29 Jul Sperry launches two limited edition shoes at new Maine store
Sperry Top-Sider, the iconic nautical brand famous for inventing the original boat shoe, launches two limited edition collections exclusively available at its newly-opened store in Power Plant Mall at Rockwell Center: The Fidelity for Sperry Top-Sider and Made in Maine. These latest collections carry the hallmark of Sperry Top-Sider’s fine craftsmanship and materials of the highest quality while celebrating its rich naval and artisanal heritage.
Established in Boston in 1941, Fidelity Sportswear maintains its Massachusetts roots and continues to manufacture its products under one roof in America supplying genuine Navy Peacoats and Bomber jackets to the United States Navy.
Reflecting the DNA of both brands, the new line combines Sperry Top-Sider and Fidelity aesthetics. The Fidelity for Sperry Top-Sider footwear line includes two women’s and three men’s styles featuring classic Sperry Top-Sider silhouettes — the Authentic Original 2-Eye, Authentic Original 7-Eye Boot, CVO and Shipyard boot styles — with uppers made of Fidelity’s signature melton wool peacoat fabrics on the outside, diamond quilted linings and anchor imprinted button and buckle detailing.
“Fidelity and Sperry Top-Sider were both founded upon strong ties to the water,” said Craig Reingold, president of Sperry Top-Sider. “We’re excited to be partnering with a brand that shares our passion for the sea, and this common passion shows in the fine detailing of this exciting capsule collection.”
Made in Maine is the result of a partnership with Highland Shoe Company, a family-owned factory in Brewer, Maine that boasts a rich history of footwear manufacturing. The collection is entirely hand-sewn and is based on Paul Sperry’s original construction of his first boat shoe.
“The Made in Maine collection realizes a dream that many of us at Sperry Top-Sider have had for some time,” said Craig Reingold. “We are an American Original, and we want to honor that fact by showcasing the incredible work being done by artisans here in the United States.”
The inaugural collection features faithful interpretations of the original boat shoe, the A/O, which Paul Sperry invented in 1935. Only the finest materials are used to create this limited edition collection. The soft supple leather comes from Horween Leather Company in Chicago, the sturdy leather laces can only be found in Auburn, Kentucky, and the waxed thread that is essential to the hand sewing process comes from Lewiston, Maine. The shoes’ outsoles feature a Razor-Siping design that has been characteristic of Sperry Top-Sider shoes since their inception in 1935. Each box is hand stamped with the collection logo.