[iclypso]

I think the Topsider sizes are narrow shoe, in general. I can usually get away with an E or W width but with Sperry I have to go to a EE.

 

[williamkazak]

I have been wearing Sperry Topsiders since 1967. It would be so hard to try anything else now.
I like the three eyelit models because they grip my foot better than the two eyelit models. I wear them off and on for about three years and then the insides break down and I replace them.

 

[Taken Aback]

Over the years, I keep coming back to the "taste test" of these two, and I always come away a Sperry fan. Sebagos do have more heft, and feel like they'll survive a nuke, but are far too hard to break in. Basic dockside to top-sider, I could walk out of the store in a pair of Sperry's, but not Sebago. Maybe that Barracuda counterpart they offered would be easier, but I haven't seen those in-store anywhere. As for Rockports, they are a great fit (have a few pair of Schooners) but they look like Rockports.

I haven't had a chance to check out the Docksides but I saw a pair of Topsiders recently. Did they change the laces? My old pair has rawhide laces but the new ones have really cheap, flimsy laces.

Sounds like the more sneaker-leaning styles like the Bilfish. Maybe the Neptune? Not the "authentic original" top-sider styles which stick with rawhide.

That raises another point. Year to year, I see far more styles offered by Sperry than Sebago. Their lines span the gamut from true boat shoes and loafers to chukkas, boots and undeniable sneakers. Sebago has had a few boots and sandals, but their variety pales in comparison.

I've wondered if that's a symptom of decline or success. I haven't seen Sebagos when I've poked my head into a Filene's or Marshall's, but Sperry is often there. :icon_scratch:

 

[anonymouz]

Interesting...I was referring to the AOs. The laces that I saw were like imitation rawhide.

Sounds like the more sneaker-leaning styles like the Bilfish. Maybe the Neptune? Not the "authentic original" top-sider styles which stick with rawhide.

That raises another point. Year to year, I see far more styles offered by Sperry than Sebago. Their lines span the gamut from true boat shoes and loafers to chukkas, boots and undeniable sneakers. Sebago has had a few boots and sandals, but their variety pales in comparison.

I've wondered if that's a symptom of decline or success. I haven't seen Sebagos when I've poked my head into a Filene's or Marshall's, but Sperry is often there. :icon_scratch:

 

[Tenacious Tassel]

As for Rockports, they are a great fit (have a few pair of Schooners) but they look like Rockports.

I agree most Rockports are not much to look at. The exception, as I have mentioned before, and a few members have recently backed me up on, is the Rockport Perth. Nice looking, and comfortable as any boatshoe on the market:

and the summer version:

 

[ashcroft99]

thumbs up for sebago...

...I have one pair of each....the Sebago is noticeably more substantial, better--i.e., thicker, tougher--leather....better range of colors also

 

[paper clip]

I just took delivery of a pair of navy blue Sebago Docksides from Orvis. With a sale and a discount coupon, they were about $50.

I have looked at the Sperry AOs and the LLBean ones - both look about the same to me - cheap.

The Sebagos have a nice heft to them and look to last for a couple of seasons at least. The leather is definitely nicer than the plasticky looking current Sperrys and Beans.

They fit perfectly right out of the box for me. I take a 10.5 in Alden shell Barrie or Van lasts and an 11 in most other shoes.

I did not like the side logo tag and cut it off and don't really care for the molded Docksides logo (in A-Team font:icon_smile_wink on the side of the sole, but hopefully that will wear off in time.

I am certainly looking forward to spring when I will bust 'em out.

 

[Taken Aback]

Interesting...I was referring to the AOs. The laces that I saw were like imitation rawhide.

Hmm, I haven't experienced that myself lately with handling A/Os in-store. Where did you see this pair?

As for Rockports, they are a great fit (have a few pair of Schooners) but they look like Rockports.

I agree most Rockports are not much to look at. The exception, as I have mentioned before, and a few members have recently backed me up on, is the Rockport Perth. Nice looking, and comfortable as any boatshoe on the market:

and the summer version:

Yep, I've seen those. (That first pic is quite similar in look to Timberland's Youngstown, too)

I admit, they do conform to the traditional look (more than the aforementioned Schooner), but as some complain about other's branding, Rockport always makes sure everyone knows what you're wearing with high-contrast logos on heels and/or tongues. A bit annoying, but not so much when they fall below a certain price-point (hence my ownership).

 

[anonymouz]

Hmm, I haven't experienced that myself lately with handling A/Os in-store. Where did you see this pair?

I got a pair off of macys.com and I saw a few pairs in the shoe stores in Soho.

