Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

Style Debate: Using a rubber… on your soles.

July 28, 2011 By Joe | | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission, which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

From the Mailbag:  Thoughts on adding rubber to leather sole shoes?

Shoes pictured above – The Allen Edmonds Weybridge.  Currently unavailable.

I just picked up a pair of the Allen Edmonds Strandicon that you’d highlighted in your article on the Nordstrom Sale.  I’ve got a pair of Park Avenuesicon that I’ve had for years (refurbished twice), so I knew they’d be a solid bet.

I also have two pairs of loafers that I’ve had the rubber catspaws added to the bottom to extend the life of the sole before having to send them in for re-soling.  So far they seem to be helping ward off the too-frequent intervals at which I have to get my leather-soled shoes repaired.

I haven’t put them on my AE’s, but expect I will this time around.  Ever have anyone mention rubber soles on the site?  Or heard of a downside to using them?  They don’t seem to add any bulk to the outline of the shoe, and so far I’ve been pretty happy with them.

– Ryan
.

Topys, Cat’s Paws, and Vibram sole protectors are all basically the same thing.  They’re a rubbery sheet that a cobbler (the fellas who work on shoes, not the tasty dessert) can apply to the bottom of leather sole shoes in order to make them more durable.  Leather soles wear away and will eventually need to be replaced.  These act as an extra barrier between your leather soles and the sandpaper like paved roads we walk every day.  Damn Romans.

A good sign of a quality shoe is a leather sole (there are certainly exceptions), and the fact that they require more maintenance is sort of what you’re buying into.

Yet it’s completely understandable that some want to protect their investment.  And congrats to Ryan for investing in a pair of Strands, but here’s why I’m thinking he should skip the extra protection:
.

Yep.  That's a car bra on a Ferrari.Some things are just meant to be enjoyed to the fullest.

Your thoughts on adding rubber sole protectors to leather sole shoes?  Do you think those extra scrapes on a leather sole add character?  Or are they ugly, messy and wreck the look?  Leave it all in the comments section below.

Filed Under: Shoes Tagged With: Allen Edmonds, cat's paws, catspaws, Ferrari, leather sole, mailbag, shoe care, shoe sole, sole protector, Strand, topys, Vibram, Weybridge

CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Join the discussion on Facebook, hit us up on Instagram, or reply on Threads.

DON’T MISS ANYTHING

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox. You can also follow us on Threads, Facebook, and Instagram.

NEW HERE?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.
Steal Alert: J. Crew 40% off Italian Worsted Wool Suits

Steal Alert: J. Crew 40% off Italian Worsted Wool Suits

Ludlow or Crosby fits. Italian wool from Tollegno. It’s quiet, and it’s rare.

Steal Alert: Nordstrom’s “Dane” Cap Toe Oxford Dress Shoes for $56.22

Steal Alert: Nordstrom’s “Dane” Cap Toe Oxford Dress Shoes for $56.22

Normally $100. They ship and return for free too.

UNIQLO’S Cyber Week, 50% off J. Crew’s Sussex Quilted Vest, & More – The Thursday Men’s Sales Handful

UNIQLO’S Cyber Week, 50% off J. Crew’s Sussex Quilted Vest, & More – The Thursday Men’s Sales Handful

40% off Filson’s Mackinaw Wool Christmas Stockings. Ho ho ho-wait-what?

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

MEN’S FASHION OR AFFORDABLE STYLE?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe’s measurements
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS

MOST POPULAR ON DAPPERED

  • Cyber Monday 2023 Deals for Men + Picks
  • UNIQLO’S Cyber Week, 50% off J. Crew’s Sussex Quilted Vest, & More – The Thursday Men’s Sales Handful
  • Style Scenario: What to Wear to a Dressed Up Holiday Party
  • Steal Alert: J. Crew 40% off Italian Worsted Wool Suits
  • Steal Alert: Nordstrom’s “Dane” Cap Toe Oxford Dress Shoes for $56.22
  • Black Friday 2023 Deals for Men + Picks

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.