Sperry Top-Sider Falcon Review

The Sperry Top-Sider Falcon boasts a unique style and a comfortable insole. It didn't score highly across all our metrics, but if you are looking for a short boot with a little bit of sass, this could be a great option for you.

Performance Comparison

Weather Protection

A short boot with a large gap between the leg and the edge of the boot, the Sperry Top-Sider Falcon earned one of our lowest scores in weather protection. It measures 9 inches from the ground to the top of the shaft and hit our testers 3.5 inches above the ankle. Although its shaft had one of the narrowest circumferences of all the products we tested, the spot where it hits the leg is also also one of the narrowest. This left a large gap that could easily catch rain, puddle splashes, or even snow. Other than these shortcomings, this boot performed well in all waterproof tests and didn't leak any water around the toes or heels.

Comfort

This product really shined in our comfort metric. Although its insoles aren't removable, they are made of cushiony material that absorbs shock really well. The micro fleece lining also adds an extra element of coziness. Only the Bogs models that we tested come close to the Top-Sider in comfort. If you are looking for an attractive tall rain boot with plenty of comfort, we highly recommend our Editors' Choice winner, the Bogs North Hampton - Women's.

Style

As we've mentioned before, style is very subjective, especially when it comes to footwear. Like the Ilse Jacobsen Long, Classic, the Sperry Top-Sider Falcon is another one of those products that doesn't suit everyone's taste. This short boot is inspired by the motorcycle apparel trend. Its double buckles and slight heel add a bit of flair and edginess, while its molded detailing gives it shape and interest. Because of its wide gap, this boot does look a little bit floppy and we found that our pants tended to bunch up a little at the top of the shaft, rather than stay in place as they did with tighter fitting shafts. If you have a wider lower calf, this may not be a concern for you. We should also note here that since it is shorter, you could easily wear your pants over this boot as well. It doesn't come in many different colors like the Kamik Heidi or a range of patterns like the Sloggers Rain and Garden and Joules WellyPrint, but if you feel inspired by their motorcycle boot look, the Falcon is a comfortable and unique option.

Traction

The outsole of this shoe is made of non-marking rubber and features lugs/tread that have “razor cut wave siping” for added traction. Overall we were impressed with this boot's performance in our traction tests. It has deeper treads that would still work in muddy conditions, but since it has a slightly looser fit in the heel, we wouldn't recommend it for hiking.

Warmth

The molded rubber upper and fleecy lining did more to protect against the cold than we thought they would. This model provided a fair amount of warmth, but again given its wide opening (from which heat can rapidly escape) and its short shaft, it lost some points in this metric.

Fit

We've been talking a lot about the wide opening as a negative, but if you have wider calves, our complaint may actually be a positive for you! Sperry Top-Sider recommends sizing up if you're a half size and we concur. This model has a somewhat slender toe box and a snug fit everywhere except the heel. The buckles don't make too much of a difference on the fit, and are mostly there for style purposes.

Best Applications

A shorter boot, the Sperry Top-Sider Falcon is by default easier to pack into a suitcase than other big bulky boots like the Hunter Original Adjustable. It can be worn under or over pants, but is best suited to around-town activities. Although the wide gap is a negative for weather protection and warmth, it does make this piece easy to take on and off.

Value

This product rings up at just under $80. If you're looking for a short-cut rain boot that has a little more edge than our Best Buy award winner, the Kamik Heidi, then the Sperry model is definitely a good option.

Conclusion

A waterproof rain boot with an edgy style, the Sperry Top-Sider Falcon is relatively affordable and offers great traction. Additionally, it's surprisingly cozy and has a supportive, cushy insole.