Adding Rubber Soles to Your Shoes?
Should You Put Rubber Soles On Leather Shoes? Clients often ask us about the benefits of protecting their bowling shoes with rubber soles, specifically when it comes to brands like TOPYs and Vibram. This post aims to dispel any myths surrounding the modification of Crocs into bowling shoes with rubber sole protectors.
The idea of adding a rubber sole to your favorite pair of Crocs for bowling might seem unconventional at first. Yet, it’s becoming increasingly popular among bowlers who prioritize comfort without compromising on performance.
This modification not only extends the life of your shoes by protecting the leather soles but also provides a unique edge on the bowling alley’s slick surfaces.
To Topy or Not to Topy
When buyers look for new shoes for bowling, the debate often centers on whether to add rubber sole protection to expensive, luxury, or designer Crocs.
Many argue that rubber is ideal for keeping the shoes’ soles watertight and protected from the elements, ensuring long-term durability while maintaining their original appearance.
Others, however, worry about how it affects the aesthetics and balance of their shoes. The key is finding the right methods for preserving the shoe soles without sacrificing style or function, avoiding expensive repairs in the process.
This approach offers a practical yet stylish solution for bowlers who value both performance and fashion.
Authors Note
In our shoe repair shop, we’ve seen trends come and go, but the quest for comfort and durability in footwear remains constant. That’s where Crocs bowling shoes come into play, blending the ease of Crocs with the precision required for bowling.
But, let’s pivot to an intriguing practice that’s been gaining traction: applying rubber soles to leather shoes. This isn’t about compromising aesthetics for function; rather, it’s about enhancing longevity and grip, a principle we’ve embraced through our work with Vibram rubber.
Vibram is renowned for its quality, offering a wider range of styles and colors than what you might find with traditional TOPY products. This isn’t just about protection; it’s about infusing leather shoes with a protective layer that respects the shoe’s inherent beauty while adding practical value.
The term Topy, a nod to the French company that popularized this technique, has become somewhat generic, yet it represents a significant shift towards protective soles that we prefer.
In our experience, the clarity and quality of Vibram’s offerings far surpass the standard fare, allowing us to work closely with our customers to find the perfect match for their needs.
As we post this note, we hope to offer clarity on why choosing rubber soles for your leather shoes—be it for bowling or any other occasion—is more than a mere aesthetic decision. It’s a choice for enhanced durability, grip, and ultimately, a longer life for your cherished footwear.
Sole Protection Myths
When I speak with customers about their newly purchased shoes, including those intrigued by Crocs bowling shoes, concerns often arise about adding rubber soles for extra grip and durability.
There’s a noticeable uncertainty surrounding this process, partly due to limited information on maintenance and the decline of quality shoe repairers over the years.
Many people hear stories, often anecdotal and sourced from retailers, leading to the perpetuation of various myths. These myths, untrue and lacking evidence, discourage shoe owners from opting for sole protection.
It’s surprising to see how limited accurate info is, contributing to a gap in understanding the benefits of sole protection.
The Added Rubber Offsets the Balance of Your Shoes
One concern is that adding rubber to shoe soles can disrupt balance, leading to faster wear on the heels and insoles. Luxury brands and shoe retailers often caution against adding protective soles to new shoes.
However, simply adding rubber on top of the soles can indeed cause balance problems.
Proper application involves sanding down the leather soles before applying rubber, creating a seamless integration and preventing imbalance issues.
Even for shoes with thin leather soles, rubber as thin as 1mm can provide protection without compromising the shoe’s structure. When protective soles are applied correctly with the right materials, imbalance shouldn’t be an issue, rendering such concerns invalid.
The Added Rubber Ruins the Aesthetics of Leather Soles
The debate on whether adding rubber soles to leather shoes, like those used for Crocs bowling shoes, detracts from their aesthetics is a nuanced one. Many individuals prefer the sleek look of naked leather soles and refuse to alter them, fearing that protective soles might look tacky or detract from the shoes’ overall design.
However, the outcome of such modifications depends heavily on the methods and materials employed by the shoe maker. A poorly executed job can indeed make the addition seem terrible, highlighting the importance of selecting a skilled and careful professional.
The Rubber Stops Your Leather Soles From Breathing
For shoe traditionalists, the belief that leather soles should breathe is a cornerstone of their philosophy. They argue that placing rubber layers on these soles suffocates the fibres, depriving them of oxygen and thus, harming the shoe.
This theory, deeply rooted in tradition, suggests that the aesthetic and health of the shoe are compromised by such protective measures.
