Boat shoes, are also known as loafers but one version is also known as deck shoes or topsiders, are typically 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. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-boat-shoes.htm. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
- ^ "SPERRY TOP-SIDER: AN AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL". Sperry Top-Sider. April 14, 2009. http://www.sperrytopsider.com/text/about/manifesto.jsp. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
- ^ "History of Sebago". Sebago. April 14, 2009. http://www.sebago.fi/UserFiles/File/guide.pdf. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
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boat shoes also look like boats
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