Leather soled shoes walking to work
Discussion
I've a couple of pairs of leather soled shoes that I brought ~17 years ago, I just get the cobbler to replace the leather sole. It does result in a joint on the sole so they aren't as pretty as they were but they look better than having a rubber sole on them. I replace the soles every couple of years.
When I'm working in London and doing more walking to/from work than normal I will wear trainers and change when I get to work. Its not ideal as it means carrying the shoes around and trainers with a suit isn't a great look but its safer in the wet and saves a ton of wear on the shoes.
When I'm working in London and doing more walking to/from work than normal I will wear trainers and change when I get to work. Its not ideal as it means carrying the shoes around and trainers with a suit isn't a great look but its safer in the wet and saves a ton of wear on the shoes.
Blown2CV said:
so yes then 
it just when you said you stick things on yourself that you bought from woolies that doesn't to me say that it fits with a well-designed shoe. If it works for you then fine.
It works for everyone who likes good quality shoes and chooses to walk a lot. It's not exactly a rarity, it's what you do. I'm slightly bemused that people are buying leather soled work shoes and not knowing. it just when you said you stick things on yourself that you bought from woolies that doesn't to me say that it fits with a well-designed shoe. If it works for you then fine.http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/380767373962
SpeckledJim said:
condor said:
With cheaper shoes you might get foot/heel problems such as plantar fasciitis (sp?).
I usually wear trainers to walk dogs but have been told leather shoes are better for no foot problems.
What technology goes into expensive leather shoes that does not go into cheap ones?I usually wear trainers to walk dogs but have been told leather shoes are better for no foot problems.
I keep my work shoes in the office and have a pair of black leather hiking shoes that I walk to work in if it's raining, or if the weathers ok wear my trainers so I can run home.
DonkeyApple said:
Blown2CV said:
DonkeyApple said:
Day 1: Buy new leather soled shoes.
Day 1: Glue on a cheap rubber repair sole as used to be sold at Woolies.
When it wears down, peel it off and repeat.
You won't slip in the wet and you'll never hole your shoes.
I have decent shoes that have made it more than twenty years and this is a big part of the secret for maintaining quality shoes.
does that not look a bit sDay 1: Glue on a cheap rubber repair sole as used to be sold at Woolies.
When it wears down, peel it off and repeat.
You won't slip in the wet and you'll never hole your shoes.
I have decent shoes that have made it more than twenty years and this is a big part of the secret for maintaining quality shoes.
t thoughIt's a sub 1mm layer that no one looks at. Men's shoes are not Louboutins, they aren't going to stuck up in the air for the rest of the club to admire.
It's also what everyone does who has been having to wear leather soled shoes as its the only means to stop your soles wearing out and to stop yourself sliding. I honestly can't think of an upside to leaving your shoes bare if you are having to walk around in them rather than travelling door to door by taxi etc.
The whole rubber covering leather thing is, for me, a little odd. I own one pair of Dainite soled boots and to be honest the soles are clumpy, do not have concealed stitching and do not bend as well as leather (admittedly Dainite is closer to double leather soles which also have this issue) but the cons outweigh the pros for me.
I accept that soles have no purpose other than keeping your feet dry and off the ground however, I must confess to finding a well finished sole a rather nice feature and one that requires a lot of handwork. To then think about covering this workmanship up with adhesive "topies" is not something I understand. Dainite is largely regarded as being one of the more hardwearing soles yet still doesn't last as long as you would want so how long does this sub 1mm thick rubber sole last?
The added thickness of any rubber stuck onto the existing sole will affect the pitch of the shoe (although if less than 1mm this is hardly an issue), any debris/moisture caught between the two would likely be trapped and with all the good will in the world leather just looks better (new or worn). The only benefits in my mind for rubber over leather is the waterproofing and grip in certain conditions but then only when the whole sole is rubber so there is no entry point for moisture to get trapped.
I walk a great deal (prefer it to taking the tube) so I need a hard wearing shoe that is also light and comfortable. As I hate wheeled luggage I also need a shoe that can stand being thrown in a rucksack.
I am now on my second pair of Rockports and they really are superb. Highly recommend.
I am now on my second pair of Rockports and they really are superb. Highly recommend.
DonkeyApple said:
Day 1: Buy new leather soled shoes.
Day 1: Glue on a cheap rubber repair sole as used to be sold at Woolies.
