It’s not often that a practical solution to a common problem is also stylish, but that’s exactly what happened when Paul A. Sperry, founder of Sperry, designed his boat shoes. The idea came to him after he slipped on the deck of his boat and fell into the water. Sperry was an experienced sailor who was prepared to save himself, but he knew boating life would be easier with nonslip shoes.

The solution was found in man’s best friend — specifically on the feet of Sperry’s cocker spaniel. Mimicking the grooves on his dog’s feet by cutting patterns into the soles of his boat shoes, Sperry increased the grip they had on the deck.

When this first shoe, the Sperry Top-Spider, was introduced in 1935, the business experienced immediate interest from boating enthusiasts. The brand remains a favorite with sailors and professionals who enjoy the comfort, practicality and beauty of its shoes.

Sperry has always been about making waves and innovating, and that hasn’t changed in the near-century of its existence. As a brand, it’s dedicated to inclusion and sustainability. The oceans are a part of the brand’s creation story, so it makes sense that it’s taking steps to protect it by using recycled and bioactive materials when possible. As an inclusive employer, it’s dedicated to creating a diverse, skilled workforce that represents the great country it serves.

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