Are Sperry Shoes Good for Walking?

Ever wonder why footwear comes in many different styles? That’s because each one is designed for a specific occasion or purpose.

Office shoes are very different from workout footwear, not only in how they look but also in the materials used.

Among the top brands that offer good-quality shoes is Sperry.

There’s no denying that they set the standard in footwear, but are Sperry shoes good for walking?

Brief History of Sperry

Sperry is an American brand founded in 1935 by Paul A. Sperry.

What made him come up with the boat shoe was when he slipped on his boat’s deck while sailing.

Fun fact: He got his inspiration from his cocker spaniel, running up and down the deck without slipping.

After examining his pet, he cut a pattern on a natural rubber similar to the grooves found on the paws and glued it to an old canvas sneaker.

The first boat shoe called CVO or Circular Vamp Oxford first came out in 1935.

It featured a canvas upper and a herringbone pattern on a white outsole.

A year after making his first boat shoe, Sperry’s friend Frank Howard of Abercrombie & Fitch made a massive order of the footwear.

Then, after two years, Sperry created an upgraded version of the shoe using leather, which would not corrode even when exposed to saltwater.

It is the first shoe to use the saddle lacing technique and the classic moccasin stitching.

This model is presently known as the boat shoe.

Are Sperry Shoes Good for Walking?

At present, Sperry caters to different types of customers with varying tastes and preferences in footwear.

In addition to boat shoes, the brand also offers boots, flats, loafers, sneakers, and even footwear for kids.

Since Sperry shoes are almost synonymous to boat shoes, it is safe to say that they are one of your best options for walking.

These Sperry shoes have a classic design perfect for walking without compromising on looks and comfort.

Although other brands also make boat shoes, nothing beats the original Sperry’s classic design.

What Are Boat Shoes?

Boat shoes are similar to moccasins.

You can quickly identify one by its hand-sewn construction, low cut design, non-skid soft and white rubber outsole, and 360-degree laces configuration.

These shoes come in different materials, with leather being the most traditional and classic option.

The laces are typically made of rawhide and, once cinched and tied, become a decorative part of the shoes.

As you probably already know, the majority of boat shoes are slip-on footwear.

Most Popular Types of Sperry Shoes

Since the first Sperry shoe with canvas upper, the brand has used other materials for its other models.

Here are the most common types of Sperry shoes you’ll find today:

Canvas

In whatever style, Sperry’s canvas shoes are lightweight and flexible. As such, they are the perfect shoes to wear during warm weather.

Sperry canvas shoes usually have a simple design but are still stylish enough to wear on any occasion.

However, don’t expect too much from them in terms of support. They don’t have enough backing surrounding the ankle.

Leather

Leather Sperrys are the most popular, and they come in a wide range of styles.

Though some of these leather boat shoes come with a high price tag, you will get value for your money because this material ages well.

Contrary to what many believe, leather is easy to clean even though it is sensitive and can accumulate dirt quickly.

Suede 

Sperry also offers different footwear styles made of suede, which is highly durable and breathable.

As gorgeous as suede shoes may look, they attract dirt faster than those made out of the canvas.

This means they will require even more frequent cleaning.

How Do You Choose Boat Shoes?

Most boat shoes look similar and will only have subtle differences in their overall style.

Here are the biggest factors you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing boat shoes:

Material

Pick a pair that is made of leather for its durability. Also, you can wear these shoes with casual or dressier clothes.

Color

These days, boat shoes are available in a wide range of colors.

Dark brown is your best bet if you want to be on the safe side. It is the most classic and versatile option that will go well with almost everything.

Navy is another versatile choice of color.

Fit

Boat shoes need breaking in, which is why fit is an essential factor to consider when buying this footwear.

Go for a snugger fit, as the shoes will eventually stretch out as you wear them.

Most of the time, you wear boat shoes without socks. Therefore, a snug fit is crucial to prevent the heel from moving too much, causing blisters in the process.

Brand and Price

Sperry still offers its Authentic Original model that closely resembles the original design of the first boat shoe.

However, through the years, more and more brands have emerged, offering their own versions.

When it comes to price, you will notice different ranges depending on the model or the brand.

Some recommend going for the price between the low and high range but with good quality and modest durability.

Compared to other shoe types, boat shoes tend to stink and wear down with constant use, especially since they are often worn without socks.

In the end, the goal is to be able to use them for several years to make up for the high price tag.

Walking in Style

So, are Sperry shoes good for walking? Yes, they are.

The classic but fashionable design of the Sperry shoes makes them perfect for walking.

These shoes use high-quality materials and boast meticulous construction to ensure comfort and durability.

With these qualities, you shouldn’t have any problem using your Sperry shoes for walking.

However, if your feet need specialized support, you may want to look into shoes specially made for walking.

You can also check out some of the best non-skid walking shoes for the rainy season if you want other options.