Lexington, Mass (Dec. 5, 2006) -- Sperry Top-Sider has been named as the official footwear of the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), beginning in 2007. Sperry Top-Sider joins West Marine, Zodiac, and other boating manufacturers to help promote recreational boating safety and education through the organization. Established in 1958 and made up of more than 350 member organizations, the NSBC is one of the driving forces behind Safe Boating Week.

The title of Official Footwear is not given lightly. Earlier this year, Sperry Top-Sider became the first shoe company to join NSBC with the joint goal of furthering the safety and enjoyment on the water, the domain of Sperry Top-Sider since 1935. Already instructors of NSBC have chosen to wear Sperry Top-Sider's Cutter and Bluefish shoes when teaching.

One of the on-going strategies of NSBC is to engage the input, expertise, and participation from the boating community. In addition, the organization conducts a series of on-going safety campaigns, distributing safe boating information and improving the development of safety educators.

About Sperry Top-Sider
Since 1935, Sperry Top-Sider has been the leading brand of footwear for those who love the water. From its introduction of the world's first siped rubber outsole for non-marking traction, to advanced technical fabrication to combat the elements, Sperry Top-Sider remains the vanguard of high-performance amphibious footwear and apparel. Available around the globe in fine independent, marine, outdoor and department stores, Sperry Top-Sider is the official footwear of US SAILING, and is also worn by members of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Navy SEALs.

Based in historic Lexington, Massachusetts, Sperry Top-Sider supports a wide-range of water-related activities through its many sponsorships, including Acura Key West 2007, the Adopt-A-Billfish Foundation, National Safe Boating Council, Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regattas and countless others. Sperry Top-Sider is a division of the Stride Rite Corporation (NYSE:SRR). For more information, please visit www.sperrytopsider.com.

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