However, there’s no definitive answer or evidence to suggest that these protective soles actually destroy the leather underneath. In fact, they are likely to make your soles last longer.
The Benefits of Rubber Sole Protectors
It’s become evident that adding protective soles to shoes, including the innovative Crocs bowling shoes, offers more than just a superficial change.
When properly done, these additions are not simply sticking rubber pieces to the bottom; they become flush with the existing sole, seamlessly enhancing both the shoe’s original design and its aesthetics.
Beyond just improving looks, the practical benefits of applying protective soles are manifold. They safeguard the footwear from wear and tear, potentially extending the life of the shoes significantly.
This enhancing step ensures that your Crocs bowling shoes not only stand out on the lane for their style but also offer the durability and grip needed to improve your game.
The process of trimming the edges and making sure everything fits just right is crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of the shoe, proving that this modification is more than a mere aesthetic upgrade—it’s a functional enhancement to your bowling arsenal.
Half Rubber Soles Preserve Your Leather Soles
The obvious reason to consider adding protective rubber soles to leather shoes, such as Crocs bowling shoes, stems from the desire to extend their lifespan.
Leather soles are known to endure wear and tear, especially when exposed to the elements and natural salts that gradually erode the material. While leather is durable, it does not offer the same level of waterproofing and protection as rubber.
For those who reside in colder or wet climates, making the decision to add protective soles to new shoes is not just a wise choice; it’s practically essential.
The enhanced protection against wear, tear, and exposure ensures that your footwear remains in top condition, allowing you to focus on your bowling game without worrying about the durability of your shoes.
Rubber Soles Are Value For Money
In the world of footwear, especially when it comes to Crocs bowling shoes, making a relatively small investment in protective rubber soles can significantly prolong the life of leather shoes.
This strategic choice not only saves money in the long run but also offers a better value proposition for those who seek long-term wear out of their footwear.
Applying protective soles initially can be three times less expensive than a full leather sole replacement later on, whether done by a shoemaker or manufacturer.
For designer shoes, where recrafting new leather soles can cost hundreds of dollars, this approach helps avoid more costly repairs in the future.
Rubber Soles Are Anti-Slip
While Leather soles may look great, they often fall short when it comes to providing the best traction on smooth surfaces. This becomes especially apparent when walking on stone or timber floors, where leather can become slippery and hazardous. In contrast, protective rubber soles offer a practical solution to this dilemma.
With a grip finish specifically designed to enhance stability, these soles improve the safety of your shoes, making them safer to walk in across various environments.
Whether you’re navigating carpeted surfaces or more slippery terrains, the rubber overlay ensures a firmer footing, perfectly complementing the versatile and stylish design of Crocs bowling shoes.
How Much Do TOPYs or Sole Protectors Cost?
Opting for Rubber sole protectors is a cost-effective and durable alternative to resoling your shoes or buying a new pair. The cost for this protective addition typically ranges from $45 to $90, largely depending on the reputation of the shoe repair shop and the materials used.
Some shops may offer different colors and styles of Vibram rubber, while others might only stock a few colors of TOPY. If your shoe soles are already worn, there might be a need for additional repairs such as building up the sole or adding leather toe pieces before applying the rubber sole protectors, which can add an extra cost ranging from $25 to $75.
Protecting your new shoes with Vibram or TOPY rubber sole protectors immediately after purchase can save you from additional repair costs when the leather soles inevitably start to wear out.
This investment not only prolongs the life of your Crocs bowling shoes but also ensures they remain suitable for wear in any condition, making it an essential consideration for anyone looking to maintain their footwear over time.
Adding a Rubber Sole to Leather-Sole Shoes: Now or Later?
I believe what you’re referring to is a toppy, named after the brand although other manufacturers make a similar product. For instance, I have Vibram thin soles added to my AEs. This is different than adding a half sole where you grind down the leather. The toppy is just glued to the bottom of the sole.
You can find a ridiculous amount of discussion on topics on the various style forums but little consensus on if/when to apply them.
My cobbler recommends adding them immediately as he believes they help keep the shoe shape longer; as you wear the shoe in, the leather will stretch, causing the shoe shape to alter somewhat.
In theory, the glued toppy will help keep the shape in addition to reducing wear on the leather sole and keeping moisture out of the bottom.
I’m not sure whether my cobbler scuffs the bottom of the sole up to ensure the glue has something to stick to. Might be worth asking your favorite go-to person.
What The Point In Leather Soles?
