceived with one goal - not to leave marks on the snow-white deck. And there is nothing surprising here, since Paul Sperry was an avid yachtsman. He knew exactly how to save ship owners from having to constantly scrub the deck.
• Leather lace distinguishes sperry topsiders from classic moccasins. It is threaded through holes around the perimeter of the top of the foot and is extremely durable and holds the shoe perfectly. However, sometimes the lace is completely absent or can be made of a different material.

• Special anodized lacing holes does not rust, withstands the effects of aggressive environments for several seasons. It will pleasantly surprise anyone. practical man who prefers high-quality and durable shoes.
• The brand symbol is also considered specially treated leather from which this style of yachting shoes is sewn. It is water repellent and can withstand repeated wetting. This is one of the main advantages of this model. In addition, after a few socks, the leather upper takes on the shape of the foot, which creates incredible walking comfort.
• Traditional Boat Shoes are famous for their unusual shape and edging processed with durable thread. This is an innovation invented by Sebago.

Color solutions

Sperry originally introduced the Top-Sider with a white sole and a brown leather upper. This color has become traditional for this brand. Later, a black upper was added, but the sole remained pristine white. However, Boat Shoes are currently available in a variety of upper colors: black, all shades of brown, blue, white, red, sand, grey, burgundy, and all sorts of combinations. including printed ones.

As for the sole, in addition to white, other manufacturers are also actively using light shades. For example, beige.

Popular manufacturers of men's topsiders

Although the Sperry brand was the creator of the Top-Sider, there are a number of other manufacturers of this legendary model today. And they are no less popular:

• Timberland is Sperry's main competitor;
• Already mentioned company Sebago. Since the 60s of the XX century, she has been releasing her own version this style shoes (called docksides);
• Tommy Hilfiger;
• Storm;
• paraboot;
• rockport;
• And others.

Influenced by the growing demand for such shoes, manufacturers are constantly developing new models. In addition to leather, there are also deck shoes made of textile, suede, canvas and denim. In any case, these shoes are different high level quality.

What to wear with men's Boat Shoes?

The Top-Sider goes great with jeans, chinos, and straight-cut cotton or linen summer trousers. Feel free to wear trousers with rolled up legs if you like to show others your stylish clothes and shoes!

Topsiders are not alien to the neighborhood with. In priority average length. It can be yachting shorts, a discreet Bermuda design, or more colorful Hawaiian-inspired models.

As for the top, deck shoes organically fit into ensembles with button-down shirts, thin pullovers, long sleeves,. In such images, the undisputed leader is clothing in the marine and preppy-style. But here it is inappropriate.

Topsiders and socks: can they be worn together?

This is a traditional question for all mods who are trying to diversify theirs. But there is no definite answer to it. Why? Because initially deck shoes were conceived as comfortable and safe footwear for walking on a ship, and were worn exclusively on bare feet.

But time passed. Gradually, socks, an indispensable attribute of the urban wardrobe, also got into the ensemble with Boat Shoes. Sometimes men use high socks, but more often they are low invisible models.

However, not everyone is a fan of the yachting shoes + socks duo. There are also avid conservatives who pay tribute to traditions. Fashion also influences the refusal of men to wear socks. recent years, which suggests wearing shoes on bare feet. As a result, the dispute between supporters of one or another opinion has not faded so far! Therefore, today every man decides for himself whether to wear topsiders with or without socks. The result depends on personal desire, the preferred style of clothing, as well as the place and event where you plan to go in this shoe. How do you wear Boat Shoes?

Finally

Today, not only owners of luxury yachts, but also students, ordinary citizens, vacationers and all those who appreciate the comfort and practicality of high-quality shoes can afford the pleasure of wearing men's topsiders today. These shoes are relevant in college, country travel, walking through the city streets or a seaside resort. They add a slight frivolity and exquisite gloss to the outfit, thereby emphasizing the individuality of a particular man. In an urban look, Boat Shoes evoke pleasant memories of a vacation at a seaside resort or a cruise on the Cote d'Azur. Top-Sider have become a stylish component of democratic looks, in which there is no place for starched collars and creases on trousers.
What brand of topsiders do you personally like and why? Write in the comments, your opinion is important to us!

