Leather vs Rubber soles - which one do you prefer? a.co/4NOzAAw - Click here to grab yourself a pair of rubber protectors for your leather soles menfluentialconference.com/ - Click here to get your tickets to Menfluential 2018. Develop yourself and develop your business! Want the key to charging more for your product or service? Unlock your personal brand with our FREE masterclass - rmrs.live/event8 facebook.com/groups/rmrscommunity/ - Click HERE To Join our online Facebook Community facebook.com/RealMenRealStyle/ - Like Us On Facebook! instagram.com/rmrstyle/ - Follow Us On Instagram twitter.com/rmrstyle - Tweet Us! www.pinterest.com/rmrstyle/ - Follow Us On Pinterest
Real Men Real Style Hey Antonio really like your videos and your tips, by the way is there a way I can reach to you? Keep on the good job and cheers from Portugal
Back in my college days I used to wear boots with leather soles and one day when I ran faster downstairs then I slipped and my both shoes lost control on the down stairs without falling down and I felt as if some angels stopped me from falling down. Mostly I used to wear rubber sole shoes than leather soles shoes. Leather soles looks decent while walking on carpets as the sole itself is smooth. On the other side based on my experience leather soles have hard wood at the backside heel and that causes pain in the head due to hard impact by walking on jumping but rubber soles absorb the shock caused due to jumping and can stop headaches.
Rubber for protection but wear a rubber overshoe. It is like a skin for your shoes then you can get whatever sole you like. I was a salesman in the north for twenty five years outside much. As been said before wear a rubber overshoe for protection. My dress shoes last 20 years.
Truly, the main reason to go with one over the other is not your preference, but location. I love and prefer leather soles much more than rubber soles. But if you live in the north where there’s a lot of snow and rain, forget about having shoes with leather soles. Moisture penetration will destroy your leather soles quickly. I lived in Michigan for five years and had to where galoshes all the time in the winter time... and it is a pain. I did eventually succumb to adding the thing layer of rubber to the soles of all my Allen Edmonds. Now, if you live in a place like Southern California, you can go leather sole all you want. Weather is not as much of an issue. Preference? Not really. Location, location, location.
Very true. I live in the Pacific NW so always check the weather to see how high of a chance for rain there is. If it's 70+ for the time of the day I'll be out, I opt for rubber soles. Obviously when working in the snow, I opt for my cheaper "working shoes" that usually come with a rubber sole for safety reasons.
Depends on the weather. Nice, sunny days occur everywhere. You could do rubber for winter, leather for summer, while keeping galoshes as an option for summer rain. Or just wear a more casual shoe if it'll be warm and rainy. Dressing well takes a bit of planning - you can't just wear the same thing every day.
Roland Csicsák Agree totally. I live in the tropics and rainy weather means your shoes must have grip lest you want to slip and fall all the time. Adding rubber after the fact just feels silly. And leather soles do not absorb impact well. I gave up wearing all my shoes that have leather soles as my feet get very sore at the end of the day. For me shoes should always be function over aesthetics.
I vote rubber. If quality shoes last many many years logic dictates that I may be an old man by then. Slipping could be catastrophic for older people. Plus if you work at a place with marble floors you want rubber. Any water on those floors and its a skating rink. Great vid as always.
Depends on what type of walking surface 1. Rubber : lots of walking, hard surface, indoor outdoor, damp, wet, oily, rugged surface. 2. Leather : light to moderate walking, indoor dry surface. Carpet tile wooden. Fashionable \ business \ casual 3. Socks : wear shoes half Sz up with comfort quality cushion socks. Toes should not be crowded and toes should flex when walking
Leather soles all the way with rubber sole protectors and heel taps professionally added. High end shoes most often come with leather soles. It's too expensive to constantly resole them entirely when the soles wear out. With sole protectors, you can easily strip it off when it's close to wearing out and put another one on without having to spend a lot of money.
Always preferred leather but recently bought a pair of Goodyear welted Oxfords with Vibram soles and I’m very pleased. The profile is the same and nobody looks under your shoes anyway.
I agree!!! At my job, my employer ripped the carpet out from the main office and hallway and replaced it with linoleum floor which is waxed monthly! BIG mistake because that's a liability!
RMRS is for me and most of us. Alpha M is more for the young crowd. Gentleman Gazette is for the fotty studdy daper classic look. Satoria talks is a general intro into the bespoke everything classic and expensive look. You could learn from all of them
I used to buy shoes without knowing what to look for and most of the time I ended up regretting and wondering what to do to prevent it. Since I suscribed to this channel. I can finally go buy good quality things and feel good about myself. Keep it up Antonio. You re the best
Here's a idea, starter shoe, cheap Walmart (USA) Costco (UK) The Warehouse (NZ) KMart (Australia), glue shoes , usually genuine grain (3rd class) leather, until one can afford the better quality shoes, like Top/corrected grain (2nd class) or later full grain (1st class) leather! Either way, it does depends where a person lives, rubber soles are good if it rains a lot! Where as if there isn't much rain like in Cook (South Australia) plain leather soles!
I have chosen rubber for a long time due to bad experience with a slippery sole. I thank you Real MenReal Style for the tips of distinguishing the high quality manufactured rubber than the bad one. Keep the videos up.
I just bought two new pairs of Magnannis, both with rubber soles. I questioned that at first because I always associate leather with superior quality, but I decided if they were Magnannis they had to be good quality and they have a reason for using rubber. I chose the shoes for the fact that I loved the way they looked, not because of the soles. You have to look at the shoes from the bottom to even know which sole material is used.
I like my rubber sole dress boots. They have better grip, cost less and are much more practical in that I can wear them in any environment even when wet. Leather soles look, sound and feel nice in any formal/office/home settings but sometimes I'm afraid of slipping with them
Here in Scandinavia are rubber soles recommended much because of the weather and the seasons. My favourite boots have rubber soles sewn to the leather soles.
I have a vast amount of shoes, just like you, I live in Alaska and during the winter it is better to have rubber soles but I found out that if the leather sole is a little bit worn out it will give you some kind of good grip however there’s a sticky little overlays that work just fine for that extra grip! Saludos y un fuerte abrazo amigo!!
One other factor not mentioned - I find the rubber soles can provide more cushioning, and therefore are a little more comfortable to wear for a long time. Also, if one is going to add rubber to the leather sole, perhaps it makes sense to go with a rubber sole in the first place. One advantage of leather soles of course is that they are much better for dancing.
Had never worn leather soles until yesterday, fell over big time... Scuffed them up a bit and they feel a lot better now, love the sound they make when walking... There's no rubber at all on the sole so maybe I'll get a heel stick on as I can imagine the leather slip on the forefoot will be great for dancing...
