Should I buy Sperry boat shoes in a smaller size than normal?
I bought a pair of Sperry Gold Cup boat shoes, but I think I might have bought them too big. My heels get destroyed, although I can wear other types of shoes without socks. Are you supposed to buy boat shoes tighter than a normal pair of shoes so they don't have room to create friction?
Yes, you should size down because they stretch and mold to your foot a lot. The bloody heels is pretty standard with new topsiders. I suggest wearing them w/o socks until they just start to hurt then wear w/ thin socks until they break in.
5 Answers
I typically buy them about one size too small, because like any leather shoe they'll stretch some with wear. But like David said they will mold better to your foot if they get wet. That should make fora comfortable Topsider.
Yes, you should size down because they stretch and mold to your foot a lot. The bloody heels is pretty standard with new topsiders. I suggest wearing them w/o socks until they just start to hurt then wear w/ thin socks until they break in.
I currently work in a shoe store and have not heard of anyone sizing down in Sperry Top Siders.
The fact your heel is getting destroyed is from the friction caused by the heel sliding up and down the back of the shoe. This to me means the Sperrys are too big. Mostly likely your regular shoes and sized too big so when you bought your regular size in Sperrys, they turned out to be too big. Go to a store and try on Sperrys until you get to a size where your heel does not slide up and down as you walk.
Another solution is get heel pads that you can tape to the heel of the shoe that pads and reduces friction as you walk.
I find Sperry Top-Siders run true to size. They are not made to be worn with socks!
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The shoes will better fit your feet if they've gotten wet, generally with salt water, and have molded to your feet. Or you can wear a piece of medical tape on your heel, as protection, until the shoes are broken-in. It's possible that they are too big, so maybe have your foot remeasured before you buy your next pair.