Our verdict
Often overshadowed by the famous leather boat shoes also known as Authentic Originals, the Founded in 1935 pioneered the preppy sailor look and had continued to do so over the years with its canvas material and slip-proof soles. Extremely breathable canvas material in the upper offers minimalist style taking us back to its glory days when almost every sailor in America has a pair of this affordable kick.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Top 30% most popular sneakers
- Removable insoles
- Soft insole
- Breathable
- Versatile
- Durable
- Has heritage silhouette
- Classic and minimalistic style
Cons
- Poor cushioning
- Style of the Founded in 1935
- Top 30% most popular sneakers
- Thin material
Who should buy the Founded in 1935
This classic Founded in 1935 could be a great pick for you if:
- You are looking for a minimalist shoe that has comfortable inner soles, is lightweight, and is perfect for daily use.
- You want a canvas sneaker that is adaptable to one's taste as it can go along with many fashion tastes and even moods to suit the needs of its wearers.
Classic and minimalistic style
The sheer simplicity in design of the Founded in 1935 often makes this heritage classic sneaker underrated. But the reason it has endured such a long time in the public eye is because of this simplicity and minimalist treatment that makes them so wearable, original, and appealing even to the most discerning of shoe critics.
One can merely pair this sneaker with any plain shirt, jeans, or shorts and the wearer is already given that preppy look that never ceases to get the admiration of many including sailors who first wore the shoes on the deck.
The simple colorways and vulcanized rubber outsole also give this classic deck shoe that edges over flashy and vibrant designs flooding the market today as Founded in 1935 transcends generations from fathers to their sons without literally showing the fashion gap between the two.
Notable Features
It is often hard to precisely point out the best features of this heritage sneaker only because it has been in the spotlight for so long. But setting aside the classic good looks that appeal to several generations, the Founded in 1935 has a comfortable Wave Comfort Foot System with a removable polyurethane footbed that cushions impact and gives lasting comfort to the feet.
Also worth noting in the design, is the non-slip, high-traction soles that were the main reason why the shoe stood out among the rest in the late 1940s and became the perfect deck companion for many sailors.
History of the Founded in 1935
Founded in 1935, Sperry was established by avid sailor and inventor Paul Sperry. Sperry invented the non-slip rubber soles that became the foundation of the famous boat shoe. The idea for the Sperrys or Top-siders as we popularly know them today came after an accident involving the company founder slipping on the deck of his boat that could have cost him his life.
After the incident, Sperry came up with several designs for added traction on the soles of sailor’s shoes. Using siping technology or the process of splitting the sole was invented and patented by John Sipe in the 1920s. Several prototypes later, the first Sperry shoe design involved the canvas shoes Circular Vamp Oxford also known as the CVO. The CVO then was a favorite design that many in the sailing community patronized them.
With textured rubber outsoles, the CVO was eventually released into four other designs like the slip-on moccasin and the stitched-on leather iteration including the more popular top-sider model now popularly known as the Authentic Originals that was made out of tanned leather. The CVO design was produced in partnership with Commonwealth Shoe and Leather Co.