 

[Taken Aback]

Were the A/Os one of the Macy's exclusive styles? (I always wondered if those might be lower-end branding like what SYMS is known for selling) As for SoHo, it's hit and miss. I have seen old shoe stock peddled as new in a few stores (flex those soles!).

 

[My Pet. A Pantsuit]

JCPenney usually carries the Sperry Authentic Original in several colors.

 

[Tenacious Tassel]

I admit, they do conform to the traditional look (more than the aforementioned Schooner), but as some complain about other's branding, Rockport always makes sure everyone knows what you're wearing with high-contrast logos on heels and/or tongues. A bit annoying, but not so much when they fall below a certain price-point (hence my ownership).

I'll tell 'ya, maybe its just a matter of taste, but I have no problems with the Rockport label on the back. I am no fan of labels per se, but especially on the tan, I like the navy contrast.

The logo IMO makes them look non-generic. No fan of Rockport, but as comfortable as these babies are, I'd be able to look past a lot more than just the heel logo.

Just my view, however...

I was in the SF Rockport store this weekend, and noticed they stick the Perth's all the way in the back corner of the store in favor of the cheaper, uglier, but trendier remainder of their line.

 

[sdjordan]

Topsiders are less clunky - yet still much more comfortable.

 

[anonymouz]

They were just the regular navy AOs. I'll give other stores a shot. Maybe I'll try Zappos.

Were the A/Os one of the Macy's exclusive styles? (I always wondered if those might be lower-end branding like what SYMS is known for selling) As for SoHo, it's hit and miss. I have seen old shoe stock peddled as new in a few stores (flex those soles!).

 

[Ricardo-CL]

Well, they are. The Topsider was introduced in 1935, and the Dockside in 1947. That doesn't make them a bad shoe, however. Personally, I think they're about equal in terms of quality, at least nowadays (they're all offshore manufactured). The Docksides do have a bit more "heft" to them, but I've owned both, and don't see much difference in terms of durability or comfort.

One key difference is the color. Sperry's "brown" is very dark, closer to what Sebago calls "wine." If you want a true brown, the Docksides are the way to go.

Brown

Wine

I've got a pair of Sebago Docksides in black/brown, very comfortable indeed, I've been using them without any rest during the whole summer. I bought them in Argentina on September '09 for $40, a real deal.

The only problem, is that no one has been able to give me any advice on how to take care of them, the salesman told me to sink them on water with a mild soap, but I tend to refuse, first because the salesman was too young and bad dressed to inspire any confidence, and because water and leather have never gone well together...

So, gentlemen, can anyone give me some advice?, the cloth is not doing the trick anymore....

Thanks!

 

[AdamsSutherland]

I've got a pair of Sebago Docksides in black/brown, very comfortable indeed, I've been using them without any rest during the whole summer. I bought them in Argentina on September '09 for $40, a real deal.

The only problem, is that no one has been able to give me any advice on how to take care of them, the salesman told me to sink them on water with a mild soap, but I tend to refuse, first because the salesman was too young and bad dressed to inspire any confidence, and because water and leather have never gone well together...

So, gentlemen, can anyone give me some advice?, the cloth is not doing the trick anymore....

Thanks!

I clean mine with a little bit of water and a toothbrush when they are especially dirty. I also apply a basic leather conditioner/waterpoofer (its role as the latter is not very effective, which is better for the shoes I suppose) periodically. Using shoe trees has also helped maintain their shape. I still haven't figured out a good way to clean the white soles.

 

[Ricardo-CL]

Thank you, luckily mines' soles are brown...

Regards,

 

[HSC87]

I have had both and I prefer the Topsiders. The Docksides are thicker and seem to last longer but they just arent as comfortable. The Docksides took forever to break in and the leather is just to damn stiff to really be comfortable.

 

[Dr.Watson]

Where do the Dockers "Castaway" boat shoes fit on the quality scale? I remember I had a pair years ago as a kid, and liked them.

https://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7162550/c/964.html

 

[Doctor Damage]

One option is the Bean Casco Bay boat shoes, which are about the same quality at the Docksides, or perhaps one notch below. They are several notches better than the current Topsiders. Just keep in mind the Bean's Casco Bay D fits like an E.

I just got a second pair of these yesterday in the "canyon" colour with grey soles and am impressed. I already have a pair in "chocolate" with white soles. I would say these are about one notch below my USA made Sebago Docksides and several notches better than the current Sperry. The "canyon" leather is just great (soft, nice colour, some antiquing, lightly oiled) and nicer than the other leathers they use. The soles are almost as good as the Docksides and seem like real rubber as opposed to the foam-rubber stuff on the Sperry's. I recommend them, especially at the price Bean is asking (get the "canyon" leather). Just keep in mind the sizing I mentioned above.