Sperry
Authentic Brands Group · United States
Sperry is an American boat shoe brand built around the Top-Sider, introduced in 1935 by Paul A. Sperry. Authentic Brands Group bought the brand from Wolverine World Wide in January 2024 and licenses its North American operations to the Aldo Group.
| Introduced | 1935 (Top-Sider) |
|---|---|
| Inventor | Paul A. Sperry |
| Owner | Authentic Brands Group (since January 2024) |
| Previous owner | Wolverine World Wide |
| North America operator | Aldo Group (licence) |
| Segment | Footwear |
What is Sperry?
Sperry is known for the Top-Sider boat shoe. According to Wikipedia, the original 1935 model had a canvas upper, herringbone siping and a white outsole, and later versions used water-resistant leather.
History
The shoe was designed by inventor and sailor Paul A. Sperry, who the article says developed the sole after nearly falling overboard and then studying his cocker spaniel's grip on ice. The source gives 1935 as the introduction of the Top-Sider and does not give a separate company founding date.
Ownership
Authentic Brands Group bought Sperry from Wolverine World Wide in January 2024. Authentic Brands licenses North American operations to the Aldo Group. The Wikipedia article covers events only through early 2024, so later changes are not described.
Business model and distribution
Under the Aldo Group arrangement, the licensee plans to open 23 Sperry stores in North America. Since 2021, the brand has opened two specialty stores and 40 outlet stores across the United States. The article also reports that Sperry sales for the quarter ending 30 September 2023 had fallen 41.4 per cent year on year, a figure that predates the change of ownership.
Why it matters
Sperry shows the licensing route that Authentic Brands Group applies to heritage footwear names, with a specialist retailer operating the brand in one region. It is also one of the best-known boat shoe brands in the United States.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Sperry?
Authentic Brands Group bought Sperry from Wolverine World Wide in January 2024. It licenses North American operations to the Aldo Group.
Where is Sperry from?
Sperry is an American brand. The Top-Sider boat shoe was introduced in 1935 by sailor and inventor Paul A. Sperry.