Top Siders: Played out or ubiquitous for a reason?

[soupless]

So I've been lusting after a pair of navy blue Sperry TopSiders for quite some time now. But I keep thinking "ahh, everybody's wearing them..."

What does the collective hive-mind think? If they are played out, can someone recommend a pair of non-sneaker summer casual footwear with a preppy bent?

[robin3mj]

Brown Topsiders,
Blue Chuck Taylor's- low tops.

Sorted.

[RickM]

Topsiders belong on the boat, and they are not even the greatest boat shoes IMHO. Nicer boat shoes for street wear would be the Timberland models. No white sole, for starters.

[soupless]

mark-mcnairy-bass-weejuns-penny-loafer-tassle-boat-shoe.jpg

[chasea]

So I've been lusting after a pair of navy blue Sperry TopSiders for quite some time now. But I keep thinking "ahh, everybody's wearing them..."

What does the collective hive-mind think? If they are played out, can someone recommend a pair of non-sneaker summer casual footwear with a preppy bent?

We live in the same borough. You want your answer? Look outside your window... in 4 months. Its February for cryin' out loud.

[Justin@BlackOakVelo]

Not played out. I've lived on the shoreline in CT my whole life. My Dad has worked at a marina for the past 26 years. I've been wearing them since I was a kid. I still wear them everyday, minus snow days.

I only wear Authentic Original dark brown with a white sole. Classic.

Those and my Leatherman LTD belts. Handmade in Essex, CT.

I'm really boring and haven't ever really switched it up at all.

['nati Chris]

If preppy is your wish and you don't want Topsiders you can't go wrong with LL Bean Camp or Blucher Mocs.

[Too Tall]

Not played out. I've been jumping onto wet decks with those since forever and wear them casually for dog walks. I've had the Timberland version and am not as enthusiastic because they are over built. Orig. Sperry's are minimalist.

[mnoble485]

I have lived in Florida for too many years to count. Hardly ever on a boat lately but live in my Sperry's. Wear Sperry Billfish if it's a formal occasion.

Mike

[Brandon White]

I've been wearing a navy blue pair for about a year, but I live in Fort Lauderdale and they have been used on boats, but mostly for running around (like my sentence here). Next pair will probably be a pair of suede quoddy mocs instead.

[al415]

I think the question goes to the heart of my perspective on men’s style in general: I stopped worrying about being out of step when I realized my favorite bits and pieces (shoes, jackets and so on) were made so well that they would probably outlive me. That being said, I try stay on the classic side of things. Deck shoes certainly fit the bill. If you like them, get the nicest pair you’re comfortable paying for and get them re-soled in ten years!

[christian]

If you're on a boat, great.

Otherwise:
Bean Bluchers
Jack Purcells
Clarks Desert Boots
or my favorite
Canoe mocs (Arrow!)

[al415]

If you're on a boat, great.

Otherwise:
Bean Bluchers
Jack Purcells
Clarks Desert Boots
or my favorite
Canoe mocs (Arrow!)

I understand the sentiment but don't agree with it. Taken to a logical conclusion we wouldn't wear the Clarks unless we were in the 8th Army and only ranch hands could wear jeans. Things transcend over time. If they were good enough for JFK etc.

[chasea]

There were a few threads going about a month or two ago about mens style repeating itself. The discussion was whether style was stagnant or if we have just settled into a rhythm over what looks good. Either way, I think topsiders are in the "affirmative" camp. The question isn't whether or not they look good; its whether or not they look good on you.

[Dorman]

There were a few threads going about a month or two ago about mens style repeating itself. The discussion was whether style was stagnant or if we have just settled into a rhythm over what looks good. Either way, I think topsiders are in the "affirmative" camp. The question isn't whether or not they look good; its whether or not they look good on you.

I think I wore out my last pair in 1987. Everyone was wearing them in college back then. Classic brown, brown laces, white soles and no socks ever. Even in the middle of winter in Iowa. Many fond memories of walking home from the bar to campus in the middle of winter with wet feet...

[chasea]

Read this today. Think it answers the OP quite well, without actually mentioning shoes.

Kempt - Michael Bastian on JFK Jr. and Smoking in Hotel Rooms

So in terms of your personal style, what do you find yourself wearing?

It’s what I’m wearing now, and it hasn’t really changed since high school. Five-pocket cords, button-down shirt, a v-neck, a crew neck, parka, sunglasses. It doesn’t ever change.

Is there anything you love seeing on other people but you don’t feel like you can pull off yourself? I feel like most people in fashion have one or two pieces like that. Mine’s the double-breasted suit. I love them, but I don’t have the torso for it.

You know, there’s very little I see that I don’t try. If I like it, I’ll try it. It’s all in picking the one that’s right for you. So a double-breasted jacket, you could find a good navy one that’s slim enough, that fit your body perfectly, and you’ll love it again. That’s the fun of it, using fashion to suit yourself in a slightly different way. I always love it when people attempt that. Even if they make a mistake, at least they had fun with it.

[Ras72]

When or if I ever produce a product and begin to market this product...I will set the camera to the lowest DOF setting and shoot away.
I find it interesting how this technique can bring style to any subject.

BTW - I substituted my top-siders for drivers. Much more comfy.

mark-mcnairy-bass-weejuns-penny-loafer-tassle-boat-shoe.jpg

[shanerpvt]

Quoddy's w/ red camp sole......

[maunahaole]

One of the privileges of being male means that you can wear pretty much whatever you want. If the blue topsiders do it for you, have at it, if not try something else. I have never seen such a thing...is this what they are wearing in Brooklyn these days?

[WayneJ]

Well worn top-siders, faded and soft old jeans and a t-shirt that is just about ready to become the shop rag = bliss.
Even if you look like a tool (but you won't), who cares. You'll feel great and feeling great is great.