Topsiders are shoes that were designed specifically for walking on a yacht. Translated from English, "topside" means "on deck". They became widespread in the 80s of the last century. At this time, yachting was at the peak of popularity.
In this article:

What are topsiders?

The shoes are distinguished by the fact that, thanks to a special rubberized sole in white, on which there are transverse grooves, it does not leave marks on the floor and does not slip. The upper of the shoes is made of genuine leather with special water-repellent impregnation that protects from moisture.

In appearance, topsiders resemble. Their main distinguishing feature is leather lace, stretched around the perimeter of the heel. It helps to securely fix the shoes on the foot. Drawstring in front secures the leg like a sneaker.

Today, comfortable and practical topsiders are worn not only by yachtsmen, but also by modern residents of megacities. You don't have to own a yacht to buy a pair of these shoes.

maritime history

The first such shoes were made in the winter of 1935. They were invented by the sailor Paul Sperry. While walking with his dog, the man noticed that the dog was very deftly balancing on the ice, while it was difficult for people to keep their balance. Paul was interested in this, and he carefully studied the paws of the animal. On the soles, the sailor noticed small cracks, which, in his opinion, provided traction with smooth ice. This discovery might have gone unnoticed, but Paul Sperry had bought himself a yacht at the time and was puzzled by finding shoes that would keep his feet from slipping on wet decks.

The idea with a pet sunk into the soul of the inventor and he decided to reflect the pattern he saw on the paws of the spaniel on the sole of the shoe. Paul worked with a blade and a piece of rubber for a long time, until he came up with a prototype of the sole of modern topsiders. Then the inventor sewed the upper of the shoe, adding a lace around the perimeter for better fixation of the foot.

The sailor gave a new pair of shoes to his assistant Leon Burkowski, who looked after Paul's yacht. The guy was just delighted with the new stable shoes. In it, he could stand confidently on the slippery and wet surface of the yacht. The corrugated sole protected from slipping, and thanks to white color the shoes left no marks.

The sailor was very pleased with his invention and began mass production. Another advantage was that topsiders were appropriate both on deck and on the shore. The first batch of shoes was released by Converse, which marked the beginning of a new era of informal shoes.

Fashionable female models 2019

Now topsiders are worn by a huge number of urban residents, many of them are not even aware of their original purpose.

Today the brand is popular in many countries. In 2012, the 75th collection was released. It features suede and leather shoes. The rubber outsole of some models includes a rope finish, and a strip of leather closes the cord.

The Giorgio Armani collection is dominated by the nautical theme. Rope-type threads were used as a cord, and the shoes themselves are made in dark blue. With this shoe, the designer suggested combining banana pants and a sports bag.

Clothing combinations

It is hard to imagine these shoes in combination with a chic suit, although sometimes their convenience is so necessary at work! But they are great for nautical, sports and many other informal styles.

They go great with skinny pants and jeans. Moreover, the latter can be slightly tucked up to demonstrate to others the subtle grace of the ankle.

Topsiders are appropriate in an informal setting, for example, when traveling, on excursions. Here they can be combined with sports dresses - mini, shorts. Please note that a flat, comfortable sole will not lengthen your legs. If you are confident in the grace of your legs, then there is nothing to worry about. Otherwise, opt for jeans.

They can be made key element exotic outfit. To do this, pick up bright shoes, add an element (bracelet, scarf, pendant) of the same style and color. The rest of the clothes - to taste, preferably original, not trivial (although this is not forbidden).

Shoes on a white ribbed sole are called topsiders. They owe their creation to the yachtsman Paul Sperry, who wanted to have comfortable shoes for sailing on a yacht. Walking with his dog in winter, Paul noticed that the dog's paws do not move apart slippery ice. Allows you to control the movements of the cracks on the paw pads.

Based on this, the first shoes were invented with rubber sole, which did not stain the deck and gave stability. The yachtsman thought of every detail when creating his brainchild: from aluminum holes for the laces, to lacing that provides a rigid fixation of the leg.

The model was released in 1935, and in 1939 Paul Sperry received an order from his government to make a large batch of topsiders for sailors on military service. In 1960, a Kennedy family photograph was published wearing the original shoes. After that, topasiders began to be popular not only at sea, but also on land.

