Leather Soles and Bad Weather

Scarlet

Are these Compatible?

Does any one have any experience? If you have to walk in the rain, do leather soles mean wet feet? Is it a waste of money?

15 years ago

Dressing

10 replies

Latest reply was from Vix

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Scarlet, I find they can take wet but I don't think leather soles are good for really muddy weather like in the late fall. They also do not provide much warmth for that weather as well.

15 years ago

Vix

Veteran

I've never had a problem with this -- though I guess if the soles were a paper-thin evening shoe type one might.

I do try to get my leather soles to the shoe repair shop for a plastic non-skid add-on fairly quickly, as this prevents wear-through (and slippage!).

[I should do it the second I get the shoe/boot but nooooooo...I just *have* to wear the shoe right away!]

15 years ago

Active Member

Scarlet - I own lots of boots and I live in a climate where it can be wet, snowy, and icy. My boots with the leather soles tend to be better for "indoor" wear. I can walk outside with them if the pavement is clear but if it is raining or icy it is best to wear boots with a rubber sole for traction and warmth. I usually don't count my "outdoor" boots as fashion but my Uggs can double as both. Also, suede boots often do not wear well in wet conditions - even if they have a rubber sole.

15 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

Cookie, cute picture! That's new right?

15 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

I've always worn my leather-soled shoes and boots regardless of weather, but maybe I'm just a reckless gambler!

What about Frye boots? They have leather soles, and aren't they renowned for wearing well and lasting forever?

15 years ago

Active Member

Thanks Scarlet! My daughter is home from college and found the picture for me. It was so sweet of you to notice.

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Scaret-Rosie, I'm with Cookie. Uggs and Docs are the way to go in bad weather. So are boots by Canadian brands: Aquatalia, La Canadienne and Sudini. Do any of these ring a bell?

15 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

Sveta -
at least you are giving me hope. Mud isn't really an issue for me. For warmth in the winter I usually add an insole to my boots to insulate me from the cold concrete. This helps a lot.

Vix -
I had this done on a pair of ballerina flats (after I had worn them right away-LOL) and the plastic sole is so slippery I swear I will break my neck in these shoes now. Maybe that cobbler just used a bad material?

Jonesy -
I was wondering about Frye boots too. There must be a lot of owners on this forum. San? Maybe I should try being wild and reckless like you

Angie/Cookie -
Oh sadness. The thing is I saw a particular pair of boots I really like, but they have leather soles, hence the question. No point in buying them if I can't wear them 3/4 of the time. I have heard of those brands, Angie. They do sound very practical and all...

15 years ago

judy

Veteran

Scarlet, I bought a pair of Frye boots this summer at The Rack and before I wore them I had the shoe repair guy put on rubber soles. It's just in the front part, a thin rubber that matches the color of the sole. It doesn't make it waterproof of course, but it helps to not slip on hills in the rain and snow. It cost $25.00 to do.

15 years ago

Vix

Veteran

Scarlet -- Yikes to the slippery add-on!

You know, I think I misspoke when I said I had a plastic sole put on...after reading your comment I gave the sole the touch test tonight, and I think the shop actually used rubber -- but a thin, hard rubber vs the thicker, more sneaker-like rubber sole I've also had replaced on boots.

Kind of like the one here:

http://www.santanacreative.com/women.html

I certainly love my treaded Vibram-soled boots -- they are nice and cushion-y for one thing -- but my skinny-soled adjustments do the job.

Since you have your eye set on a specific pair of boots, maybe check around and see if there's an alternative to that slippery sole guard you got?

15 years ago

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