Sperry Top-Sider

Founded in 1935 by sailor Paul Sperry after slipping overboard, Sperry invented the first non-slip boat shoe, the Top-Sider. Inspired by his dog's paw grooves, Sperry created traction-enhancing "siping" on rubber soles. The brand became a US Navy standard issue in 1940 and a preppy fashion icon in the 1960s. Sperrys, or Top-Siders, were the first boat shoes introduced into the boating and footwear markets.