Introduction
For project one, we were instructed to choose
an article of clothing and explore the social connotations associated within
the brand. Like many of my peers, I chose Sperry Top-Sider, but I did so for
one reason. I strongly believe that Sperry Top-Siders are worn primarily by
members of the Greek community on campuses across the country. "I think
even GDI’s know that the official fraternity shoe is none other than the Sperry
Top-Sider. Every fraternity man should own AT LEAST one pair of these bad boys."
(Sutherland) Being that I am not a part of the Greek life, and assuming that
every Greek member in the class would be writing about Top-Siders, I figured I
could be a rare case that analyzes the brand from outside the flock. An
enthused boater named Paul Sperry created the shoe in 1935. His intention was
to make a casual Sunday loafer with superior grip for wealthy, elderly boaters
like himself. Through familial influences, the shoe slowing became popular with
the children of these wealthy families and eventually Sperry partnered with
Band of Outsiders, which began adding designs and colors to the traditional
leather material. After this and much promotion by the media, Sperry Top-Siders
became a casual yet stylish shoe worn primarily by young college students in
Fraternities and Sororities everywhere. The unfortunate transformation of a
once prestigious shoe to wasteful “necessity” for the youth, this is what
influenced me to explore the deep connotations of the original boat shoe, the
Sperry Top-Sider.
Sutherland,
Grant. "Fratonomics 101: Proper Frat Attire." Web log post. Welcome
to College, Freshmen. N.p., 27 Apr. 2012. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.
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| The traditional Top-Sider for men. |
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| The traditional woman's Top-Sider design. |
Exploratory
Unlike the majority of individuals that wear Sperry Top-Siders, I wear mine primarily while on my boat. When it comes to docking and loading my family pontoon, I only trust my Sperrys to keep a firm grip, just as they were intended. This one pair has been through all kinds of wear and yet, no tear. Because I usually use these unique shoes as a tool, it confuses me when I see students strutting around campus in there boat shoes even during a winter snow storm. I'll admit there are days when the Top-Sider is a fun, stylish loafer to wear to class. However, to wear them EVERYDAY to EVERY event just to promote a Greek lifestyle, no matter the inconvenience or discomfort. The association with Sperry Top-Siders isn't so much a problem as it is a fad that will eventually fade with time, but for now it persists to pressure young adults into spending more on a name brand they don't seem to need.
Problem-Solving
The trend itself is harmless to people as a whole, but it may become a financial anchor for susceptible Greek members. Although a lot of members come from wealthy families, the rise in price of these shoes might be some students downfall. I bought my Sperry Top-Siders last August for $64.95, now, those same shoes are selling for $79.95. Those were the cheapest pair I could find, imagine a Greek member going for the premium style shoe. With the price inflating so rapidly it is imperative that students limit their shoe shopping-sprees or their wallets will suffer. Logically, Sperry Top-Siders are a "must-have" in the Greek community, therefore they are in high demand. With high demand and a high price, students are willing to give up on a budget to fit in.
There is no real solution unless parents are willing to cut off funding to their student, and that would have major ramifications. The best solution I can suggest is to let it run its course. Young adults, especially the Greek community, are retrospective in dominant style. Unless there is some third-party culture that influences fashion trends, this fad will fall on the shelves and gather dust until it is recycled, just like every other style since the 60s.
