Pics: Wet pavement melted my vintage leather soles !

[Reevolving]

This happened in one wear.
It was simply from walking on damp pavement (not direct rain)

Notice the significant wear that occurred in 1 wearing, esp. near the toe.
The soles must have become super-porous, and pebbles have even "dried/melted" into the soles.
Also, notice the long crack that has formed.

As per the forming crack, should I condition the leather? If yes, what product?
What do I do from here? Just wear them until the soles are ground away?

 

[texas_jack]

Just wear them. Soles are meant to be replaced anyway. However, you should probably condition the uppers like any shoe.

 

[Orgetorix]

Wear them out and have them replaced with better quality leather when they wear out. Go for Rendenbach soles if you can get them.

 

[Champagnelifestylenomoney]

The wear on the toe might indicate a shoe that is slightly too long. I had the same kind of wear pattern on the front of a shoe that was 1/2 size bigger than I normally take ( although they were comfortable due to a different last). I wouldn't worry - just getting the toe pieces replaced when they wear rather than the whole sole is possible.

 

[Reevolving]

Yes, it's 1/2 a size too big. Great call.

 

[Gradstudent78]

Originally Posted by Reevolving

This happened in one wear.
It was simply from walking on damp pavement (not direct rain)

Was there rock salt on the ground? That can be pretty damaging to leather, although I'm not sure it would have this effect.

 

[Nick V.]

Originally Posted by Gradstudent78

Was there rock salt on the ground? That can be pretty damaging to leather, although I'm not sure it would have this effect.

Good point.
Not intending to be derogatory. This is common with lower-grade leathers. they are loose grain which makes them porous. It looks like you have a mid-sole (maybe a pair of Kenmore's). If it weren't for the mid-sole water would soon begin to seep into the shoe through the sole.
Two options:
1. as mentioned above wear them out them have them replaced with a higher grade leather such as JR. Have the heels replaced as well.
2. Have sole guards applied and replace the heel with a rubber or combination heel.