Child in swimsuit with goggles being taught how to float in a pool

Water for all

We believe in the power of water and believe it should be accessible to all that seek it. Our goal is to create a world where all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.
A world where all are welcome on the water.

We will focus our efforts on racial and ethnic representation
and LGBTQ+ inclusion and affirmation.

Representation & Participation

The joys of the water are not created equal for all. We recognize the history and hurdles that communities of color face when it comes to experiencing life in, on and by the water. We are committed to helping lift these barriers through education, access, and financial investment

Tankproof
Partnership

At Sperry, water is at the core of everything we do. Most importantly, we believe that everyone has the right to enjoy the oceans and waterways that connect us all.

That's why we're partnering with Tankproof, an organization dedicated to making swimming accessible, affordable, and inclusive to underserved communities since 2011.

Drowning
is the
leading cause
of death

for toddlers.

79% of kids
from

low-income backgrounds
don't know
how to swim.

African American
children
are
5.5X
more likely
to drown.

“Sperry is the perfect partner as they are synonymous with the joy the water can bring. With our aligned values and beliefs, together we can make waves across America and sink the stats!”

—Thurman and Torrence Thomas,
Co-Founders

Help Tankproof
"Sink The Stats"

Join us in supporting Tankproof
by donating at checkout.

LGBTQ+ Inclusion

We respect and support everyone for who they are, where they come from, and who they love. And while we acknowledge June is a celebratory month, Pride is a year‑round initiative including employee education sessions and putting in the work to become a more inclusive brand through our partnership with PFLAG National.

White Sperrys with rainbow accents complimented by a rainbow skirt outside

Our Partners

  • TANKPROOF logo.

    Tankproof is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing swimming lessons and food security to underprivileged children. Their mission is to "sink the stats" by equipping youth with the knowledge and resources to navigate life's challenges. Since 2011, Tankproof has empowered thousands of children with the life-saving skill of swimming.

  • PFLAG logo.

    PFLAG is an organization of LGBTQ+ people, parents, families, and allies who work together to create an equitable and inclusive world. Since their founding in 1973, PFLAG works every day to ensure LGBTQ+ people everywhere are safe, celebrated, empowered and loved. Learn more, find support, donate, and take action at PFLAG.org.

FAQ

  • What are you actively doing to help the LGBTQ+ community?

    We are a full‑year gold level partner of PFLAG National. This partnership goes beyond our donation of $50,000, and includes employee education sessions, amplifying PFLAG’s mission to our consumers, and working with the PFLAG National team on becoming a more gender inclusive brand.

  • Do you donate a portion of proceeds to your partners?

    Our partnership with PFLAG National is a full‑year, brand‑level, guaranteed donation, rather than dependent on the number of Pride shoes that are sold. Our focus is not just on the products we make but also on educating our employees to make lasting change.

  • How are you supporting communities of color?

    We're partnering with Tankproof, an organization dedicated to making swimming accessible, affordable, and inclusive for under-served communities. This summer, Sperry is proud to support Tankproof's multi-city swimming lessons initiative with a $50,000 donation, and product and t-shirt donations for staff and volunteers in each city. Additionally, Tankproof will collaborate with us to educate consumers and Sperry employees about the important equity issues faced by communities of color concerning water activities, and throughout July and August, shoppers will have the opportunity to join us in donating to Tankproof at checkout.

  • What are Wolverine Worldwide’s DE&I hiring practices?

    As a brand of Wolverine Worldwide, we always give qualified individuals a fair chance to succeed based solely on their qualifications, conduct, and abilities. We make all employment‑related decisions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), pregnancy, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or other categories protected by applicable laws and regulations. For more information, please see pg. 16 of our Code of Conduct.

What's on the horizon

We value kinship and the transformational power of shared experiences with
an array of people and perspectives. Sperry is not reserved for one class or gender, but rather intended to be enjoyed by all. We will ensure that the water is welcome for all who seek it.