Double leather shoes extra stiff?

[Neo1824]

I suspect I know the answer to this, but I recently picked up some Sutor bluchers which appear to have double leather soles (they are a bit thicker than my other shoes ~ 3/8") and have a very thin rubber layer across the bottom under the ball of my foot.

I have noticed that they are incredibly stiff but have not flexed them a whole lot so that I do not crease the top.

Is this pretty normal for a thicker leather sole like this? I assume they'll break in and soften up with wear?

 

[LeatherSOUL]

Yes I do think double leather soles are definately stiffer than single leather soles. It will take some time to break in the soles, but I prefer them for the added protection from the hard pavement while walking and added durability.

 

[kolecho]

I prefer double soles as well. It is much better for walking after some breaking in. If I can, I always specify double sole in the forefoot that tapers to single sole in the waist on my oxford shoes. Derbys can be double all the way.

Some single soles are thinner than others. The Santonis I had were the thinnest, followed by EG, then Vass. I like walking in my Vass single soles best because it is just a bit thicker than the rest.

 

[heavyd]

top that leather off with a thin piece of rubber at the cobbler and you have indestructible shoes that will last you 2X as long.

unless i am wearing them...

 

[Neo1824]

This one definitely seems durable! Fit is perfect, I was just surprised at how rigid they were when I walked.

Does it take a long time for them to break-in?

 

[grimslade]

They take a little bit longer, but I find them much more comfortable once they are.

 

[Panzeraxe II]

Originally Posted by grimslade

They take a little bit longer, but I find them much more comfortable once they are.

+1

 

[sho'nuff]

i love the double soles/thicker soles on the shoes i wear. it adds to the substantiality of the shoe and longevity. i like a heavier and more authoritative looking shoe anyways.

for formal /night events, i like a single thin sole. mostly black, i dont even mind if it is blake stitched.

 

[Tarmac]

They will break in like everyone else said but if you don't like it, you might not warm to it. I like the feel, but sometimes I will wear various double soles all week and then when I try on a flimsy single sole or even a glued beater cheapie, i think to myself, "whoa these are so light and flexible". It's just preference

 

[Neo1824]

Thanks for the advice.
This is my first pair of double soles so I'll just have to give them a shot and see how they work out!