Topside socks

Are you a man or a woman. according to the rules of etiquette Socks are not worn with topsiders. Why? These are summer shoes, originally invented for use on yachts (see above) and only over time shoes have become firmly established in everyday life. The tradition has remained. In addition, boat shoes, as a rule, are made from natural lightweight materials, which allows the foot to feel comfortable and “breathe in hot summer weather.

For hygiene purposes, it is permissible to use short socks that literally hold on to the heel and toes - they will not be visible.

How and what to wear with topsiders

Modern boating shoes come in a variety of colors and finishes. Finishing is made both inconspicuous, in tone with the main color of the shoe, and bright, contrasting color. On some models, the lace is covered with a strip of leather, making it invisible. Some collections are made in the marine theme. They are blue, white, blue flowers, rope threads resembling ropes are used in the decoration.

topsiders wear on bare feet, it is not customary to wear socks under them.

Topsiders are considered summer, demi-season shoes, they belong to sports classics. They are usually worn with polo shirts, all kinds of T-shirts, T-shirts, shorts.

It is ideal to wear straight jeans with them, which will look especially stylish when turned up. Fit trousers made of linen, cotton (chino or cargo pants) and a light shirt for them.

It is forbidden wear with topsiders clothes made of dense fabrics: wool, jersey, thick jackets with a hood will not work.

Women's topsiders: what to wear

And with a skirt? Great!

Men's topsiders were created in the 30s. Like all cult things, they are surrounded by legends. According to one of them, Paul Sperry, the author of this shoe model, came up with it while watching a dog that ran on ice and did not slip. An avid yachtsman, Paul conceived the idea of ​​creating shoes that would not slip on the deck of a yacht.

Topside combinations

Topsiders for men can only be worn in certain combinations. In order to competently assemble kits with them, you need to know how they look and what parts they consist of.

Character traits

classical male model Topsiders are made of genuine leather. She has a completely white sole. As the history of this model of shoes says, a white sole is necessary so as not to stain the deck of the yacht.

Outwardly, these shoes resemble moccasins, but differ from them with a lace that runs along the outer edge and securely fastens them to the foot. For their reliability and convenience, they fell in love with the navy and soon after their creation they became part of the uniforms of sailors.

Classic topsiders are sewn from thin soft skin manually. Today, materials such as:

• suede leather;
• artificial leather;
• textile.

They are available not only in basic colors, but also in bright colors, which increases the variability of their combinations.

Combination rules

This type of footwear can be worn with things in Casual and Smart Casual styles. It is perfect for:

• chinos;
• canvas trousers;
• jeans
• bermuda;
• breeches;
• shorts.

It is important to consider the cut of trousers when compiling sets. Long trousers should be slightly narrower at the bottom. Pants should be rolled up so that the ankle is visible.

For a long time, it was not customary to wear topsiders with classic cut suits. However, today's fashion allows you to combine them with light-colored suits in the summer.

With socks or Sockless style

Similar shoes are traditionally worn. This is due to the original idea of ​​​​their creation - shoes for boating get wet quickly and should also dry quickly right on the foot.

Today, a combination of these shoes with socks is allowed, but they must be matched to match the trousers, and the legs themselves should almost completely cover the ankle. The safest solution in this case- buy invisible socks that fit the foot tightly and have a very low neckline.

In what situations are topsiders appropriate?

These shoes are lightweight comfortable shoes worn by:

• on walks;
• at friendly meetings;
• at the cinema or cafe.

These shoes are more associated with weekends and free time than with business meetings or work. Although, more classic models of discreet shades can be worn in the office.

Topside brands

Exists a large number of topside brands. These include the following:

• Timberland;
• Tommy Hilfiger;
• Wrangler;
• castaner;
• s.Oliver;
• Sebago;
• Skechers;
• Quiksilver.

Each brand has its own characteristics.

Timberland

The Timberland brand has a number of distinctive features.

1. The outsole is made from recycled tires.
2. The sole has two layers, which protects the feet from getting wet.
3. The leather used for tailoring products is slightly thicker than in classic models.

Shoes of this brand are made not only from leather, but also from nubuck and suede.