As an Englishman I feel that this question is more complex than this video suggests. You probably need both in your wardrobe. Leather soles are better in hot weather because they breath. Rubber soles are better in winter because they stop the soles soaking up rain water. Dress shoes in Italianate styles look better in thin leather but traditional British dress shoes are often Goodyear welted and look no heavier or less formal for having a rubber sole. My recommendation is to have both and for the rubber soles to be Goodyear welted over a base leather sole. Dainite or Vibram are preferred brands. Leather linings and insoles are essential, no matter what the outer sole is made of to absorb moisture. Lastly, leather soles are no guarantee of quality even if they come from a top brand. They can be found on cemented construction shoes from top brands that are unrepairable and fall to bits - particularly if they get wet. You can also find shoes with a thin layer of leather over a cemented construction shoe with a rubber sole in attempt to make the shoe appear to be higher quality than it is. Even the stitching is a variable feast on leather soled shoes with Blake stitched soles sometimes looking like Goodyear welted items but the trouble here is that Blake stitches wick water into your shoes: Goodyear welting does not. So before deciding on this matter, where do you live and does it rain a lot are probably the best questions to guide your choice.
@@kenneth2118 If you are going to be wearing shoes for 12 per day you will need more than one pair because they need to rest between days of wear. Also, you need shoes that have durable underfoot cushioning which is what Goodyear Welted leather shoes provide. Other shoe constructions in leather might breathe but they will not protect your foot from shocks over long working days. In truth, shoes need to wick away moisture and dry fully between wears. This means that a Danite sole on a Goodyear welted leather shoe with leather insole can in fact be a better solution than an all leather shoe that lacks the shock and moisture absorption of Goodyear welted construction. This is because in Goodyear welted shoes, even with a rubber outer, feature an absorbent leather insole plus the cork bed between the outer sole and insole. Hope that helps.
@@kenneth2118 , The heal of a crepe shoe may not have the durability your 12 hour per day working schedule will bring. Also, for such long periods of wear you might need to consider that the shoes must fit well and suede stretches more than flat leather.
I am finding myself purchasing shoes with rubber soles because the leather was just too slippery and the rubber soles last longer than the leather soles. Thank you for the content. 👏
I particularly like the sound of the leather sole when walking and they are fresher, but those with rubber soles are much softer if you think you have to walk a while and not be in the office. The rubber ones are better .. greetings from Venezuela love your videos
I'm just commenting towards the people who DISLIKED the video. WTF? He articulated very professionally the pros cons of both. Gave advice and recommendations and even invited you to leave commentary on your preferences. What more do you want the man to do on a video like this?
Honestly, in my view, asking whether you're a leather or rubber sole man is simply the wrong question. It's as you explained Antonio, a gentlmen should be able to appreciate the adv./disadv. Of either type and ideally own both! Great video, keep them coming!
I recently bought two nice shoes with leather soles and wow what a difference in feel. It is for sure less grip than rubber but I have Thursday Co boots for grip. The sole has superior tactile feel when driving or using my rheostat at work (Dentist). And that sound..... Really adds to the confidence and presence while walking around.
Weather needs to be considered, too. Rubber insulates better. If you wear leather soles on the cold ground, your feet will get cold quickly. Also, in the elements, your feet are more likely to get wet wearing leather soles.
I used to resole my shoes, but after a while I just had the cobbler glue a patch to my leather sole after a few weeks. Leather is of course more elegant, even though it is just in the mind.
Leather soles seem too delicate and refined for my lifestyle: a bicycle commuter, bus passenger, and too-frequent walker. Walking on leather soles hurt my feet and felt slippery. Rubber souls, in contrast, feel better don't slip, cost less . . . and remind me of the Beatles.
If you wear leather soles in a carpeted office be careful. Slip-and-slide time. When you buy a new pair of leather soled shoes, put them on and find some concrete. When no one if watching do the twist. This will help with slippery bottoms.
I have purchased all of my leather shoes after market at thrift stores and vintage stores and surprisingly after restoring them they look quite remarkable for shoes under 10$. To rat out stinkers I always look for good year welted leather soled shoes that lack cracks and have maintained lots of color beneath the coats of dust that can be removed with wet wipes. At such a cheap price I don’t even feel bad wearing them in some moisture as the leather has held up surprisingly well as daily drivers.
Being from Oregon and traveling a lot (1/5 of the country) I prefer thin rubber. It is more versatile personally. I find it’s more shock absorbing running through the airport as well.
Brilliant! Thank you, that was great advice. Ive danced tango in a former life and always wore leather sole shoes. I'd never wear them outside in the weather. However i have glued soft leather on rubber sole shoes to wear casually and simply replace the worn leather sole when they wore out.
I live about 30 minutes from the Canadian border so it really helps to have rubber soles for the winter. Personally I love both, and tend to base my purchase on the show as a whole, rather than just the sole.
Leather. Phoenix area gets less than 10 inches of rain per year and it doesn't snow (which also means no salty roadways), so you can wear leather all year. For anyone into dead malls, as I experienced yesterday walking at a still-open dead mall with a friend, the dust on the floors will affect traction!
Being a cobbler good advice here. I would never tell a customer a pair of shoes couldn't be repaired. And I would never add a rubber sole without blending it so the profile isn't effected. But this video is right the construction process is worse now. Hardly any shoe maker nails the upper into heel block. Leather or rubber shoes. Plus you also get pvc and micro soles on shoes nowa days. Stick to your Jones 's and leave Clarks alone
Ross Thomas-Davies I'll always found Clark shoes to be a better manufacture than most modern shoes. I'm still searching for a real quality pair of Handmade shoes.
Thanks for the video sir. I’m buying a new pair for my older cousin’s wedding and also to be used for my school uniform. As a JHS student living in a tropical country, I think I’ll go for rubber again like the previous years. I don’t want to slip on every wet floor that I’ll walk on. I’ll just wear leather soled shoes once I grow up and work because I might reduce my clumsiness lol.
Most of the "stitched" rubber soles are actually a fake stitch. It doesn't actually attach to anything. Sometimes it is hard to tell. For a Blake stitch, look inside the shoe, under the insole for the accompanying stitches. For a Goodyear welt stitch, make sure the stitches on top if the welt matches the stitches on the bottom of the sole.
That's true. Some time ago I bought a pair of "goodyear welted shoes", complete with the stitching. Now the sole of both has come apart and you can see: the stitching is fake.
I have shoes that are leather (Blake Stich) and rubber (Goodyear Welt). The good year welt you would find in many shoes designed by Thursday Boot Company and they hold up during all seasons, however, you must be wary when walking near hotspots (especially here in NYC) that can melt the rubber off. Leather soles are sleeker and you often have to wear them to avoid slipping. Adding rubber heels does help a lot to leather soles.
