If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
Shop the Sperry x Aritzia Collab — Back & Better Than Ever
You deserve some good news this week, and it’s coming in the form of the sold-out Sperry x Aritizia collaboration’s grand return. Yes, the one that launched in the spring to the tune of almost-instant “out of stock” notifications and saw a restock this past May, following its TikTok buzz. Now, the collection is not only back but better than ever, with never-before-seen, limited-edition colorways that come just in time for transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall.
It’s the summer of fisherman aesthetic–coded prep: That much is clear to anyone. And Sperry is at the forefront of the kind of “I went to an Ivy League school, am related to the Kennedys, and own a beach house” look that you can master without laying claim to any of the above attributes. The brand is considered the original boat shoe pioneer and, since 1935, has specialized in functional silhouettes that balance the laidback and the sophisticated, proving the timeless appeal of the present-day status it still holds.
Almost as controversial as the split-toe Tabi, the boat shoe became a veritable staple this summer, having marked its revival in Miu Miu’s spring 2024 collection. This secret style weapon pairs exceptionally well with checkered button-ups, polos, pleated trousers, and trenches — making the case for texture layering and collegiate-inspired fashion come fall, too. After the fortuitous Miu Miu appearance, everyone started treating the quintessential boat shoe to masterful, modern reinterpretations: from Jacquemus’ croc-embossed suede take to Prada’s espadrille hybrid. And Sperry in particular is commonly endorsed by luxury brands like Monse, which styled its crowd-favorite boat shoes on both the spring 2025 and fall 2025 runways.
Sperry has offered fashion collaborations formulated with leading designers and brands like Todd Snyder, J.Crew, and Colbo, but its Aritzia partnership just might be the brand’s most high-traction one: racking up thousands upon thousands of TikTok views on unboxing videos released since this spring, as well as styling clips featuring denim cutoff shorts, ruffled socks, soft cardigans, and beyond.
It’s no surprise that Sperry would leverage all this hype to treat fans to an unexpected extension of the Aritzia product line (aligning with its 90th anniversary, too), but this launch is symbolic of something bigger: specifically, the fact that the summer boat shoe trend is stepping into fall. Believe us, Sperry’s fresh selection of muted, go-with-everything shades couldn’t be a better match for your transitional-weather wardrobe.
The collaboration’s actual styles (the Slim Boat Shoe and Authentic Original Boat Shoe) have stayed the same, but this newest drop has introduced colorways like Olive, Black, and Cream in nubuck leather, smooth leather, and suede. The latter taps into the suede trend that’s being co-signed by your favorite celebrities as we speak, which manifests not only in the footwear realm but in designer handbags, too (suede tote bag plus Sperry x Aritzia Slim Boat Shoe in Brown Leather Suede mashup when?). All the new and returning hues, though, will look lovely with everything from your linen pants in August to your go-to baggy jeans a few months from now. This means you don’t have to relegate your new purchase towards the back of the shoe rack when the air starts getting crisp and the leaves start turning, instead taking advantage of the Sperry x Aritzia boat shoes’ breathability, supportive insole, anti-slip outsole, and artful stitching for seasons to come.
Our favorite part of the Sperry x Aritzia line just might be the fact that each offering comes with a handy lacing needle to help you thread through one set (or multiple!) of the three included shoelace pairs. Both classic and playful colors are an option, and we recommend taking advantage of all this stylistic freedom by nailing down your dream shoe look: all while savoring Sperry’s 360-degree lacing technology that always ensures a customized fit. Just don’t forget the shoe charms before you start the boat.
Sign up for WWD Shop’s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.
Why Trust Footwear News
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
More About WWD
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD and FN. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska frequently covers trending shoe releases and not-to-miss footwear collaborations.