Sperry has long been recognised in the UK as a brand with rich heritage and timeless appeal, and now the aim is to reintroduce their timeless iconic original boat shoe alongside fresh new styles to a new generation of consumers, both men and women, alongside loafers, boots, trainers and Oxfords.
Paul A.Sperry’s official tenure in footwear only lasted about five years, but he left an indelible mark on the industry. Born in 1895, as a young man he enrolled in College, but found he was a better inventor than a student and left after just a year. His passion for inventing led to fifteen patents during his lifetime.
Sperry developed an avid interest in sailing during the early 1930s. He bought a Nova Scotia Schooner, which he and his wife Pauline raced often, winning many awards. At the time, most shoes for the sport had soles made of crepe rubber or rope.
A couple of different stories circulate as to how he had the idea for the new design boat shoe, contemplating how to add more traction following too many slips on the wet deck.
One version suggests that on a snowy morning, he let his cocker spaniel out for a run and noticed that the dog remained stable in icy conditions. He set out to replicate the paws in a shoe sole, by cutting grooves into thick gum rubber.
In the 1960s icons like JFK and Paul Newman are recognised with wearing Sperry’s and popularising the brand.
By 1987 Sperry became the official footwear for the US sailing team during the historic reclaiming of America’s Cup.
Today the collection has expanded to a broader range of styles such as this leopard print design as well as continuing with the original classic shoe.