To go with leather soles on wet tarmac with gravel on, just feels wrong, and in Stockholm there is a lot of that all year. Vibram sole and Goodyear welt is the solution!
leather soles are not meant to be worn in snow or rain, simple as that, they look great, the qualitu, hand made craftsmanship and all that, but they work best on carpets and if you have to be outside in them, try to be for the few metres from the car to where you have to be.
sebseb seb You just don't understand the situation... You can't avoid snow and is there, you probably gonna die because falling apart before you walk into some building..
Leather, but I may have to look at stitched rubber. I know there are rubber overshoes that can be put on for inclement weather days to provide better traction and protection.
I agree, it depends on the day! Summer _(most of the time)_ straight leather yes, Winter )(most of the time),) rubber! Here's a hack! Use rough git sand paper on the sole of leather dress shoes, not too much though! Of course one could wear "rubber" soles to the place, and then swap them over to leather sole on arrival!
I wear cowboy boots all the time. I’ve had both leather and rubber soles. Leather has a quicker break in time and is super comfy. However- in Canada, leather is slippery and wears out faster in wet and cold climates. Therefore rubber it is... Like anything, you get what you pay for, and both can be resoled. Thanks for the video!
I've got a desk job that keeps me indoors most of the time, and have to switch to steel-toed boots any time I'm "in the field," so I've always gone with leather since I don't need the added durability and I like the style. That said, when an pair of dress shoes are beat up but still serviceable after a few new soles, I'll usually put a rubber sole on instead and devote that pair to days when I know ill be spending time outside.
Once you consider rubber soles - the choices are vast. Especially if you are resoling or adding a "toppy" to leather. The catalog from Vibram will make you dizzy with choices. Many shoe makers offer Dainite soles are their choice for rubber - but these can be silppery on wet hard tile surfaces vs the Vibram Eton which looks similar but grips better. Work with an experienced cobbler to choose what works for you.
Climate and location plays a big part here. If you live in a wet climate, definitely go with rubber. When leather is wet, it gets worn down 4x faster. However, in dry climates where you will be walking on concrete, rubber will actually wear down faster from the friction against the concrete. Once rubber loses it's treads, it loses it's traction. Know your environment (and the days weather) and pick what works best for that.
I would definitely have the rubber one, I have had experienced what you had experienced. Is just that leather sole is elegant in design and in fashion.
A rubber sole stitched on with Goodyear Welt, Blake or Stitch-down I think are perfectly acceptable for a gentleman’s shoe/boot, especially if it rains a lot where you live. It’s only the cheap glued on rubber soles that you should watch out for.
I have both. In general I prefer the rubber because I don't worry about them as much. Although, I will wear my leather when I'm trying to make a stronger impression
If it's only one pair of shoes you r going to own then one has to decide, else I would suggest get a leather and a rubber sole shoes n wear them accordingly. And if u live where it snows n rains all the time forget abt leather. Great video .
Sounds like you had a cold during this video. For my dress shoes, I always go leather and goodyear welted, the sole can be replaced, it looks luxurious and it makes that satisfying aristocratic 'whump' whenever you walk on tile, I don't really need the extra grip as I won't need it for the places I'd wear dress shoes. For boots and athletic shoes, of course rubber is the way to go.
It also depends on the type of work you do too. And you did a lot of walking in inclimate weather such as rain sleet and snow like I do in Ohio rubber is the best bet. If you are buying shoes for special or dress occasion weather can be an option. However I would strongly suggest to buy the traction grip as suggested in this video.
I live in Alaska, I always go for function and traction, and I normally wear Western boots or work boots. I prefer wearing them with a rubber sole. My favorite brands are Red Wing, Ariat, Twisted X, Durango, and Justin boots. The reason is because their boots have a Goodyear Welt and an aggressive tread pattern.
I just got a pair of Allen Edmonds Dalton Wingtips with leather soles. I love them, but when the soles wear down I think I’m going to have Dainite rubber soles put on to make them more durable and more of an everyday boot.
I have both 2 leather bottom 2 rubber bottoms but I love my Penny Loafers and Tilden from Clark's. When your 50+ it's about comfort. I always had farragomos or other leather bottom shoes when I was younger. But now its Clark's and my Crocs for summer
Hi Antonio - glad to see you hit a lot of good manufacturers here. Ace Marks, Alden, Allen Edmonds, Thursday Boots, etc. Living in Florida, I have a use for several sole options. Of the manufacturers mentioned, I have Alden and Allen Edmonds. I have yet to try Ace Marks, but I may given they have the same Goodyear welt and appear to use decent material. I already have multiple boots that don't get enough use here in Florida, so I haven't ventured into Thursday Boots. One thing I love about Allen Edmonds is the availability of all of the sole types mentioned: leather, Dainite, combination, etc. And when recrafted, you can choose a different sole if you prefer. (Disclaimer - I have no affiliation with AE) I like leather soles for dry sunny days here. After just one walk on concrete or asphalt, the leather sole becomes scuffed enough that you won't slip on carpet anymore. I prefer combination soles (leather with a similar thin rubber tread attached as shown in the video, but manufactured that way instead of an add on) on days that it will be mostly sunny but a chance for showers (summer). All rubber (Dainite) soles are called for on those ugly, cloudy, rainy days. Those are my preferences - I'm sure location and weather has a lot to do with the choices people make. Great video and have a successful and happy 2018!
As a kid I had to wear exclusively leather sole shoes because the MD said my orthotics wouldn't work on rubber soles as they melt with the heat. So I was only allowed to wear sneakers once a week for gym class and my parents were very strict about it. So I spent my first 16 years of life running arround in leather soles, riding bike, climbing stuff, etc. Even though I don't have to wear orthotics anymore (that strict regime worked and now I have well shaped feet) and I enjoy my sneakers and rubber soles, leather soles will always feel right at home for me even though I feel the slipperiness, I don't feel like I could easily fall off (and I haven't in years).
Woman here. I have many many pairs of leather sole shoes, just go to a shoemaker and ask them to add sole protectors on. Leather sole is extremely slippery, especially on high-heels, danger warning!
I know that this is a month-old video, but I hope that no one minds me posting a comment. I wear either leather and rubber soles based on what I'm wearing, and if I'm expecting lots of walking. If I'm wearing a tux or a 3-piece suit, I usually go with leather soled shoes. Only exception (for a 3ps) is if the event is held outdoors. For office wear and less formal settings (even with sportscoat), rubber soles.
I'm a boot guy. Dress cowboy boots steel toe construction boots The best rubber soles are sewn on And with proper care can double the life of the boot. With a resole. Question. Should your belt match your shoes? What should your socks match? That's the main reason I wear dress/cowboy boots. Thanks for the videos.
bought a pair of dress shoes for 150 dollars with Blake stitch sown soles and that look stunning. Was worried however, since their soles were made out of rubber. "Am I just throwing my money away?", I thought. This video really relieved me though, thanks a lot Tony.