In the footwear market, there’s an ongoing debate about whether rubber soles are superior to leather ones. As we delve into this topic, it’s clear that if there were a single sole unit that met every requirement and possessed every desired property, we wouldn’t have the need for choices.
Yet, when browsing our website or visiting a store, you’re presented with a variety of sole options in different materials, thicknesses, and treads. This ultimately boils down to a personal decision between leather or rubber.
I invite you to join me in a detailed exploration of the pros and cons of each, to better understand which sole might enhance your Crocs bowling shoes the most.
Whether it’s the classic elegance and breathability of leather or the durability and grip of rubber, each has its place in the diverse world of shoes, tailored to meet specific needs and preferences.
Leather Soles: Rubber Sole Upgrade?
The debate surrounding leather soles as a classic option for footwear, including Crocs bowling shoes, has intensified. Leather soles have experienced a decline in popularity in recent years, with some people perceiving them as fragile, akin to suede, and fearing that exposure to moisture could cause them to deteriorate.
Despite these concerns, leather remains a natural material that, much like the shoe’s upper, gradually molds to the shape of your foot with wear, offering a personalized fit. Its porous nature not only allows your feet to breathe but also enhances comfort, particularly in warmer weather.
This inherent quality makes leather soles uniquely suited for those valuing comfort and natural material benefits, despite the debate on their durability and care requirements.
Rubber Soles
At Cheaney, we offer a wide range of rubber soles, each boasting common properties that set them apart from traditional leather. Unlike leather, rubber soles are waterproof, making them ideal for our country collection and activities that involve splashing through puddles.
Not only are they more durable, but they also last longer before requiring replacement, wearing more consistently due to their man-made nature.
While leather soles can exhibit variations in wear between pairs, rubber provides a better grip, an essential feature to note for those concerned about safety, particularly on wet surfaces like stairs or supermarket floors.
Rubber Protectors vs. Naked Soles – The Verdict
The decision to apply rubber protectors to leather soles or to leave them in their original state is a matter deeply rooted in personal preferences and practical considerations.
Traditionalists might prefer to maintain the aesthetic look of naked soles for aesthetic reasons, which is understandable. However, from a practical standpoint, there are many misconceptions about sole protection.
Contrary to common belief, properly applied protective soles do not cause long-term damage. In fact, they can significantly extend the lifespan of leather soles, offering a compelling argument for those weighing the protection of their footwear against maintaining an aesthetic appeal.
This balance between preservation and appearance makes the choice a nuanced one, where the benefits of added durability and extended wear from rubber protectors often outweigh the desire to keep soles in their original form.
FAQ
Should a Cobbler Add Rubber Soles to Leather Soles?
The only reason to put rubber soles on is if the current leather soles are too slippery to walk on. In the case of CL, some ladies want to preserve the red sole look from afar, but this is just for aesthetics.
Resole Leather Shoes with Rubber?
As stated, if the shoe is made to have the sole replaced, such as Goodyear welted shoes, you can replace leather with rubber. But be aware that some high-quality rubber soles, such as Dainite, aren’t too much softer than leather.
Which Sole is Better Rubber or Leather?
As it is more breathable than rubber, many prefer it though it can be stiff when acclimating yourself to it. Thankfully that period of stiffness doesn’t last long, and the shoes will be comfortable soon after
How Do I Protect my Leather Shoes From the Sole?
If you are attending an outdoor event and you know the weather is going to be damp, be advised that your leather-soled shoes can suffer.
Regular application of a sole conditioner such as Angelus Mink Oil or Neatsfoot Oil will improve water resistance
Why is it Better to Wear Shoes with Leather Soles?
Breathability: the leather soles have the advantage of letting the foot breathe and keep the inside of the shoe cool and dry. Resistance: the leather sole is more resistant than the soles made with other materials.
Can a Leather Sole be Replaced with Rubber?
Absolutely! Whether it’s a rubber or leather sole, as long as the pairs are Goodyear welted the soles can be replaced time and time again to extend the life of a pair.
For your replacement options, you’re at the mercy of what’s available at your local cobbler.
How Can I Make my Leather Soles Last Longer?
The first thing to do to take proper care of your leather soles is to avoid jumping in every puddle you pass! Not because leather cannot tolerate water, but because it wears out much faster when wet. When your soles are wet, the most important thing to do is to let them dry: the slower they dry, the better.
What are the Disadvantages of Rubber Soles?
Common rubber outsoles have soft hand feeling, good elasticity, good abrasion resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and are widely used in various sports shoe soles.
Disadvantages of rubber soles The shoe material is heavier, easy to spit cream, and the price is more expensive.
