Even in 2024, Sperry Shoes continues to maintain its respect within the majority, and interestingly, their shoe models are still seen as a classic piece of clothing to lift up your style.
A few months back, I bought one of their most popular styles myself: the boat shoes. That’s when I realized they’re not exactly cheap.
I purchased two pairs, each costing me around $120. This price tag is nowhere cheap, so I pushed myself to find out some reason.
Reasons that could explain why are Sperry shoes so expensive. Here’s what I found:
Contents
Why Are Sperry Shoes So Expensive?
Sperry, also known as Sperry Top-Sider, is an American brand of boat shoes created in 1935 by Paul A. Sperry. They were the first to introduce boat shoes, and their style gained popularity in both boating and fashion.
Before 2024, Sperry was owned by Wolverine World Wide. But currently, it’s under the Authentic Brands Group. The operations in North America are licensed to the Aldo Group.
Now, let’s get to the part that explains their pricing strategies:
Perfect Sailor Shoes
In the old days, sailors had a big problem: if their boats got wet, their decks became extremely slippery. This made walking around really risky.
One sailor named Paul A. Sperry had a scary accident when he slipped and fell overboard. But he had a clever idea. He noticed how his dog could walk easily on icy ground without slipping. So, he got inspired and made special shoes with rubber soles that had grooves like his dog’s paw prints.
This shoe design came out as a hit with sailors because they didn’t slip on wet boat decks and didn’t leave marks. The rubber soles with tiny cuts give them excellent traction, which prevents them from slipping. He gave this shoe the name “Top-Sider” boat shoe.
So, as you can say, Sperry shoes are known for inventing their shoe design; they sell it for a bit of a high price just to maintain authenticity.
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Selection of Material
Sperry has been working for a hundred years. And over all this time, they have been quite strict in their material selection rules.
Commonly, the brand utilizes leather, canvas, and rubber materials in most of their styles. For their sneakers, they also put suede and tencel lyocell fiber in them.
Regarding leather selection, I have noticed that the brand prefers full-grain leather. This may be due to the smooth and pleasant feel of full grain leather, but whatever they bring, it is of outstanding quality.
Moreover, I’ve heard that the brand works on their own standards, in which they check each material. If any material, like, for instance, leather, doesn’t align with their standard, they’ll simply reject it.
Next, for eyelets, the brand uses rust-resistant material and rawhide leather for laces. Down at the bottom, they incorporate resilient rubber outsoles, along with signature Wave-Siping technology that helps with traction.
Whereas, inside of shoes, there’s commonly EVA foam to make them comfortable to walk in.
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Picking Up The Right Way To Make A Shoe
Sperry shoes aren’t your typical machine-made products. They believe in the artistry of hands-on craftsmanship.
Let’s take a closer look at how Sperry makes their iconic boat shoes.
First, they start with cutting down leather for the main parts and adding holes for eyelets. Then, they bring in rawhide leather laces. After that, the initial stitching is done with a sewing machine to lay down the foundation.
Next, the leather pieces are soaked in water to make them more flexible. Then, they’re carefully stitched onto a last. Artisans use special tools like awls to punch holes and two needles to fasten the thread. This is what adds uniqueness to the shoes.
Once fully sewn, the shoes are left to dry for 24 hours on average. This helps leather take on the desired shape. After that, a leather midsole is added using machines, and the rubber outsole is attached with a heat activation process.
But the process doesn’t stop there. The edges are smoothed using a smoother machine, and finally, the insoles are glued and placed inside.
So, as all of these steps require expert hands, the shoes come at a higher price point, reflecting the care and skill put into making each pair.
In order to make more shoes like these, they need a bit more money compared to machine made shoes.
Good History and Reputation
Since 1935, Sperry has been highly respected among sailors as the go-to brand for quality deck shoes. They were the first to prioritize making top-notch footwear specifically for sailors.
But interestingly, their footwear didn’t just stay in the sailing world; they also became popular among regular folks. From there, they made their way to the feet of celebrities and onto the glamorous red carpet.
So, you have to admit that they carry a good reputation for their creation, which still continues to attract people. People buy their shoes because of their unique, high quality styles. So, it’s normal for such a brand to be a bit expensive.
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Nice and Cozy
Sperry makes sure their shoes are super comfy to wear. They use soft full-grain Nubuck leather in their boat shoes, which feels really smooth and velvety. This leather also breaks in easily.
For soles, they add a slightly raised rubber outsole and an EVA foam to absorb impact when you walk. Some Sperry shoes even have special memory foam, which molds to your feet.
For tightening up your shoes, they use a 360° lacing system with rawhide leather, ensuring the shoes fit snugly from front to back.
My experience with their boat shoes was good; the style was super cozy and nice. So, with all these comfort features, it’s fair for them to charge a bit more.
Limited Edition Releases and Collaborations
Sperry has formed numerous exclusive partnerships in order to maintain customer interest.
The list includes collaborations with renowned designers such as Chris Echevarria (founder of Blackstock & Weber and ACADEMY) and Kerby Rosanes to add a cool touch to their styles.
This list also includes brand collaborations from Malbon Golf, Rowing Blazers, Vineyard Vines, and Who What Wear.
Additionally, Sperry collaborated with “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” showcasing designs inspired by the popular book series.
So, all of these collabs are made just to add a special touch to Sperry’s lineup. These collabs highlight the brand’s commitment to innovation and creativity.
And for this extra creativity, they charge a bit more for their shoes.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Their Shoes?
Yes! Sperry has a great reputation and a lot of hype among people. Plus, their quality is top-notch. Usually, if a brand checks all these boxes, it’s considered good to buy.
While Sperry shoes might seem a bit pricey, their commitment to quality and rich heritage make it understandable.
I’ve found that Sperry shoes last a long time, and their style remains trendy, so I think they’re worth it. If the style wasn’t in trend, I might say you could skip them. But as long as they’re popular, they’re a worthwhile investment for anyone who appreciates quality and style.
FAQs
Are Sperry Shoes Slip Resistant?
Yes! In most Sperry shoes, there’s a special signature Wave-Siping technology for enhanced traction. The purpose of this technology is to help people who work in wet areas.
What Country Are Sperry Shoes Made In?
Most Sperry shoes, including their iconic Top-Sider boat shoes, are manufactured in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and China.
Sperry shoes are designed in the US, but most of the production takes place in countries with lower labor costs. This allows the company to keep prices low while still offering a high-quality product.
Is It Okay If Sperry Gets Wet?
Shoes by Sperry are known for dealing with wet conditions, and this brand is dedicated to those who work in coastal and wet areas. The Sperry shoes are also not affected by wetness or moisture, unlike other shoe brands. So, it’s totally fine if you use them in wet conditions.
