In 1935, Paul Sperry watched his cocker spaniel run across the ice in Connecticut. He wondered why the dog was able to maintain traction on the slippery surface.  Examination of his dog's paws revealed tiny cracks running in all directions on the pads.  This was the inspiration for the outsole of the original Sperry Top-Side.  Sperry continues to share their "passion for the sea" with those who enjoy the good life in, on and around the ocean.