Just a curiosity question. The classic still exists but last time I was aware of the Sperry Topsider type shoe being noticeably popular among non-boating folks was the early 1990s.
I have two pair of Sperry Topsiders, they are both canvas, and I wear them exclusively on weekends. In the past I have owned leather versions, but once they got wet, they stretched, and never fit as well as before.
I owned a pair of Sperry's in the 2000's, only shoes I've ever had to throw away because they got a funk smell in them that I couldn't get out. I've since replaced them with Crocs, and I'm actually a fashion conscious person. Neither ever got routinely worn.
Sperry Topsiders were the goto deck shoe I bought some Rugged Sharks, I want to say in 2018 I find them to be a much better made shoe, and effective on the actual boat I don't wear them all that much so they are going strong still
I think with the label "geezerhood" you could probably get away with wearing a pair. I shave with old razors, live in an old house, ride an old motorcycle, make coffee in a percolator, wear clothes that I've had for years, etc. If you keep stuff long enough it eventually comes back into style so then you're considered a trendsetter. I do have a pair of leather deck shoes, but they don't get as much wear as other shoes I own. I seem to be wearing Merrell slip-ons mostly for casual since they have the arch support my old man feet need. I think my next step in shoe fashion will be for some of those velcro strap orthopedics.
Thanks for all the input. Last weekend I found lightly used pair, so old that the rubber cup sole has lost some flex and was stitched on (not ancient but they go back a ways). I was thinking to eBay them because the leather is in fine shape, somebody could have them resoled. I just didn't know if it would be worth it if they're not "in."
Crocs! I mean really ..... CROCS! I was going to have a cup of coffee ..... now I feel sick. ................... where's the Ipecac. Oh well ...... Crocs for you ........ Chacos for me.
You probably wear them with socks. But in all seriousness, Crocs float and are comfortable. That makes them great water shoes. They are also fugly as hell, but you can't have everything.
Crocs?? Wow, that's funnier than saying that you like Convex Hones. At least get some Chanklas. They have a duel purpose use.
I wanted waterproof slippers/house shoes. Do you have any idea how hard those are to find? That's how I ended up with Crocs. Edit: or rather that's how I ended up buying a pair for my wife. I liked them so much I bought myself a pair too.
I'm a hair under size 11 according to the Brannock device but the stated vs true size of shoes can vary a lot, as you know, so it always pays to try 'em on. I've had 11s too short and 10s that were just right. Go figure. These Sperrys juuuust barely fit me lengthwise but were too snug at the toe, so I washed them in cold on gentle cycle with a bit of soap. Then, while still wet, I installed expanding wooden stretchers and let them sit for most of the day. Later when they were still fairly damp, I donned a very thin pair of socks (I know, I know) and let them conform to my feet while out and about for awhile. They did and now fit like a glove with no sign so far of shrinking back. They're now generously reconditioned and feel just dandy. Only thing I need to do is run new leather laces through them.
I wore them all the time when I was boating. There was no substitute for a good Sperry Topsider on a wet deck! But alas, I haven't been part of the sailing community in almost 20 years! I had to trade them in for work boots with steel toes... - Bax
