Do you have to ties the laces or are these slip-ons? The pictures are not consistent.

You can tie them tight each time you put them on but most people tie a loose hard knot one time and wear them as slip-ons.

Considering buying these from seller 'one nation premium'.. has anyone purchased from them? is it the real Sperry shoe or a knockoff?

So, I contacted Sperry and they state unless shoes on here list they are Sold by them “Sperry” or Amazon, do not buy them because anyone else is not an “Authorized reseller of Sperry”. Sperry also states they cannot and will not warranty shoes sold by anyone on Amazon.com other than “Sperry” or Amazon listed as the seller.

My husband wears 8 1/2 a or narrow. what is 2a?

I'm not sure my husband wears a 13 wide, so I got him a 13W and it fit perfectly. Maybe just try getting a half size smaller for your guy, because Sperrys always stretch?