Do topies affect the integrity of the shoe sole?

[anon]

I'm thinking hard about getting a pair of AEs because I like the style (and the square-toed monstrosities I have now are getting worn out) but think that leather-soled shoes wouldn't be ideal for the type of environment I'd be wearing them in.

Ideally I'd like a pair of rubber-soled shoes, but AE doesn't have many stylish options that I like (I want a perf captoe). I'd then want some kind of toppie, or rubber installed in high-volume areas to cushion my step, especially the ball of the feet.

Does this ruin the leather sole of the shoe, or in any way affect the lifespan of the shoe? Is it hard to get a combination leather/rubber sole? Are there any other options that are as nice as AEs but still have thin rubber soles?

 

[MLIW]

Any styles that you like that you could shoe photos of so we can help?!

 

[anon]

I would probably get the Fifth Avenue

maybe just the Park Avenue

or the Strand

I would get whichever of these I could find as seconds or on sale for under $200. So I guess any shoe that's like these, under $200, and still a quality shoe would fit the bill.

 

[ManofKent]

Originally Posted by anon

I'm thinking hard about getting a pair of AEs because I like the style (and the square-toed monstrosities I have now are getting worn out) but think that leather-soled shoes wouldn't be ideal for the type of environment I'd be wearing them in.

Ideally I'd like a pair of rubber-soled shoes, but AE doesn't have many stylish options that I like (I want a perf captoe). I'd then want some kind of toppie, or rubber installed in high-volume areas to cushion my step, especially the ball of the feet.

Does this ruin the leather sole of the shoe, or in any way affect the lifespan of the shoe? Is it hard to get a combination leather/rubber sole? Are there any other options that are as nice as AEs but still have thin rubber soles?

Topy's don't really add any cushioning.

 

[anon]

Originally Posted by ManofKent

Topy's don't really add any cushioning.
well that sucks. I could get them completely resoled in rubber, right? can most of these kinds of shoes be worn with insoles to improve cushioning?

 

[ManofKent]

Originally Posted by anon

well that sucks. I could get them completely resoled in rubber, right?

can most of these kinds of shoes be worn with insoles to improve cushioning?

Yes you should be able to get a rubber sole fitted, but the better rubber sole units (e.g. Dainite) have next to no cushioning either. I think insoles are the way to go, but you might need to size up half a size.

 

[anon]

I would also need some rubber on the bottom just because of the type of floors I'd be walking on. so I'd take leather-soled shoes, refit them in rubber, then add an insole just to make them comfortable.. does that defeat the point of buying leather-soled shoes in the first place?

 

[Ed Sullivan]

Call the AE factory store. I remember a poster last week saying they ran some Park Avenues with rubber soles and are selling them for $159 or $179. Not seconds either iirc.

Originally Posted by anon

I would probably get the Fifth Avenue

maybe just the Park Avenue

or the Strand

I would get whichever of these I could find as seconds or on sale for under $200. So I guess any shoe that's like these, under $200, and still a quality shoe would fit the bill.

 

[AgentQ]

In a worst-case scenario, topying a leather-soled shoe may cause rot and sogginess if the shoe is not dried properly, as the moisture will not be able to escape as efficiently because of hte rubber covering.

 

[ManofKent]

Originally Posted by anon

I would also need some rubber on the bottom just because of the type of floors I'd be walking on. so I'd take leather-soled shoes, refit them in rubber, then add an insole just to make them comfortable.. does that defeat the point of buying leather-soled shoes in the first place?

Personally if you need rubber soled shoes I'd get Dainite soled shoes to start with. I find shoes comfortable enough without insoles, but they're an inexpensive addition.

 

[anon]

Originally Posted by ManofKent

Personally if you need rubber soled shoes I'd get Dainite soled shoes to start with. I find shoes comfortable enough without insoles, but they're an inexpensive addition.
do you know of brands in my price range that I could look at?

 

[ManofKent]

Originally Posted by anon

do you know of brands in my price range that I could look at?

At the bottom end some Loake 1880's come with dainite soles, moving up slightly so do some Barker, Cheaney - up a bit further Crockett & Jones. Have a look at www.pediwear.com

 

[anon]

Originally Posted by ManofKent

At the bottom end some Loake 1880's come with dainite soles, moving up slightly so do some Barker, Cheaney - up a bit further Crockett & Jones. Have a look at www.pediwear.com
great info, cheers! the Loake Tweed looks like a great option.

 

[youngScholar]

Originally Posted by AgentQ

In a worst-case scenario, topying a leather-soled shoe may cause rot and sogginess if the shoe is not dried properly, as the moisture will not be able to escape as efficiently because of hte rubber covering.

How common is this? I ask because I got my AEs topied a few months ago.

How do you know if the sole is rotting under the topy?

 

[Toorman]

This has been hashed and rehashed a million times here. One person says it rots your shoes another posts photos of shoes they've worn for years with topy's showing zero effect. Tried it on one pair myself (soles were already painted black) use for inclement weather and heavy walking days. It's been about a year and shoes are fine.