For some, shoes are an afterthought, something to blindly slip on when you’re heading out the door on any number of errands, regardless of what else you’re wearing — strictly utilitarian.
For others, the right shoes can make or break a perfectly planned outfit. You will never own enough shoes, because every time you buy a new shirt or skirt you’re going to have to find its ideal footwear match.
For either group, there’s a new shoe retailer in Madison to fit your needs. Sperry, which pioneered the boat shoe, opened its first Madison store — and 61st overall — on August 7 at Hilldale mall.
Perhaps best known for its Top-Sider boat shoes, the Sperry brand got its start in 1935 after Paul Sperry, a lifelong sailor and inventor, spent years and hundreds of experiments trying to perfect a non-slip boat shoe. Legend has it that Sperry came up with the concept for the Top-Sider one day after watching his dog, Prince, effortlessly cross the ice on a cold Connecticut day. He was inspired to carve grooves, like those on his dog’s paws, into the bottom of a rubber sole.
During World War II, the U.S. War Department named Sperry’s Top-Sider an official shoe of the U.S. Navy. Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes and sneakers gained mass popularity in the 1960s when President John Kennedy’s family was photographed wearing the shoes while on vacation. In 1980, The Official Preppy Handbook endorsed the Sperry Top-Sider as the footwear of classic prep style, further entrenching its status.
While the collection is known for its boat shoes, over time Sperry’s offerings have expanded into nautically inspired footwear for men, women, and kids, including boots, flats, sandals, espadrilles, loafers, sneakers, oxfords, and slippers.
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Jeff Alexander, Sperry’s vice president of merchandising, says the company views Madison as an ideal market for expanding the brand. Alexander notes, “The concentration of consumers with proximity to the university embrace the ‘Intrepid’ mindset: authentic, adventurous, and energetic. Whether on the coast or the middle of the country, Sperry connects to our customers through its purpose-built, inspiring product range, and intrepid spirit.”
The new Sperry store, which will have 11 employees, has a variety of consumer engagement experiences planned, Alexander says. “Our intention is for Sperry to become a primary footwear and apparel fashion resource in Madison. We want to become a valued resource to the community.”
The Hilldale Sperry store features products starting as low as $10 and running into the hundreds, though Alexander notes the majority of Sperry’s products range from $60 to $100. While the store will, of course, carry Sperry’s iconic boat shoes, it will also stock sneakers, wet- and cold-weather boots, and clothing for men and women.
The new store also offers a unique atmosphere, featuring salt-rusted metal, rustic wood, exposed details, compelling graphics and imagery, as well as maritime accents.
Sperry joins Madewell, Cornblooms, Lush, Michael Kors, kate spade new york, New Balance, Lucky Brand Jeans, Morgan’s Shoes, Sur La Table, Stride Rite, and Mes Aimes Boutique, all of which have opened at Hilldale since June 2.
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