When it wears down, peel it off and repeat.
You won't slip in the wet and you'll never hole your shoes.
I have decent shoes that have made it more than twenty years and this is a big part of the secret for maintaining quality shoes.
This, excepting I generally take mine to Timoson to have a rubber sole glued on. Partly because I'm lazy, partly because I didn't know there was a DIY option.Day 1: Glue on a cheap rubber repair sole as used to be sold at Woolies.
When it wears down, peel it off and repeat.
You won't slip in the wet and you'll never hole your shoes.
I have decent shoes that have made it more than twenty years and this is a big part of the secret for maintaining quality shoes.
InductionRoar said:
DonkeyApple said:
Blown2CV said:
DonkeyApple said:
Day 1: Buy new leather soled shoes.
Day 1: Glue on a cheap rubber repair sole as used to be sold at Woolies.
When it wears down, peel it off and repeat.
You won't slip in the wet and you'll never hole your shoes.
I have decent shoes that have made it more than twenty years and this is a big part of the secret for maintaining quality shoes.
does that not look a bit sDay 1: Glue on a cheap rubber repair sole as used to be sold at Woolies.
When it wears down, peel it off and repeat.
You won't slip in the wet and you'll never hole your shoes.
I have decent shoes that have made it more than twenty years and this is a big part of the secret for maintaining quality shoes.
t thoughIt's a sub 1mm layer that no one looks at. Men's shoes are not Louboutins, they aren't going to stuck up in the air for the rest of the club to admire.
It's also what everyone does who has been having to wear leather soled shoes as its the only means to stop your soles wearing out and to stop yourself sliding. I honestly can't think of an upside to leaving your shoes bare if you are having to walk around in them rather than travelling door to door by taxi etc.
The whole rubber covering leather thing is, for me, a little odd. I own one pair of Dainite soled boots and to be honest the soles are clumpy, do not have concealed stitching and do not bend as well as leather (admittedly Dainite is closer to double leather soles which also have this issue) but the cons outweigh the pros for me.
I accept that soles have no purpose other than keeping your feet dry and off the ground however, I must confess to finding a well finished sole a rather nice feature and one that requires a lot of handwork. To then think about covering this workmanship up with adhesive "topies" is not something I understand. Dainite is largely regarded as being one of the more hardwearing soles yet still doesn't last as long as you would want so how long does this sub 1mm thick rubber sole last?
The added thickness of any rubber stuck onto the existing sole will affect the pitch of the shoe (although if less than 1mm this is hardly an issue), any debris/moisture caught between the two would likely be trapped and with all the good will in the world leather just looks better (new or worn). The only benefits in my mind for rubber over leather is the waterproofing and grip in certain conditions but then only when the whole sole is rubber so there is no entry point for moisture to get trapped.
It is simply a cheap sacrificial layer that is commonly used to both ensure that our expensive footwear lasts more than a decade and to stop you sliding on a wet floor like an amateur.
We're not talking nailing Timberland soles on. The only time anyone can spot the difference is when they see one chap sliding on the wet marble reception floor and another walking sensibly.
We did it with school shoes and we all do it with our work shoes. It's perfectly normal. In fact it's probably more abnormal to not do it. I'll get 3-6 months nowadays from the sacrificial layer and it is a core reason for still having a par of school brogues that I can wear today, over 20 years on.
DonkeyApple said:
InductionRoar said:
DonkeyApple said:
Blown2CV said:
DonkeyApple said:
Day 1: Buy new leather soled shoes.
Day 1: Glue on a cheap rubber repair sole as used to be sold at Woolies.
When it wears down, peel it off and repeat.
You won't slip in the wet and you'll never hole your shoes.
I have decent shoes that have made it more than twenty years and this is a big part of the secret for maintaining quality shoes.
does that not look a bit sDay 1: Glue on a cheap rubber repair sole as used to be sold at Woolies.
When it wears down, peel it off and repeat.
You won't slip in the wet and you'll never hole your shoes.
I have decent shoes that have made it more than twenty years and this is a big part of the secret for maintaining quality shoes.
t thoughIt's a sub 1mm layer that no one looks at. Men's shoes are not Louboutins, they aren't going to stuck up in the air for the rest of the club to admire.
It's also what everyone does who has been having to wear leather soled shoes as its the only means to stop your soles wearing out and to stop yourself sliding. I honestly can't think of an upside to leaving your shoes bare if you are having to walk around in them rather than travelling door to door by taxi etc.
