Grant Stone - Official Affiliate Thread

[mak1277]

How does the sole break-in compare for the "dainite" sole compared to leather?

 

[audog]

How does the sole break-in compare for the "dainite" sole compared to leather?

I have found zero break in required for the micro-stud sole, the leather on the other hand, is rather "stiff" for a while.

 

[Neo1]

I have found zero break in required for the micro-stud sole, the leather on the other hand, is rather "stiff" for a while.

Very interesting....you know I have a hell of a hard time with the heel counters, but I found zero difference between the micro-stud and the leather. I did find a difference between the travelers and everything else - the travelers broke in faster.

 

[Neo1]

That’s why it’s good to purposefully flex the leather soles before and after the first few wears. When the soles are stiff starting out, the toe of the sole will dig into the ground while walking. I also wear leather soles just on carpet for a few days before going outside. This seems to help prevent toe wear. I am only 150 pounds, but I suppose heavier guys could properly flex new leather soles just from their weight while walking. Just my thoughts...

Lol. I'm maybe 3-4 pounds shy of 120 pounds and I can't flex the leather soles to any degree until I've worn them at least 10 full days haha. These things are tough straight out of the box.

 

[Neo1]

Even Grant Stone soles? If so, that’s impressive.

You sure as **** said that right. The PTBs / LWBs and boots - I couldn't even imagine coming close.

 

[audog]

Lol. I'm maybe 3-4 pounds shy of 120 pounds and I can't flex the leather soles to any degree until I've worn them at least 10 full days haha. These things are tough straight out of the box.

The mark of a great sole...

 

[Erikdayo]

Very interesting....you know I have a hell of a hard time with the heel counters, but I found zero difference between the micro-stud and the leather. I did find a difference between the travelers and everything else - the travelers broke in faster.

The single leather soles on their balmoral shoes break in much faster than the double leather soles on the Leo lasted shoes and boots. That said the single leather heels are just as tongue to break in as the LWBs and PTBs. The heel counters have yet to bother me on their boots. I've resorted to flexing the heel counters on the shoes with my hands pretty hard a few times early on. Seems to help a lot with the break in time.

 

[audog]

I've really had no problems with GS soles, yes.....break in seems to take longer than other brands, but that is just, in my opinion, the mark of a great sole. I have a worn some Ottawa's and Diesel boots on leather in all sorts of weather from dry and sunny to rainy/snowy and they still show very little wear. If ever a company made something to last a LONG, LONG time..it's GS and their leather sole.

 

[audog]

You guys head on over to the GS Buy/Sell/Trade thread, I'm blowing out some stuff, someone could possibly get a great price on some incredible boots!

 

[BrandonF]

How does the sole break-in compare for the "dainite" sole compared to leather?

I purchased some diesels with the micro stud sole and went hiking with them the same day. No break in period.

 

[TheWolf]

That’s why it’s good to purposefully flex the leather soles before and after the first few wears. When the soles are stiff starting out, the toe of the sole will dig into the ground while walking. I also wear leather soles just on carpet for a few days before going outside. This seems to help prevent toe wear. I am only 150 pounds, but I suppose heavier guys could properly flex new leather soles just from their weight while walking. Just my thoughts...

This is a great idea. I also seem to wear the toes on GS leather soles, but it seems to subside after a bit of break-in. I'll try this method next time.

 

[TheWolf]

Big fan of these bourbon suede Ottawa boots.

View attachment 1422848

easily one of my all-time favorites. I also like the bourbon suede travelers.

 

[gte872h]

I’ve never had issues with breaking in a double leather sole. I don’t have a slight frame but I’m not a huge guy either. I’ve sort of been on the lookout for an Oxford/Balmoral with a double leather sole or something like Edward Green’s HAF sole. I even have these JM Weston’s with a triple sole. I just don’t find single leather soles very comfortable.

 

[BrandonF]

I’ve never had issues with breaking in a double leather sole. I don’t have a slight frame but I’m not a huge guy either. I’ve sort of been on the lookout for an Oxford/Balmoral with a double leather sole or something like Edward Green’s HAF sole. I even have these JM Weston’s with a triple sole. I just don’t find single leather soles very comfortable.
View attachment 1422980

Wouldnt the new @GrantStone Fairfield be perfect then? I’m assuming they use the same thick leather sole as their derbies, but I don’t own any of their oxfords.

 

[Erikdayo]

Wouldnt the new @GrantStone Fairfield be perfect then? I’m assuming they use the same thick leather sole as their derbies, but I don’t own any of their oxfords.

It's a single leather sole but is fairly thick.

Edited because of wrong info.