The only thing you may have said that’s a little incorrect is that leather and rubber soles are both glued on and both can be stitched. If you get a cheap rubber sole it won’t be stitched. It’s good to have a pair of both for different situations. If it’s raining or wet out, wear the rubber sole. Dry day, wear the leather sole. I have both and like both.
A lot brands are using molds to inject rubber into the tread point area to improve traction. The only problem is that the mold is very expensive and if the quantity of bulk production can’t cover it they tend to go to rubber. I think leather is much nicer but still rubber has it’s Benefits, so I choose to combine both in harmony in order to achieve a fashionable and still practical / safety shoes.
I definitely choose rubber & leather based on what I plan to use the shoe/boot for!!! Also highest quality & price affect that choice, but it's the application of the intended use that decides which (quality over price, or price over quality) I select.
For dress shoes, I find leather soles to be a bit more comfortable than rubber, with double oak leather soles to be the most comfortable. I live in Tucson, and we typically have 280+ sunny days and fewer than 12 inches of rain per year.
I will vary based on whether I’m traveling or am local. I tend to use rubber Danite soles when I’m in airports and in walking cities like NYC. When I’m home or in a local office I wear leather soles. I prefer Goodyear welted vs Blake stitched. After years of wear I find it holds up better.
Last spring I bought my first pair of leather soled Allen Edmonds. They tore through to the cork layer in 6 weeks. AE replaced the sole for free. After that I took the advice of my local cobbler to put a rubber cap on the front part of the sole. It has worked great and I love the look and feel!
excellent info. Looking to build a simple but functional closet for needs of my life. This was useful concise info. I like the quality of leather soles and ability to mold to my foot but the function of a rubber overlay.
Antonio... I got a question for you. I'm 25 years old (sorry for my profile, trying to keep my private life separated from my internetlife of yesteryear), started at my first real job as a project leader in metal construction. I'm trying to be a little classy with leather shoes, the "cheaper" ones for now, so no leather soles. My problem is that I have to go to the workshop a lot, to talk to the welders, help load some trucks that came later than planned... It's quite a small company, and I really like doing it. Yes it's not 100% along the safety rules and I "should" wear safety shoes but that's beside the point. The problem is the dust. Sawing and welding metal gives a lot of dust that starts to, i'd almost describe it as eat on the leather. I have to clean my shoes daily. Cognac shoes become dark brown, dark brown start to almost go to black, 2 toned shoes start to lose their tone... I try to wear 2 pairs of shoes a week and regulate the wear and tear on the shoes but it keeps me from buying 150+ euro shoes... I don't know how to maintain them enough so they stay protected properly. It's a "casual" (tshirt & shorts in the summer) company so i'm the only guy who wears "dressed" shoes (i do have sneakers for when it's to hot and i wear some shorts as wel :-) ) so asking a collegue isn't really possible.
On my recent Chelsea boots that I bought, I chose a rubber sole that was stitched on. I chose rubber because I spend time outside thus I like it's heartiness and traction. I have fears of scuffing and ruining any leather sole on the concrete/cement that I walk on. I also like the springiness and the way these rubber soles feel on my feet.
I love how leather soles are being implemented in a dress shoe and I'm really fond of using it. But, there are situations really that you would rather have a rubber outsole. For instance, here in the Philippines, there will always be unexpected rains plus the fact that heavy traffic is a daily struggle. So, it's a better option for you to opt for public transportation and commute than driving. By the way, public transportation here also sucks but they are sometimes a faster alternative (especially the trains) than going through the road traffic. So, I think for me, its all really about functionality. 😅 So, I have one with the leather and my beaters would be the one with the rubber outsole. 👍
I’d go with leather soles simply because of the beautiful and elegant taping sound on concrete. Most guys would agree that the it depends on where you intend to wear them. I live in California, so It rarely rains so no need to worry about traction and water damage. Yeah if I’d live somewhere where it rains or snows I’d obviously take the rubber because of that traction. Ultimately for me I’d go leather because my environment allows them, but if you can try them out and compare different Goodyear welted soles.
I love Rubber Soul...great Beatles album 😂. But I will get Ace Marks...I will get Thursday Boots...for my purposes, I choose fashion & comfort over material. However, I always choose quality. I took your recommendation on Ace Marks and they have been wonderful. Thanks for another great video.
Leather vs Rubber soles - which one do you prefer?
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Real Men Real Style Hey Antonio really like your videos and your tips, by the way is there a way I can reach to you? Keep on the good job and cheers from Portugal
Hi Bruno - thanks for the continued support. You can get in touch with me here: www.realmenrealstyle.com/contact/
Real Men Real Style
Great stuff Antonio, hey can I know what song that is in the intro?
It's called the Man Without Fear from Premium Beats.
Back in my college days I used to wear boots with leather soles and one day when I ran faster downstairs then I slipped and my both shoes lost control on the down stairs without falling down and I felt as if some angels stopped me from falling down. Mostly I used to wear rubber sole shoes than leather soles shoes. Leather soles looks decent while walking on carpets as the sole itself is smooth. On the other side based on my experience leather soles have hard wood at the backside heel and that causes pain in the head due to hard impact by walking on jumping but rubber soles absorb the shock caused due to jumping and can stop headaches.
Always wear rubber for protection, they say.
Altwerk Vyner haha good one
Altwerk Vyner it would be fun, they said
Rubber for protection but wear a rubber overshoe. It is like a skin for your shoes then you can get whatever sole you like. I was a salesman in the north for twenty five years outside much. As been said before wear a rubber overshoe for protection. My dress shoes last 20 years.
😂😂😂
@@eustache_dauger oh I almost didn't get it. Lol
Truly, the main reason to go with one over the other is not your preference, but location. I love and prefer leather soles much more than rubber soles. But if you live in the north where there’s a lot of snow and rain, forget about having shoes with leather soles. Moisture penetration will destroy your leather soles quickly. I lived in Michigan for five years and had to where galoshes all the time in the winter time... and it is a pain. I did eventually succumb to adding the thing layer of rubber to the soles of all my Allen Edmonds. Now, if you live in a place like Southern California, you can go leather sole all you want. Weather is not as much of an issue. Preference? Not really. Location, location, location.
Andres Mendoza
And add some salt!
Very true. I live in the Pacific NW so always check the weather to see how high of a chance for rain there is. If it's 70+ for the time of the day I'll be out, I opt for rubber soles. Obviously when working in the snow, I opt for my cheaper "working shoes" that usually come with a rubber sole for safety reasons.
I agree, I live in New England
Depends on the weather. Nice, sunny days occur everywhere. You could do rubber for winter, leather for summer, while keeping galoshes as an option for summer rain. Or just wear a more casual shoe if it'll be warm and rainy. Dressing well takes a bit of planning - you can't just wear the same thing every day.
Thanks, good point. An intelligent post in a RUclips comment section..........don't often see that.