The whole rubber covering leather thing is, for me, a little odd. I own one pair of Dainite soled boots and to be honest the soles are clumpy, do not have concealed stitching and do not bend as well as leather (admittedly Dainite is closer to double leather soles which also have this issue) but the cons outweigh the pros for me.
I accept that soles have no purpose other than keeping your feet dry and off the ground however, I must confess to finding a well finished sole a rather nice feature and one that requires a lot of handwork. To then think about covering this workmanship up with adhesive "topies" is not something I understand. Dainite is largely regarded as being one of the more hardwearing soles yet still doesn't last as long as you would want so how long does this sub 1mm thick rubber sole last?
The added thickness of any rubber stuck onto the existing sole will affect the pitch of the shoe (although if less than 1mm this is hardly an issue), any debris/moisture caught between the two would likely be trapped and with all the good will in the world leather just looks better (new or worn). The only benefits in my mind for rubber over leather is the waterproofing and grip in certain conditions but then only when the whole sole is rubber so there is no entry point for moisture to get trapped.
It is simply a cheap sacrificial layer that is commonly used to both ensure that our expensive footwear lasts more than a decade and to stop you sliding on a wet floor like an amateur.
We're not talking nailing Timberland soles on. The only time anyone can spot the difference is when they see one chap sliding on the wet marble reception floor and another walking sensibly.
We did it with school shoes and we all do it with our work shoes. It's perfectly normal. In fact it's probably more abnormal to not do it. I'll get 3-6 months nowadays from the sacrificial layer and it is a core reason for still having a par of school brogues that I can wear today, over 20 years on.
I would love to know how 1mm of rubber lasts 3-6 months. I am not doubting you but I wish this material was available as a factory option from makers - imagine how long a sole the thickness of Dainite made in this material would last.
It seems odd that anyone would advocate buying leather soled shoes then sticking adhesive rubber soles on top. Why spoil the integrity of a leather soled shoe in preference to buying a purpose made rubber one?
InductionRoar said:
You picked up on one paragraph of my post whilst ignoring the others.
I would love to know how 1mm of rubber lasts 3-6 months. I am not doubting you but I wish this material was available as a factory option from makers - imagine how long a sole the thickness of Dainite made in this material would last.
It seems odd that anyone would advocate buying leather soled shoes then sticking adhesive rubber soles on top. Why spoil the integrity of a leather soled shoe in preference to buying a purpose made rubber one?
I've not advocated buying leather soled shoes, I've merely been surprised that those who do and who walk greater distances than from curb to office are not protecting the soles in the common way. Fixing what is a rubber repair patch doesn't impact the integrity of the leather negatively in any way at all, it enhances the usability and the lifespan of the shoe.I would love to know how 1mm of rubber lasts 3-6 months. I am not doubting you but I wish this material was available as a factory option from makers - imagine how long a sole the thickness of Dainite made in this material would last.
It seems odd that anyone would advocate buying leather soled shoes then sticking adhesive rubber soles on top. Why spoil the integrity of a leather soled shoe in preference to buying a purpose made rubber one?
I don't believe I've made any comments regarding comparing leather soles to dainite?
DonkeyApple said:
InductionRoar said:
You picked up on one paragraph of my post whilst ignoring the others.
I would love to know how 1mm of rubber lasts 3-6 months. I am not doubting you but I wish this material was available as a factory option from makers - imagine how long a sole the thickness of Dainite made in this material would last.
It seems odd that anyone would advocate buying leather soled shoes then sticking adhesive rubber soles on top. Why spoil the integrity of a leather soled shoe in preference to buying a purpose made rubber one?
I've not advocated buying leather soled shoes, I've merely been surprised that those who do and who walk greater distances than from curb to office are not protecting the soles in the common way. Fixing what is a rubber repair patch doesn't impact the integrity of the leather negatively in any way at all, it enhances the usability and the lifespan of the shoe.I would love to know how 1mm of rubber lasts 3-6 months. I am not doubting you but I wish this material was available as a factory option from makers - imagine how long a sole the thickness of Dainite made in this material would last.
It seems odd that anyone would advocate buying leather soled shoes then sticking adhesive rubber soles on top. Why spoil the integrity of a leather soled shoe in preference to buying a purpose made rubber one?
I don't believe I've made any comments regarding comparing leather soles to dainite?
