Possible to replace rubber shoe sole with leather?

[GQhustler]

If you have a shoe that you like everything about it except for its sole, can you replace it with a completely different type of sole? For example, take the Ferragamo loafers in the first pic. The sole is quite thick for my taste and I really don't like it at all. Is it possible to have a cobbler replace that thick rubber sole with a thin leather sole as is pictured in the second picture? I would imagine it's entirely possible, but then again I have very limited knowledge on this.

Replace this sole:

With this type of sole:

 

[GQhustler]

come on, someone has to know

 

[lee_44106]

Short answer is NO.

The way the shoes was constructed in the first pix, it's essentially a piece of leather glued onto a rubber sole.

I suppose a very skilled cobbler could take the whole thing apart and stitch a thin leather sole to it, but that's the equivalent of completely remaking the shoes.

 

[calvinloke]

Originally Posted by lee_44106

Short answer is NO.

The way the shoes was constructed in the first pix, it's essentially a piece of leather glued onto a rubber sole.

I suppose a very skilled cobbler could take the whole thing apart and stitch a thin leather sole to it, but that's the equivalent of completely remaking the shoes.

Why would taking apart the rubber sole from the leathers the equivalent of remaking the shoes? Aren't most resoling jobs like that? I'd say that it is possible. However, the shoe can only be blake-stitched IMO.

 

[MyOtherLife]

Against better judgement I purchased a pair of Zara loafers once.
The uppers were leather and quite nice, but the soles were a very thin rubber.
I could feel every pebble on the sidewalk when I walked in them.
I took them to my cobbler with this same question; could he re-sole with leather.
He said yes, but it would be glued on, not stitched. $60 later I got my shoes back with full leather soles. 2 years later, and the glue is still holding, albeit under light and occasional wear.

In your case, I would leave them as is. Make peace with those nice thick soles if possible,
and get your moneys worth out of them.
When you've completely worn out the soles it will be time to experiment.

 

[Nick V.]

Yes.....They can be cemented and stitched on.
A leather heel base and toplift of your choice would need to be added.

 

[Dburr]

I've had AEs recrafted and replaced rubber soles with leather. Looked brand new.

 

[Brogued]

Originally Posted by Dburr

I've had AEs recrafted and replaced rubber soles with leather. Looked brand new.

I just picked up a pair of AE Bentons in chili on EBAY for $30 with rubber soles to be my winter shoes this year. I plan on replacing them with leather soles in the spring.

 

[GQhustler]

Originally Posted by Dburr

I've had AEs recrafted and replaced rubber soles with leather. Looked brand new.

Can I ask how much you paid for this to be done?

 

[Dburr]

around $100 - complete details on their website under "recrafting". You send them in - in 30 days or so you get them back. Mine looked absolutely new inside and out. Look around on their website - they used to have a movie showing the whole process. It's quite extensive

 

[Dburr]

Of course they only recraft their own shoes

 

[countcount]

It can be done. These guys in Japan can do it. Look at Sole Change for Driving Shoes

The cost looks to be around $125-$150.

 

[BrooklynWeGoHard]

Originally Posted by countcount

It can be done. These guys in Japan can do it. Look at Sole Change for Driving Shoes

The cost looks to be around $125-$150.

great site.