Boat shoe
Boat shoes, also known as deck shoes or topsiders, are typically canvas or leather with rubber soles designed for use on a boat. A siping pattern is cut into the soles to provide grip on a wet deck; the leather construction, along with application of oil, is designed to repel water.[1]
Modern boat shoes were invented in 1935 by Paul Sperry after noticing his dog's ability to run easily over ice or snow. Using a knife, he cut siping into his shoes' soles, inspiring a shoe perfect for boating.[2] Sebago and Sperry are notable modern manufacturers of boat shoes.
Boat shoes are used by sailors, as the name suggests; however, since the '80s they have become fashionable footwear in America and the UK.[3] Some Sperry Top-Siders shoes today have Sperry's traditional white, non-marking soles, though many others today have dark non-marking soles.
References
- ^ "What are boat shoes?". Wisegeek.com. April 14, 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
- ^ "SPERRY TOP-SIDER: AN AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL". Sperry Top-Sider. April 14, 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
- ^ "History of Sebago" (PDF). Sebago. April 14, 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
