Sperry Rio Aqua Review
Do you know why the inventor and sailor Paul A. Sperry invented the famous Sperry Top-Sider shoes?
Because he fell from his boat. Yes, that’s right. While sailing in the wide open ocean, he slipped of the deck and fell overboard. He made it safely to his back shortly, but this particular fall, made him to think and to crave shoes that won’t be so slippery. So, when he noticed that his dog didn’t have a problem walking on to slippery surfaces, he realized that it’s because of the grooves on the paws. They were padded and it’s precisely that design that inspired him to make grooved patterns into a natural rubber sole. And thus, the famous Sperry boat shoes were born.
They were invented out of necessity back in 1935, but since then they’ve been a product of lots of love. The authentic boat shoes are still the company’s pride and joy, but over the years, the company grew and a much wider selection is available to the fans of the brand.
The Sperry Rio Aqua Sneaker is one of the company’s latest offerings.
Slip-on with dual elastic goring
Decorative laces
Wool upper
Soft textile lining
Memory foam footbed
Textile heel tab
Durable rubber sole
Lack of color varieties
No leather option
Outsole
Midsole
Upper
In some of the models the color of the upper is matched by the color of the outsole, but in some models of the Sperry Rio Aqua Sneaker, they differ in color. The color of the outsole sometimes doesn’t match the color of the fabric used in the upper. The upper is made with a slip on design, and with a round toe. The slip on design of the sneakers makes them more practical and easy to put on (and of), but these sneakers get a very big helping hand in that respect, from the pull on tab and dual elastic goring panels.
Have you noticed that in addition to the elastic goring panels, there’s also a lacing system inserted on the upper? Yes, they’re also present but in a more decorative way. Yes you can lace them up but it won’t affect the grip and the stability of the shoe, especially in the upper. They look great, but they don’t lace up as well, however they too match the color chosen for the upper.
Comfort
Support
Durability
Flexibility
Stability
Airflow
Terrain
Traction
Style
What’s great about them is the fact that they can elevate an outfit just by their presence, even with the simplistic design. Only the great companies can achieve that. To stay true to their roots and not to get on board with the meaningless and fleeting trends. Because trends will come and go, but the style will be there forever. There’s a reason why the company has been successful for more than 8 years.
And that reason is producing consistently quality shoes with consistently elegant designs. Consistency is the key in any business, and the Sperry Top-Sider have found a way to perfect it. Consistency is what brings back the customers, and introduces the new generations to the items that the generations before them valued and loved for so long. So that minimalism and effortless chic presence in the Sperry Top-Sider merchandise has been a constant for more than 80 now, and they’re not slowing down. In fact by the looks of it,, they’re only getting better and better.
Bottom line
The crispness and the sleek elegance of the upper is only matched by the simplicity in the outsole. And fused together they make one fantastic product that is on a good path to becomes a staple in a lot of shoe closets. But what makes it a shoe worthy of a staple status? Well, that simplicity that we’ve mentioned can be felt in almost every part of the shoe. Sometimes companies can go really overboard and put 16 different features that basically can do the job of only great one. So, instead going in a megalomaniacal path of greed and abundance, the Sperry Company has remained true to their roots and designed something that’s close to home. A shoe that’s so elegant that it doesn’t even needed shoelaces to be grand, but they’ve put them anyway for decorative purposes. The Sperry Rio Aqua Sneakers are versatile and can be worn with practically everything you probably own in your wardrobe. Because they’re more casual in nature, they best work with the sporty side of your wardrobe and the athleisure side too. The yoga pants in your drawers will pair beautifully with the Sperry Rio Aqua.
But the Sperry Rio Aqua Sneakers could use a more statured footbed, and especially a removable one for practical reasons. Platform is not needed, but the midsole could use a makeover, as it’s a bit dull and unimaginative. If the situation calls for it, a bit of detailing or stitching done with a different color thread can work well, but not playing with the monochromatic palette. These are the type of shoes that wouldn’t benefit from mixing colors and patterns, and it would ruin the simplistic nature of the design. It’s practically a sin to put a busy pattern on such delicate upper.