stick on rubber soles... ruin shoes?

[Iyor]

I've recently splurged, and bought my self a bunch of higher end shoes(sutor, santoni fam, moreschi tirolese...), and a couple of my friends suggested I put on some half rubber soles along with taps on these shoes to prolong thier last. I've done this in the past with other shoes w/o any problems, but not as expensive. Before I do anything to them I just wanted to get some advice as to whether it ruins the shoe in any way. The people in the moreschi store said it's not a problem, though they said I should wear them a couple of times to break them in first w/o them. Thanks for any input.

BTW where can I get quality shoe trees?

 

[shawndo]

Putting the rubber tops on leather soles is one of the religious arguments on here, so be prepared!

Some say it prevents the leather from breathing and can cause it to rot (Which I don't buy) Others say it can trap water against the leather and cause it to rot (also don't agree with) I say go for it!

From what I've seen, there are 2 types of taps. The kind that are bolted on top of the sole and the kind that are flush with the sole. (They cut into the sole to make a space for it) I've heard that the second type is preferrable, and not to get the kind that are just bolted on the top. Can't remember why though.

Scuffing up the soles just makes it easier for them to put the rubber tops on. I don't know that it has anything to do with breaking them in.

 

[Teacher]

It will absolutely not ruin your shoes. While moisture can't escape through the bottoms after you apply a Topy (or whatever), it can (and will) still escape from the inside and sides. I don't do it, but I have friends who have done it for many, many years, and I have yet to hear of one of their pairs of shoes suffering from some sort of rot.

 

[Iyor]

Oh wow! I just did a forum search, and realized this is a heated debate. Also what about taps? I don't think I'll wear them out to quickly if I don't wear them in the rain, and I only wear them once a week (on sabbath, and other jewish holidays). I also have some of the regular line SF , and others that get mixed in so these are never going to be an everyday pair anyways. My question is if I basically wear these once a week how long can I expect these to last with, or w/o a rubber sole. Also how much does it cost to resole a pair of Sutor, fam, moreschi....If I go ahead with it where is a good place to do it in NYC. It doesn't seem like I can put taps on the front anyways since the soles are nailed there, though put extra wear in that area along with the heel. Just looking to get as much input as possible. Thanks

 

[Tarmac]

taps is another Holy War

if you send any shoe back to the manufacturer, it will cost probably over $100 for an original resole.

But many competent cobblers can replace a full leather sole with combination heelplug on goodyear last for $60-75.

 

[Iyor]

It seems part of the war has to do with the look, ans sound of the topy/ taps. Those 2 things are of no concern to me since I've done it in the past, and it didn't bother me. My question is whether nailing something foreign into my shoe will ruin them. I'm not too concerned with the breathing aspect either. My only concern is to prolong the life of my shoes, and I always thought this was the best way especially if I don't wear them often.

Any insight on the tap issue bolted, or flat?, and whether they can be put on the front if the sole is nailed there?


Also if you have any suggestions for reputable guy in NYC it would be appreciated.

 

[alliswell]

Read the thread 'Toe Plates in NYC'. Unless you're in Europe, you won't find a good way to get after-market flush-mounted plates. If you plan to wear your shoes regularly, get the thinnest topys you can find. and taps. You won't ruin your shoes.

 

[marlinspike]

I'm not going to cite sources and what all, so you can choose to believe me or not, but here is what I've learned from discussing this with shoemakers.

If the shoes are loafers, it's better to not put Topys on them. Same goes for any other shoes where slightly more resistance to flexing may be an issue. If the shoes are lace-ups, for the most part, Topy away.

Better to Topy after breaking in the shoe without a Topy on it.

I'll never understand the attraction of plates. If you put a Topy on you WILL NOT need toe plates. As far as if they do any harm, I don't know - as I don't see the attraction of them, I've never talked to shoemakers about them.

I don't know Sutor, but Moreschi and Santoni (and any of those thin Italian soles) wear out fairly quickly (compared to Alden and that sort - I wear them out in 2-3 months, but then I do a lot more concrete/asphalt walking them most, and I do a fair bit of twisting my foot when I step), BUT if after the sole that comes on the shoe wears out you have a cobbler replace the sole with a JR leather sole (which can still be thin), it will be years before you need a resole.

 

[tonylumpkin]

This thread might offer some helpful information on the cost of resoling higher end shoes. The posts toward the end address costs of having very high end shoes recrafted by the original makers.
http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=45733

 

[Jared]

Originally Posted by Iyor

My question is whether nailing something foreign into my shoe will ruin them.
You know, it almost doesn't make sense to think of the sole as an integral part of the shoe: it will eventually be replaced, and you may choose to replace it with a sole made by another manufacturer. What you're really paying for is the upper.

 

[CK JAGUUAR]

I realize this is an old thread but the topic is not. This is an area where age and experience is a great advantage, as in most areas of life. I bought three pair of Johnston and Murphy shoes in 1970 that I put rubber pads and "taps" on. I still wear them today. None of the three has ever needed to be resoled or re-healed and this is 45 years later. It's entertaining to see all the young, educated and brilliant minds trying to tackle simple subjects, and even funnier to see how dogmatic the positions become. All appear to be firmly based on hope, fantasy and wishful thinking supported by overbearing egos. But none on real world experience. Obviously Samuel Clemens was right. The world is full of educated fools.