I'm pro-rubber, mainly because it has more grip, so I think it's safer
Roland Csicsák Agree totally. I live in the tropics and rainy weather means your shoes must have grip lest you want to slip and fall all the time. Adding rubber after the fact just feels silly. And leather soles do not absorb impact well. I gave up wearing all my shoes that have leather soles as my feet get very sore at the end of the day. For me shoes should always be function over aesthetics.
And isn't rubber more durable than leather too?
I work as an EMS professional and rubber soles are great for grip
@@rafe8826 sure if you are in a position where you do not have to worry about how you look... just know that people notice
@@unknown1238157 If I needed an ambulance and saw you wearing leather soled dress shoes I would probably be in more shock and worry
I vote rubber. If quality shoes last many many years logic dictates that I may be an old man by then. Slipping could be catastrophic for older people. Plus if you work at a place with marble floors you want rubber. Any water on those floors and its a skating rink. Great vid as always.
happened to me once on my way to work actually :( hahahaha but it was because the floor was just cleaned
Leather soles on smooth cement is like walking on grease.
Depends on what type of walking surface
1. Rubber : lots of walking, hard surface, indoor outdoor, damp, wet, oily, rugged surface.
2. Leather : light to moderate walking, indoor dry surface. Carpet tile wooden.
Fashionable \ business \ casual
3. Socks : wear shoes half Sz up with comfort quality cushion socks. Toes should not be crowded and toes should flex when walking
Leather soles all the way with rubber sole protectors and heel taps professionally added. High end shoes most often come with leather soles. It's too expensive to constantly resole them entirely when the soles wear out. With sole protectors, you can easily strip it off when it's close to wearing out and put another one on without having to spend a lot of money.
Good idea
That's the best option, I just got a leather sole pair of chukkas and the cobbler recommended me to do that too.
Always preferred leather but recently bought a pair of Goodyear welted Oxfords with Vibram soles and I’m very pleased. The profile is the same and nobody looks under your shoes anyway.
Rubber adds more confidence when walking on some tile and marble floors.
I agree!!! At my job, my employer ripped the carpet out from the main office and hallway and replaced it with linoleum floor which is waxed monthly! BIG mistake because that's a liability!
You Got That Right.
RMRS is for me and most of us. Alpha M is more for the young crowd. Gentleman Gazette is for the fotty studdy daper classic look. Satoria talks is a general intro into the bespoke everything classic and expensive look. You could learn from all of them
Definitely, and they thread on each other's territory most of the time, making watching most of them quite heplful
I need a rubber sole and not very much high heeled with shoe laces. I'm in Uganda Kampala. How much is it? Good morning
I used to buy shoes without knowing what to look for and most of the time I ended up regretting and wondering what to do to prevent it. Since I suscribed to this channel. I can finally go buy good quality things and feel good about myself. Keep it up Antonio. You re the best
Here's a idea, starter shoe, cheap Walmart (USA) Costco (UK) The Warehouse (NZ) KMart (Australia), glue shoes , usually genuine grain (3rd class) leather, until one can afford the better quality shoes, like Top/corrected grain (2nd class) or later full grain (1st class) leather!
Either way, it does depends where a person lives, rubber soles are good if it rains a lot! Where as if there isn't much rain like in Cook (South Australia) plain leather soles!
I have chosen rubber for a long time due to bad experience with a slippery sole. I thank you Real MenReal Style for the tips of distinguishing the high quality manufactured rubber than the bad one. Keep the videos up.
Leather soles look the best in my opinion, but the rubber soles are the best when it comes to functionality.
I feel like the leather will look best when the shoe is brand new, but once it's been worn and beat up a bit, not so sure.
You Got That Right.
Exactly
I just bought two new pairs of Magnannis, both with rubber soles. I questioned that at first because I always associate leather with superior quality, but I decided if they were Magnannis they had to be good quality and they have a reason for using rubber. I chose the shoes for the fact that I loved the way they looked, not because of the soles. You have to look at the shoes from the bottom to even know which sole material is used.
I find leather very slippy so prefer rubber
John James put a rubber on the top. Easy.
I like my rubber sole dress boots. They have better grip, cost less and are much more practical in that I can wear them in any environment even when wet. Leather soles look, sound and feel nice in any formal/office/home settings but sometimes I'm afraid of slipping with them
Appreciate your input - thanks!
Here in Scandinavia are rubber soles recommended much because of the weather and the seasons. My favourite boots have rubber soles sewn to the leather soles.
I have a vast amount of shoes, just like you, I live in Alaska and during the winter it is better to have rubber soles but I found out that if the leather sole is a little bit worn out it will give you some kind of good grip however there’s a sticky little overlays that work just fine for that extra grip! Saludos y un fuerte abrazo amigo!!
This is one of your more useful videos with not much advertising. Thank you
One other factor not mentioned - I find the rubber soles can provide more cushioning, and therefore are a little more comfortable to wear for a long time. Also, if one is going to add rubber to the leather sole, perhaps it makes sense to go with a rubber sole in the first place. One advantage of leather soles of course is that they are much better for dancing.
True like Timberland Boat Shoes! And better grip on slippery surfaces during/after rain!
Yeah I'm surprised he didn't have an entire comparison on comfort comparison
Had never worn leather soles until yesterday, fell over big time...
Scuffed them up a bit and they feel a lot better now, love the sound they make when walking...
There's no rubber at all on the sole so maybe I'll get a heel stick on as I can imagine the leather slip on the forefoot will be great for dancing...
As an Englishman I feel that this question is more complex than this video suggests. You probably need both in your wardrobe. Leather soles are better in hot weather because they breath. Rubber soles are better in winter because they stop the soles soaking up rain water. Dress shoes in Italianate styles look better in thin leather but traditional British dress shoes are often Goodyear welted and look no heavier or less formal for having a rubber sole. My recommendation is to have both and for the rubber soles to be Goodyear welted over a base leather sole. Dainite or Vibram are preferred brands. Leather linings and insoles are essential, no matter what the outer sole is made of to absorb moisture. Lastly, leather soles are no guarantee of quality even if they come from a top brand. They can be found on cemented construction shoes from top brands that are unrepairable and fall to bits - particularly if they get wet. You can also find shoes with a thin layer of leather over a cemented construction shoe with a rubber sole in attempt to make the shoe appear to be higher quality than it is. Even the stitching is a variable feast on leather soled shoes with Blake stitched soles sometimes looking like Goodyear welted items but the trouble here is that Blake stitches wick water into your shoes: Goodyear welting does not. So before deciding on this matter, where do you live and does it rain a lot are probably the best questions to guide your choice.
