In short: Sperry boat shoes are durable because they are made of high-quality leather with a water-resistant finish. They can last for at least 3 years, assuming you wear them 2 to 5 times per week.
Sperry boat shoes are the perfect footwear for a relaxing day on your boat or yacht. They are made of leather and are water-resistant. But how durable are Sperry boat shoes actually?
Are Sperry shoes durable?
Sperry boat shoes are long-lasting and durable. They are made of high-quality leather, padded footbeds, and a water-resistant finish that allows them to last for at least 3 years.
They look good whether you are on a boat sailing, striding through a park in your shorts, or walking through an airport in jeans. They are very comfortable, and easy to clean.
My Sperry boat shoes have been through rain, mud, sand, and salt water. I’ve even spilled more beer on them than I’d care to admit, yet they still are going strong.
In my 4 years of college, I have been wearing the Sperry originals. Recently, I bought the Gold Cup collection. While they are more expensive, they are indeed an upgrade.
The soft leather is very pleasantly comfortable. There are also subtle differences like the gold eyelets that stand out against the originals. The originals, however, are easier to slip into.
So, if you are wondering whether Sperry boat shoes are durable or not, I would answer with a resounding yes. I wore one pair practically every day over the summer and fall.
How long do Sperry shoes last?
Sperry shoes last at least 3 years, assuming you wear them between 2 to 5 times per week. Some people have been wearing them for at least 5 years and they are still in great shape!
If you don’t have sweaty feet, Sperrys can last at least 3 years. The only problem for me is that they end up smelling too potent for me to continue wearing them after a season.
While Sperry shoes are generally expensive, you can get a pair at a cheaper price on Amazon. I just bought a new pair for $55 (after a 20% off coupon). Now that I have a rotation of them, I expect them to last for at least 3 to 4 years at the bare minimum.
Does water mess up Sperry’s shoes?
You don’t have to worry about water messing up your Sperry shoes. According to Sperry, it’s more than okay to get them wet. They aren’t technically waterproof, but they are water-friendly.
If you do happen to get them wet, don’t worry. Sperry boat shoes only get better with age as salt water and normal wear give them a seasoned look unique to every wearer.
Many boaters swear that the more seawater and sun their boat shoes endure, the more comfortable they feel. In fact, boat shoes fit better after they’ve got wet and dried over and over.
How to make your Sperrys last longer
Sperry boat shoes are made of leather, which should be taken care of properly. If you care for your boat shoes properly, they will last throughout the seasons and for many years to come.
1. Clean regularly
It is important to clean your Sperry boat shoes regularly (at least once per week). To do this, use a soft cloth dipped in leather cleaner or mild dish soap solution.
It’s not recommended to use any cleaner on leather that contains acid or detergents. Wipe the boat shoes with a damp cloth, while removing all dirt and debris.
2. A quick rinse will do
Rinse your Sperry boat shoes and let them air dry. Don’t soak them in water.
Just give them a quick rinse. You can use your spray attachment on the kitchen sink. Some boaters like to put newspaper in their boat shoes to maintain their shape, but it’s not necessary.
3. Apply mink oil or leather conditioner
Lastly, apply mink oil or leather conditioner. If you have darker-colored boat shoes, mink oil is recommended. Mink oil tends to darken lighter-colored leather.
Mink oil makes the leather on a boat shoe more supple and water resistant. You may use spray silicone on lighter-colored leather to make Sperry boat shoes water-resistant.
Apply the leather conditioner prior to the first time you wear your Sperry boat shoes. You can apply prior to each boating season after that. A paste-type leather shoe polish can be used to preserve leather and revive its original color such as nit wax on the darker styles.
Conclusion
Now you know whether Sperry shoes are durable or not. They can last for at least 3 years. Products such as mink oil or leather shoe oil will help the shoes stay water-resistant.
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