Double-sole shoes and comfort

[matcha]

I've been considering some shoes (like C&J) that use a double sole. How do you think they compare in comfort to thinner leather soles? How about to veldtschoen soles?

Would the doublle soled shoes make good travel shoes, for walking all day in a city like NY?

 

[Phil]

I own several pairs of shoes with both single and double leather soles. I honestly dont think one is more comfortable than the other. The only sole that might make a difference is a rubber (dainite) sole, since it has more cushioning than leather. Other than that, I think other parts of the shoe contribute to comfort more than the thickness of leather on the sole.

 

[matcha]

I'm asking because I once posted a question about a certain Lobb RTW model and some commented that it had a double sole so would not be comfortable. I hadn't thought of that issue.

When I used to buy Bally shoes I found the elegant but THIN soles became very painful to wear on a trip, compared to English or even Ferragamo Originale shoes.

 

[Phil]

certain brands of shoes, namely Italian shoes, used to (and still might) have an extremely thin leather sole. So thin, in fact, that you could feel every pebble under your feet. I know this because my dad used to wear them, and I used to borrow his dress shoes as a teenager when I had to get dressed up. If you are talking about those soles, then yes, thickness counts. I dont know how anyone could wear shoes like that, it was like my feet were being pounded by hundreds of tiny hammers. But if you are referring to normal thickness leather soles, then I really dont think it makes a difference.

 

[RIDER]

I think the double (or heavier) sole idea makes alot of sense for street wear. Â I have worn this shoe for years and it is perfect for Italy where, obviously, walking is done on old cobblestones and cement. Â Borgioli Roma disclaimer - I am the buyer for Franco's, so I am alittle biased.

 

[norcaltransplant]

I dont think there is a clear cut difference between single and double soles in terms of comfort. I would agree that my Bally's lead to some fatigue after walking around New York; however, my equally thin soled Lidforts feel much better after an equivalent amount of walking. The same can be said for a pair of black Moreschi bluchers.

 

[Will]

The English consider double soles country or weekend shoes. They should serve you better on rough ground, and thicker soles don't conduct heat to your feet as quickly as single leather soles.

Double soles are not directly comparable to veldts, which are wet weather field shoes with thick rubber soles and a special construction at the welt.

Double dainite rubber soles are the Saturday museum walking shoe. Unlike veldts they won't keep your feet dry in a flood, but they are easier to stand in all day than plain leather soles.

Will

 

[jrh]

I have lots of double sole shoes and boots by Edward Green, Alden, and J M Weston. They are more comfortable then rubber soles in similar models. My triple sole Westons are wonderful (after some breakin period).

 

[brescd01]

My AS veldtschoen are not rubber soled, so can someone explain what this means? Furthermore, what is a "dainite" sole? Is this a brand?

 

[Nick M]

Furthermore, what is a "dainite" sole? Is this a brand?

A few types of soles, courtesy of Bengal-Stripe, I think...

 

[marc37]

Quote:

(brescd01 @ 05 Oct. 2004, 04:47) Furthermore, what is a "dainite" sole? Is this a brand?
A few types of soles, courtesy of Bengal-Stripe, I think...

Of course we all prefer the leather channeled sole.

Leather soles [that are stitched aloft] are for suckers. Give me channeled soles any day.

 

[matcha]

I have lots of double sole shoes and boots....They are more comfortable then rubber soles in similar models.

It's interesting that you say that the leather soles are more comfortable than rubber ones. Perhaps because they're smoother and slip more on pavement, with less friction?

Do other people agree that leather soles are more comfortable?

 

[Xiaogou]

Are double-leather sole shoes inappropriate for business wear? Can anybody comment on the comfort of double-leather soles other than the comment above? Also- I am 6'2...will I look out of place with such a thick sole?

 

[Tarmac]

Originally Posted by matcha

Do other people agree that leather soles are more comfortable?

no, there is no real consensus on this. it's like debating what is more important, cushion or support.

in my opinion other factors contribute far more to comfort, namely fit.

 

[JayJay]

I wear double-soled leather shoes almost daily with suits and for casual wear. I also usually wear one pair when I travel. I've walked all over cities in them all day long without any problems whatsoever. For me, double-soled shoes are very comfortable.