They're very similar, but slightly different. My feet don't notice a difference because Sperry's never bothered my feet, but I understand that they give some people blisters. Now a lot of people get blisters on their heel from the way Sperry's are made. Sperry's don't have a solid heel, and it will have a tendency to grab the heel when you walk. Now my Bass boatshoes, they have a solid heel that I have found doesn't grab my heel when I walk. So, if you've had problems with your Topsiders, might I suggest finding a different boat shoe. It's in almost all cases more expensive then buying no show socks, but for those sockless enthusiasts, it's worth a shot. Unfortunately, I've looked all over the Bass website and cannot find what these were called back in the day. Bass doesn't seem to be offering them anymore. If I were in the market for a new pair of boat shoes, I would take my time to look around. I might find a subtle change in another brand's model that really makes the shoe.
Sidenote: GTBT is finally putting up original media? I don't see any pigs flying but...
I've actually seen these very recently at a Bass outlet. I'd direct anyone interested there.
ReplyDeleteLL Bean offers a very nice boatshoe as well, for both men and women.
ReplyDeleteNo show socks don't work. My feet have taken a beating this summer going sockless. Is it fall yet?
ReplyDeleteI love Sperry and own a couple of pairs including a BoO's colabo but they really need to do something about the overall comfort of the shoe. I'm not saying reinvent the thing but maybe add a thicker sole/lining or something.
ReplyDeleteI thought my summer boat shoe wearing game was over until my vintage shop owner/buddy said "try these" and handed me a like-new vintage 80's pair of Eddie Bauer(I know right?!) brown boaters with removable suede-like insoles that have been keeping me looking all kinds of fresh this summer. I agree that it's time to find other options.
@ Junctioned: Word, vintage shoes never get enough love. Thrifting for Eddie Bauer is too easy. Because of the label, everyone just sorta' ignores the clothes. Picked up a like new EB short sleeve seersucker for a buck at a thrift shop, even after the selection was mostly picked over.
ReplyDeleteI bought my boat shoes at LL bean and extremely happy with the shoe. But i will still be getting sperry top-siders for men,just for variety.
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