Yes, Rubber soles are a must in England. Buy both styles with different soles
@@kenneth2118 If you are going to be wearing shoes for 12 per day you will need more than one pair because they need to rest between days of wear. Also, you need shoes that have durable underfoot cushioning which is what Goodyear Welted leather shoes provide. Other shoe constructions in leather might breathe but they will not protect your foot from shocks over long working days. In truth, shoes need to wick away moisture and dry fully between wears. This means that a Danite sole on a Goodyear welted leather shoe with leather insole can in fact be a better solution than an all leather shoe that lacks the shock and moisture absorption of Goodyear welted construction. This is because in Goodyear welted shoes, even with a rubber outer, feature an absorbent leather insole plus the cork bed between the outer sole and insole. Hope that helps.
@@kenneth2118 , The heal of a crepe shoe may not have the durability your 12 hour per day working schedule will bring. Also, for such long periods of wear you might need to consider that the shoes must fit well and suede stretches more than flat leather.
I am finding myself purchasing shoes with rubber soles because the leather was just too slippery and the rubber soles last longer than the leather soles. Thank you for the content. 👏
I particularly like the sound of the leather sole when walking and they are fresher, but those with rubber soles are much softer if you think you have to walk a while and not be in the office. The rubber ones are better .. greetings from Venezuela love your videos
great vid antonio!
i do music for my full time job and as for music guy, it has to be leather.
you cant beat that sound of leather sole when you walk!
I'm just commenting towards the people who DISLIKED the video. WTF? He articulated very professionally the pros cons of both. Gave advice and recommendations and even invited you to leave commentary on your preferences. What more do you want the man to do on a video like this?
Both! Solely depends on the weather!
Especially since Colorado weather is very unpredictable
Honestly, in my view, asking whether you're a leather or rubber sole man is simply the wrong question.
It's as you explained Antonio, a gentlmen should be able to appreciate the adv./disadv. Of either type and ideally own both!
Great video, keep them coming!
I recently bought two nice shoes with leather soles and wow what a difference in feel. It is for sure less grip than rubber but I have Thursday Co boots for grip. The sole has superior tactile feel when driving or using my rheostat at work (Dentist). And that sound..... Really adds to the confidence and presence while walking around.
Weather needs to be considered, too. Rubber insulates better. If you wear leather soles on the cold ground, your feet will get cold quickly.
Also, in the elements, your feet are more likely to get wet wearing leather soles.
For sure!
I used to resole my shoes, but after a while I just had the cobbler glue a patch to my leather sole after a few weeks. Leather is of course more elegant, even though it is just in the mind.
For some reason I find rubber soles more comfortable to wear. Leather soles hurt my feet.
Leather is classy !
kranthi kumar Like everyone's gonna take a peek at your soles and say "Ah leather,classy!
I would be that guy :)
aside from the heel, shoe soles are barely a centimetre thick. Who's going to notice?
Leather looks nice but most of the time rubber will be more responsible, and taking care of responsibility is also classy
says who??
I'll buy the Leather one and add a thin rubber sole to it. LEATHER IS THE BEST. Every season. ALWAYS THE LEATHER. Doing the trick from years.
Leather soles seem too delicate and refined for my lifestyle: a bicycle commuter, bus passenger, and too-frequent walker. Walking on leather soles hurt my feet and felt slippery.
Rubber souls, in contrast, feel better don't slip, cost less . . . and remind me of the Beatles.
Leather - slippery, wears out - heck - even the Beatles named an album
Rubber Soul - not Leather Soul.
If you wear leather soles in a carpeted office be careful. Slip-and-slide time. When you buy a new pair of leather soled shoes, put them on and find some concrete. When no one if watching do the twist. This will help with slippery bottoms.
@@DavidEVogel thank you for this 👍
I love leather soles because of the quality, elegant sound, and when worn a little it provides a beautiful contrast rubber can't.
It is pretty loud? People often turn their heads to me when I'm near lol
The sound. There's nothing more commanding than the sound of a leather shoe on hard floors.
That iconic echo is what it's about.
True. Nothing beats the sound of slipping on a tile floor....
I have purchased all of my leather shoes after market at thrift stores and vintage stores and surprisingly after restoring them they look quite remarkable for shoes under 10$. To rat out stinkers I always look for good year welted leather soled shoes that lack cracks and have maintained lots of color beneath the coats of dust that can be removed with wet wipes. At such a cheap price I don’t even feel bad wearing them in some moisture as the leather has held up surprisingly well as daily drivers.
Both. Depends on the time of year but I like the look and feel of all leather. Including the heel.
Being from Oregon and traveling a lot (1/5 of the country) I prefer thin rubber. It is more versatile personally. I find it’s more shock absorbing running through the airport as well.
Brilliant! Thank you, that was great advice. Ive danced tango in a former life and always wore leather sole shoes. I'd never wear them outside in the weather. However i have glued soft leather on rubber sole shoes to wear casually and simply replace the worn leather sole when they wore out.
I live about 30 minutes from the Canadian border so it really helps to have rubber soles for the winter. Personally I love both, and tend to base my purchase on the show as a whole, rather than just the sole.
For sure! Rubber is better for this season
Real Men Real Style indeed, waterproof leather, good year welt, and insulation all help make a great winter boot
When my soles come off I just use duct tape to reattach it. Use the top quality duct tape though.
Try getting a tube of shoe glue, works very well
Leather. Phoenix area gets less than 10 inches of rain per year and it doesn't snow (which also means no salty roadways), so you can wear leather all year. For anyone into dead malls, as I experienced yesterday walking at a still-open dead mall with a friend, the dust on the floors will affect traction!
Being a cobbler good advice here. I would never tell a customer a pair of shoes couldn't be repaired. And I would never add a rubber sole without blending it so the profile isn't effected. But this video is right the construction process is worse now. Hardly any shoe maker nails the upper into heel block. Leather or rubber shoes. Plus you also get pvc and micro soles on shoes nowa days. Stick to your Jones 's and leave Clarks alone
Ross Thomas-Davies I'll always found Clark shoes to be a better manufacture than most modern shoes. I'm still searching for a real quality pair of Handmade shoes.
With my back? Rubber all day. I picked up a pair of Rockport wingtips, and Adidas designed the sole. So comfortable.
leather is more prestigious but rubber is a lot more resilient especially in rain and bad weather.
You Got That Right..
Thanks for the video sir. I’m buying a new pair for my older cousin’s wedding and also to be used for my school uniform. As a JHS student living in a tropical country, I think I’ll go for rubber again like the previous years. I don’t want to slip on every wet floor that I’ll walk on. I’ll just wear leather soled shoes once I grow up and work because I might reduce my clumsiness lol.
Leather on summer, fall and spring, rubber in the winter
Yes!
What about people who live in Canada 😐. We can only enjoy leather sole shoes on 3 months of the summer
@@infofootage Move to Australia then, in Australia you can wear leather sole all year round
Alaa Sedki I live in Quebec and I will try to use my leather sole till end of october.
Most of the "stitched" rubber soles are actually a fake stitch. It doesn't actually attach to anything. Sometimes it is hard to tell. For a Blake stitch, look inside the shoe, under the insole for the accompanying stitches. For a Goodyear welt stitch, make sure the stitches on top if the welt matches the stitches on the bottom of the sole.