DonkeyApple said:
Day 1: Buy new leather soled shoes.
Day 1: Glue on a cheap rubber repair sole as used to be sold at Woolies.
When it wears down, peel it off and repeat.
You won't slip in the wet and you'll never hole your shoes.
I have decent shoes that have made it more than twenty years and this is a big part of the secret for maintaining quality shoes.
I read that to say that you would advise buying leather soles and sticking rubber as opposed to just buying rubber in the first instance - if I have misread your post then I apologize.Day 1: Glue on a cheap rubber repair sole as used to be sold at Woolies.
When it wears down, peel it off and repeat.
You won't slip in the wet and you'll never hole your shoes.
I have decent shoes that have made it more than twenty years and this is a big part of the secret for maintaining quality shoes.
You didn't compare leather to Dainite - I did. I brought Dainite into the discussion as it is widely regarded as the industry standard for rubber soled men's footwear yet many people report poor longevity even at that thickness. I was merely expressing surprise that the stick on "sub 1mm" rubber soles lasted similarly despite being a fraction of the thickness.
I did admire the photos of your shoes and if they have lasted you 20 years I can see why you would be pleased with the results. I'm not sure however, that they would be in any worse state if they had been resoled each time.
InductionRoar said:
I read that to say that you would advise buying leather soles and sticking rubber as opposed to just buying rubber in the first instance - if I have misread your post then I apologize.
You didn't compare leather to Dainite - I did. I brought Dainite into the discussion as it is widely regarded as the industry standard for rubber soled men's footwear yet many people report poor longevity even at that thickness. I was merely expressing surprise that the stick on "sub 1mm" rubber soles lasted similarly despite being a fraction of the thickness.
I did admire the photos of your shoes and if they have lasted you 20 years I can see why you would be pleased with the results. I'm not sure however, that they would be in any worse state if they had been resoled each time.
I agree, if I had re-soled them regularly they probably would be in no different state however, it is a cost and inconvenience as you are sending your shoes away each time and you still don't solve the problem of walking into an atrium and breaking into an MC Hammer routine, which no ginger white man has ever made look cool. Plus, I suspect there is a finite number of times you can do what is quite a major repair.You didn't compare leather to Dainite - I did. I brought Dainite into the discussion as it is widely regarded as the industry standard for rubber soled men's footwear yet many people report poor longevity even at that thickness. I was merely expressing surprise that the stick on "sub 1mm" rubber soles lasted similarly despite being a fraction of the thickness.
I did admire the photos of your shoes and if they have lasted you 20 years I can see why you would be pleased with the results. I'm not sure however, that they would be in any worse state if they had been resoled each time.
DonkeyApple said:
I agree, if I had re-soled them regularly they probably would be in no different state however, it is a cost and inconvenience as you are sending your shoes away each time and you still don't solve the problem of walking into an atrium and breaking into an MC Hammer routine, which no ginger white man has ever made look cool. Plus, I suspect there is a finite number of times you can do what is quite a major repair.
It seems I did misread your post - sorry.I imagine the cost of resoling (even at once a year) for 20 years would be rather steep and as you say the impracticality of not having your shoes whilst they are being re-soled is a factor I hadn't considered. No idea on the amount of times they can be re-soled but yes I suspect there is a limit.
"Heated debate" over.
Goaty Bill 2 said:
AAD44H said:
This thread now seems to have turned in to a heated debate.
By the established standards for shoes threads, it is positively blood drenched.
I will almost certainly require counselling to recover from what I have read here today.
AAD44H said:
This thread now seems to have turned in to a heated debate.
That's quite an interesting aspect of PH. I didn't think there was anything heated in what IR wrote at any point and nor was anything I replied with intended to be 'heated'. But I do often find on PH that my response are deemed by some as aggressive. But then if I add smilies in case someone misinterprets then I'll get someone thinking I'm being an Alan Bastaard etc. DonkeyApple said:
AAD44H said:
This thread now seems to have turned in to a heated debate.
That's quite an interesting aspect of PH. I didn't think there was anything heated in what IR wrote at any point and nor was anything I replied with intended to be 'heated'. But I do often find on PH that my response are deemed by some as aggressive. But then if I add smilies in case someone misinterprets then I'll get someone thinking I'm being an Alan Bastaard etc. I find Donkey to be one of the more knowledgeable chaps on this forum hence my questions.
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