From the boat to the boardroom.

• Position: Sperry Top-Sider - What's New?

As you climb the corporate ladder, it is important to be outfitted in footwear that will keep your climbing feet from slipping on every rung. Sperry Top-Sider, Lexington, Mass., those renowned makers of boat shoes the last 70 years, has created the Gold Cup Executive Collection that, it claims, will put those other wing tips experts to shame. We do know this, it may look like a dress shoe--an excellent one at that--but it boasts the features and benefits of a luxury, performance boat shoe. In other words, we're enjoying the best of both worlds, as the Gold Cup Executives are fully lined with genuine deerskin and have layered leather and cushion midsole construction; full-length, triple-density foot-bed (featuring memory foam); Vibram nonmarking outsole pads with wave-siping; and water-and-stain resistant leather for easy care. Moreover, genuine handsewn construction ensures durable comfort while each outsole is accented tastefully with Sperry Top-Sider's signature 18K Gold Cup burgee. What's more, the collection contains no metal, so you can breeze through airport security.

We simply couldn't resist the Drop Tassel and Penny loafers ($149.95), both available in chestnut, mahogany, or black. But, heck, we...