That's true. Some time ago I bought a pair of "goodyear welted shoes", complete with the stitching. Now the sole of both has come apart and you can see: the stitching is fake.
those guys that didn't like the video wear slippers all the time lol.
Mel Reacher crocs
Or sandals and socks
Mel Reacher that’s hilarious reply dear,,,,😂😂😂😂 spot on they should do that
😂😂😂
Lol
I have started to be pro-rubber also. For some reason leather heels are usually super hard and make shoes not so nice to walk.
Leather for me I jus love keeping things traditional.
I have shoes that are leather (Blake Stich) and rubber (Goodyear Welt). The good year welt you would find in many shoes designed by Thursday Boot Company and they hold up during all seasons, however, you must be wary when walking near hotspots (especially here in NYC) that can melt the rubber off. Leather soles are sleeker and you often have to wear them to avoid slipping. Adding rubber heels does help a lot to leather soles.
Rubber. Here in sunny Puerto Rico is better. Thanks a lot and great video as always. Happy 2018.
To go with leather soles on wet tarmac with gravel on, just feels wrong, and in Stockholm there is a lot of that all year.
Vibram sole and Goodyear welt is the solution!
leather soles are not meant to be worn in snow or rain, simple as that, they look great, the qualitu, hand made craftsmanship and all that, but they work best on carpets and if you have to be outside in them, try to be for the few metres from the car to where you have to be.
sebseb seb You just don't understand the situation... You can't avoid snow and is there, you probably gonna die because falling apart before you walk into some building..
In Holland it is the same, when you're outside and it is wet a leather sole just doesn't feel quite as comfortable.
I need A Book W E Paul 1955 Lee rd Smith Ala. 36877
rubber sole it's perfect for shoes it's comfortable to causally used
Leather, but I may have to look at stitched rubber.
I know there are rubber overshoes that can be put on for inclement weather days to provide better traction and protection.
I agree, it depends on the day! Summer _(most of the time)_ straight leather yes, Winter )(most of the time),) rubber! Here's a hack! Use rough git sand paper on the sole of leather dress shoes, not too much though!
Of course one could wear "rubber" soles to the place, and then swap them over to leather sole on arrival!
I wear cowboy boots all the time. I’ve had both leather and rubber soles. Leather has a quicker break in time and is super comfy. However- in Canada, leather is slippery and wears out faster in wet and cold climates. Therefore rubber it is... Like anything, you get what you pay for, and both can be resoled.
Thanks for the video!
That's right! It can be resoled.
I've got a desk job that keeps me indoors most of the time, and have to switch to steel-toed boots any time I'm "in the field," so I've always gone with leather since I don't need the added durability and I like the style. That said, when an pair of dress shoes are beat up but still serviceable after a few new soles, I'll usually put a rubber sole on instead and devote that pair to days when I know ill be spending time outside.
Once you consider rubber soles - the choices are vast. Especially if you are resoling or adding a "toppy" to leather. The catalog from Vibram will make you dizzy with choices. Many shoe makers offer Dainite soles are their choice for rubber - but these can be silppery on wet hard tile surfaces vs the Vibram Eton which looks similar but grips better. Work with an experienced cobbler to choose what works for you.
Climate and location plays a big part here. If you live in a wet climate, definitely go with rubber. When leather is wet, it gets worn down 4x faster. However, in dry climates where you will be walking on concrete, rubber will actually wear down faster from the friction against the concrete. Once rubber loses it's treads, it loses it's traction. Know your environment (and the days weather) and pick what works best for that.
I would definitely have the rubber one, I have had experienced what you had experienced. Is just that leather sole is elegant in design and in fashion.
A rubber sole stitched on with Goodyear Welt, Blake or Stitch-down I think are perfectly acceptable for a gentleman’s shoe/boot, especially if it rains a lot where you live. It’s only the cheap glued on rubber soles that you should watch out for.
I have both. In general I prefer the rubber because I don't worry about them as much. Although, I will wear my leather when I'm trying to make a stronger impression
I like both! Rubber for casual and my work (restaurant owner). Leather for dress occasions.
If it's only one pair of shoes you r going to own then one has to decide, else I would suggest get a leather and a rubber sole shoes n wear them accordingly. And if u live where it snows n rains all the time forget abt leather. Great video .
Sounds like you had a cold during this video. For my dress shoes, I always go leather and goodyear welted, the sole can be replaced, it looks luxurious and it makes that satisfying aristocratic 'whump' whenever you walk on tile, I don't really need the extra grip as I won't need it for the places I'd wear dress shoes. For boots and athletic shoes, of course rubber is the way to go.
It also depends on the type of work you do too. And you did a lot of walking in inclimate weather such as rain sleet and snow like I do in Ohio rubber is the best bet. If you are buying shoes for special or dress occasion weather can be an option. However I would strongly suggest to buy the traction grip as suggested in this video.
I live in Alaska, I always go for function and traction, and I normally wear Western boots or work boots. I prefer wearing them with a rubber sole. My favorite brands are Red Wing, Ariat, Twisted X, Durango, and Justin boots. The reason is because their boots have a Goodyear Welt and an aggressive tread pattern.
I love the look/elegance of leather soles but they are slick compared to rubber sole. Thanks for the video.
I just got a pair of Allen Edmonds Dalton Wingtips with leather soles. I love them, but when the soles wear down I think I’m going to have Dainite rubber soles put on to make them more durable and more of an everyday boot.
I have both 2 leather bottom 2 rubber bottoms
but I love my Penny Loafers and Tilden from Clark's. When your 50+ it's about comfort. I always had farragomos or other leather bottom shoes when I was younger. But now its Clark's and my Crocs for summer
Hi Antonio - glad to see you hit a lot of good manufacturers here.
Ace Marks, Alden, Allen Edmonds, Thursday Boots, etc.
Living in Florida, I have a use for several sole options. Of the manufacturers mentioned, I have Alden and Allen Edmonds. I have yet to try Ace Marks, but I may given they have the same Goodyear welt and appear to use decent material. I already have multiple boots that don't get enough use here in Florida, so I haven't ventured into Thursday Boots.
One thing I love about Allen Edmonds is the availability of all of the sole types mentioned: leather, Dainite, combination, etc. And when recrafted, you can choose a different sole if you prefer. (Disclaimer - I have no affiliation with AE)
I like leather soles for dry sunny days here. After just one walk on concrete or asphalt, the leather sole becomes scuffed enough that you won't slip on carpet anymore.
I prefer combination soles (leather with a similar thin rubber tread attached as shown in the video, but manufactured that way instead of an add on) on days that it will be mostly sunny but a chance for showers (summer).
All rubber (Dainite) soles are called for on those ugly, cloudy, rainy days.