Tommy Hilfiger

Basic hallmark brand is that the company prioritizes consumer comfort. To this end, the manufacturer:

• develops new sole materials to make shoes as light as possible;
• conducts research to evaluate the wearing comfort of products.

It is known that this company has a special department that deals exclusively with the problems of comfort of the models produced.

Wrangler

This company specializes in denim clothing, but fashionable boat shoes are also in their area of ​​​​interest. Outwardly, the shoes of this brand can be distinguished by the following features:

• the logo is made from a separate piece of leather;
• it is attached to the heel with a red and blue thread.

Particular attention is paid to strength and reliability, as evidenced by double stitching on the berets.

castaner

This company is an innovator in the development of original models of shoes. They produce topsiders made of textiles. For their tailoring, high-quality natural material is used, for example:

• denim;
• canvas;
• cotton.

Such models are very comfortable and beautiful.

s.Oliver

This is a German brand that is distinguished by affordable prices and affordable products. The footwear of this brand has a number of features.

1. The sole is made of rubber or polymer.
2. For sewing external parts, artificial materials are used.
3. The internal parts adjacent to the foot are sewn from genuine leather.

The company has modernized the manufacturing technology of topsiders, due to which they have become available to everyone.

Sebago

This firm was one of the first companies that became interested in the production of new shoes. The shoes of this brand are different original design. The company was the first to produce models from leather in combined colors.

Topsiders of this brand have a special name. They are called docksides.

Skechers

This brand specializes in the production of youth shoes, so its distinctive features are:

• original design;
• application natural materials, including fabrics;
• a combination of synthetic and natural raw materials to make the product available to all buyers.

In production, the company moved away from traditional technology, applying synthetic fabrics for lining and insoles.

Quiksilver

The company is engaged in the production sportswear and shoes, so the topsiders in her performance are different:

• high quality;
• ease;
• comfort.

Now the company is developing new models that are distinguished by the presence of built-in equipment that allows the owner to listen to music while walking.

There are several rules for combining this type of shoe, following which you can collect stylish images for relax. They should be combined with summer suits and things in Casual style and Smart Casual and worn barefoot.

Topsiders for men are stylish shoes with a thick white sole. Typically rigid and inflexible. They lace up at the front with 4 holes. The lace runs along the back of the shoe and ends at the instep of the foot.

Story
Significant place in the world male fashion topsiders occupied not so long ago. The same espadrilles and slippers were created much earlier. However, during its existence, these shoes managed to survive many ups and downs.

Their story began in 1935, when sailor Paul Sperry was walking his Cocker Spaniel through the snowy streets of Connecticut. The man drew attention to the fact that his dog confidently keeps on the ice. After examining the paws of the dog, he found small cracks on them. So he came up with the idea of ​​​​creating topsiders - shoes with grooved soles. As a result, he managed to secure a place in the fashion world and a secure future on the deck of a ship. It is interesting that the color of the soles of the shoes was not chosen by chance: the white sole did not leave marks on the snow-white decks of the yachts.

How to choose stylish topside shoes

• Shoes must be of good quality. The ideal option is leather topsiders from well-known manufacturers. For summer, you can choose light models from fabric.
• Initially, topsiders had anti-slip white soles. Today you can find shoes with gray and even black soles. This should not stop you from buying.
• The lace along the boot is stretched for a reason. Its purpose is to securely fix the leg. That is why before buying shoes you need to try on and lace up. Classic topsiders have two or three aluminum lacing loops (the properties of this metal do not allow them to rust). Winter topsiders have more loops.
• It is desirable to measure shoes on a footprint, because. These shoes are usually worn without socks.

They can be combined with any item. men's wardrobe except for those related to official style. These shoes match perfectly:

• with jeans (preferably shortened or tucked up, opening the ankle);
• with strict shorts;
• with cargo trousers;
• with chinos.

As for the top, it can be a shirt, T-shirt, sweater, polo, blazer, etc. Winter models can be worn as part of a “shirt + sweater + insulated jacket + tucked-up trousers” set.

Today, different variations on the topic of topsiders flaunt on store shelves. There you can find classic black and brown models, as well as shoes in other shades. Shoelaces are increasingly becoming bright - blue, red, orange. The color of the laces usually matches the color of the sole. These shoes go with any summer outfit. They are a boring option for lovers of non-standard solutions.