Keep Your Sperry's Intact: Preventing Sole Splits

Sperry boat shoes are a popular choice for those seeking a stylish and comfortable option to embrace the simple pleasure of going sockless during warmer seasons. However, these boat shoes require proper care and maintenance to keep them in top shape and prevent sole splitting. Here are some tips to help you extend the life of your Sperry boat shoes:

- Breaking in: Sperry boat shoes, especially those made of leather, can be stiff and uncomfortable during the initial wear. It is recommended to wear them often to break them in gradually. The hand-sewn leather construction will mould to your foot over time.

- Sizing: When purchasing Sperry leather boat shoes, consider buying a half size down from your regular size as the leather will stretch over time. For synthetic materials, stick to your normal size as they won't stretch.

- Lacing: Sperry boat shoes feature 360° lacing, allowing you to tighten them up when active and loosen them for a relaxed fit. Adjusting the laces can help alleviate discomfort during the break-in period.

- Cleaning: For leather boat shoes, a mixture of water and white vinegar is an effective cleaning agent. Avoid direct heat when drying to prevent stiffening and cracking. For canvas shoes, use a toothbrush and water to scrub away stains.

- Insoles: Replacing the insoles once or twice a season can help rejuvenate your boat shoes, as the insides tend to degrade faster than the outsoles. Opt for terrycloth insoles, which are thin and provide adequate sweat absorption.

- Abrasion: Wearing your boat shoes on concrete or other abrasive surfaces can help renew the grip. However, remember to brush off any grit before boarding to avoid damage.

- Resoling: If your Sperry boat shoes develop sole splitting or other issues, consider resoling instead of buying a new pair, especially if the uppers are still in good condition.

Wear your Sperry leather boat shoes often to break them in

To keep your Sperry leather boat shoes from splitting, you should wear them often to break them in. The hand-sewn leather moccasin construction will mould to your foot over time. The more you wear them when they're new, the quicker the leather will mould to the shape of your feet. Conversely, wearing your new boat shoes less often may impact how fast and how well they mould to your feet.

When shopping for Sperry leather boat shoes, consider buying a half size down from your regular size as the leather will stretch over time. Breaking in your new leather boat shoes will only affect the width, not the length.

If you plan to wear socks with your boat shoes, you should wear them when breaking in your shoes as socks will make the shoes feel tighter. If you break in your boat shoes wearing socks, then wear the shoes without socks, they might feel loose. No-show socks are a good option to help with odour protection and added comfort.

To keep your leather boat shoes in top condition, you should treat them with Sperry Leather Cleaner & Conditioner that adds moisture to the leather and keeps your shoes in shape. Leather tends to dry out over time so it's important to protect your shoes from drying, cracking, and scuffing.

If you're going to wear socks, plan for a little extra room

When it comes to the sock vs. no-sock debate, Sperry suggests that no-show socks are the perfect answer. These can help with odour protection and added comfort. However, if you're going to wear socks with your Sperry boat shoes, it's important to plan for a little extra room.

Sperry boat shoes are made with hand-sewn leather moccasin construction, which will mould to your foot over time. The leather will stretch, so if you're buying Sperry leather shoes, consider buying a half size down from your regular size. If you're buying shoes made from synthetic materials, get your normal size, as these won't stretch.

To ensure you have the right size, Sperry recommends trying on boat shoes towards the end of the day. During the day, gravity brings fluid to your feet, causing them to swell slightly. The footbed will compress over time, providing a little extra wiggle room.

Try on Sperry boat shoes toward the end of the day

When it comes to Sperry boat shoes, timing is everything. Sperry recommends trying on their boat shoes towards the end of the day. Throughout the day, gravity pulls fluids down to your feet, causing them to swell up slightly. The footbed of the shoes will also compress over time, creating a little extra room for your feet. This means that if you try on the shoes in the morning, they may feel too tight, but by the end of the day, they'll feel more comfortable.

Sperry's boat shoes are designed with innovative comfort features and wet/dry traction for non-slip safety in any weather conditions. The hand-sewn leather moccasin construction will also mould to your foot over time. If you're still unsure about sizing, Sperry's customer service team is on hand to help answer any questions.

It's worth noting that Sperry suggests sizing down if you're buying their leather boat shoes, as the leather will stretch over time. However, if the shoes are made from synthetic materials, get your normal size as these won't stretch.

If you're still unsure about sizing, the Sperry customer service team can help

If you're still unsure about sizing, the Sperry customer service team is always on hand to help answer your sizing and other questions. You can reach them by calling their toll-free number: 1-800-247-6575. Their opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Sperry also recommends that you consider trying on their boat shoes toward the end of the day. Throughout the day, gravity brings fluid to your feet, causing them to swell slightly. The footbed of the shoes will compress over time, providing a little extra room. Additionally, if your measurements are between sizes or if one foot is larger than the other, Sperry advises that you size up to the larger size.

Sperry's sizing may vary between styles and types of footwear, and half sizes are not available in all styles.

Wear no-show socks to help with odour protection and added comfort

While boat shoes are a stylish option for the warmer months, they can be a bit high-maintenance. They can be tough to break in, and they require regular care and maintenance to keep them in good condition. One of the most common issues with boat shoes is the development of an unpleasant odour.

Wearing no-show socks can be an effective solution to this problem, offering both odour protection and added comfort. No-show socks are designed to stay hidden inside your shoes, providing a discreet layer of protection for your feet. They are typically made with moisture-wicking materials such as cotton or polyester blends, which help keep your feet dry and prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria.

When choosing no-show socks, look for features such as silicone grips or elasticized hemlines to ensure they stay in place. Some brands, such as Bombas, Wernies, and Comrad, offer no-show socks with these features, providing both comfort and odour protection.

In addition to odour control, no-show socks can also help prevent painful blisters and provide extra cushioning for your feet. They can be especially useful when breaking in a new pair of boat shoes, as they create a barrier between your feet and the stiff material of the shoes.

It's important to note that no-show socks should be cared for properly to maintain their effectiveness. Be sure to wash them regularly and follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to extend their lifespan.

Frequently asked questions