Those are my preferences - I'm sure location and weather has a lot to do with the choices people make.
Great video and have a successful and happy 2018!
Appreciate your input - have a great 2018 as well.
As a kid I had to wear exclusively leather sole shoes because the MD said my orthotics wouldn't work on rubber soles as they melt with the heat. So I was only allowed to wear sneakers once a week for gym class and my parents were very strict about it. So I spent my first 16 years of life running arround in leather soles, riding bike, climbing stuff, etc. Even though I don't have to wear orthotics anymore (that strict regime worked and now I have well shaped feet) and I enjoy my sneakers and rubber soles, leather soles will always feel right at home for me even though I feel the slipperiness, I don't feel like I could easily fall off (and I haven't in years).
Rubber, with RM Williams boots. Buying another pair but will be their dynamic version (half half)
For a day to day work rutine i’ve choosen rubber shoes( during raining season as well). For important appointments i’d choose leather ones
Woman here. I have many many pairs of leather sole shoes, just go to a shoemaker and ask them to add sole protectors on. Leather sole is extremely slippery, especially on high-heels, danger warning!
I know that this is a month-old video, but I hope that no one minds me posting a comment. I wear either leather and rubber soles based on what I'm wearing, and if I'm expecting lots of walking. If I'm wearing a tux or a 3-piece suit, I usually go with leather soled shoes. Only exception (for a 3ps) is if the event is held outdoors. For office wear and less formal settings (even with sportscoat), rubber soles.
Great video, very dynamic and to the point. I just bought some magnanni shoes with a rubber sole, but they're stitched! So I'm happy about that.
Rubber soles for me. Sidewalks here are too icy for a shoe without traction. Great video, Antonio, as always. Thanks for the history lesson.
I'm a boot guy. Dress cowboy boots steel toe construction boots
The best rubber soles are sewn on
And with proper care can double the life of the boot. With a resole.
Question. Should your belt match your shoes? What should your socks match? That's the main reason I wear dress/cowboy boots. Thanks for the videos.
bought a pair of dress shoes for 150 dollars with Blake stitch sown soles and that look stunning. Was worried however, since their soles were made out of rubber. "Am I just throwing my money away?", I thought. This video really relieved me though, thanks a lot Tony.
YOu are welcome!
The only thing you may have said that’s a little incorrect is that leather and rubber soles are both glued on and both can be stitched. If you get a cheap rubber sole it won’t be stitched. It’s good to have a pair of both for different situations. If it’s raining or wet out, wear the rubber sole. Dry day, wear the leather sole. I have both and like both.
I Like the Beatles Rubber Soul album! but prefer a Leather sole on my feet.
I bought OliKia shoes, they have a synthetic sole, quite heavy, and are rated highly for the foot problems I have, however the upper is leather
A lot brands are using molds to inject rubber into the tread point area to improve traction. The only problem is that the mold is very expensive and if the quantity of bulk production can’t cover it they tend to go to rubber. I think leather is much nicer but still rubber has it’s Benefits, so I choose to combine both in harmony in order to achieve a fashionable and still practical / safety shoes.
I definitely choose rubber & leather based on what I plan to use the shoe/boot for!!! Also highest quality & price affect that choice, but it's the application of the intended use that decides which (quality over price, or price over quality) I select.
There you go...
For dress shoes, I find leather soles to be a bit more comfortable than rubber, with double oak leather soles to be the most comfortable. I live in Tucson, and we typically have 280+ sunny days and fewer than 12 inches of rain per year.
I will vary based on whether I’m traveling or am local. I tend to use rubber Danite soles when I’m in airports and in walking cities like NYC. When I’m home or in a local office I wear leather soles. I prefer Goodyear welted vs Blake stitched. After years of wear I find it holds up better.
Last spring I bought my first pair of leather soled Allen Edmonds. They tore through to the cork layer in 6 weeks. AE replaced the sole for free. After that I took the advice of my local cobbler to put a rubber cap on the front part of the sole. It has worked great and I love the look and feel!
excellent info. Looking to build a simple but functional closet for needs of my life. This was useful concise info. I like the quality of leather soles and ability to mold to my foot but the function of a rubber overlay.
Antonio... I got a question for you.
I'm 25 years old (sorry for my profile, trying to keep my private life separated from my internetlife of yesteryear), started at my first real job as a project leader in metal construction. I'm trying to be a little classy with leather shoes, the "cheaper" ones for now, so no leather soles.
My problem is that I have to go to the workshop a lot, to talk to the welders, help load some trucks that came later than planned... It's quite a small company, and I really like doing it. Yes it's not 100% along the safety rules and I "should" wear safety shoes but that's beside the point.
The problem is the dust. Sawing and welding metal gives a lot of dust that starts to, i'd almost describe it as eat on the leather. I have to clean my shoes daily. Cognac shoes become dark brown, dark brown start to almost go to black, 2 toned shoes start to lose their tone...
I try to wear 2 pairs of shoes a week and regulate the wear and tear on the shoes but it keeps me from buying 150+ euro shoes... I don't know how to maintain them enough so they stay protected properly.
It's a "casual" (tshirt & shorts in the summer) company so i'm the only guy who wears "dressed" shoes (i do have sneakers for when it's to hot and i wear some shorts as wel :-) ) so asking a collegue isn't really possible.
On my recent Chelsea boots that I bought, I chose a rubber sole that was stitched on. I chose rubber because I spend time outside thus I like it's heartiness and traction. I have fears of scuffing and ruining any leather sole on the concrete/cement that I walk on.
I also like the springiness and the way these rubber soles feel on my feet.
It definitely makes a difference.
I love how leather soles are being implemented in a dress shoe and I'm really fond of using it. But, there are situations really that you would rather have a rubber outsole.
For instance, here in the Philippines, there will always be unexpected rains plus the fact that heavy traffic is a daily struggle. So, it's a better option for you to opt for public transportation and commute than driving.
By the way, public transportation here also sucks but they are sometimes a faster alternative (especially the trains) than going through the road traffic. So, I think for me, its all really about functionality. 😅
So, I have one with the leather and my beaters would be the one with the rubber outsole. 👍
I’d go with leather soles simply because of the beautiful and elegant taping sound on concrete. Most guys would agree that the it depends on where you intend to wear them. I live in California, so It rarely rains so no need to worry about traction and water damage. Yeah if I’d live somewhere where it rains or snows I’d obviously take the rubber because of that traction. Ultimately for me I’d go leather because my environment allows them, but if you can try them out and compare different Goodyear welted soles.
I love Rubber Soul...great Beatles album 😂. But I will get Ace Marks...I will get Thursday Boots...for my purposes, I choose fashion & comfort over material. However, I always choose quality. I took your recommendation on Ace Marks and they have been wonderful. Thanks for another great video.
As an Alaskan. Rubber without question. Allen Edmonds Daltons with rubber soles.