Suede shoe + rubber sole = why?

[Mr. Moo]

I'm annoyed at my suede chukkas because they have a rubber sole, which would make them attractive for wearing in wet weather. Sadly they're suede, which would make wearing them in wet weather pretty stupid. So why the suede + rubber sole combination?

 

[Parker]

Good question.

Heres a theory: maybe it's more "suede = casual, rubber = comfortable for walking". So, a rubber soled suede shoe is a "comfortable casual shoe". Not necessarily a wet weather shoe.

 

[Mr. Moo]

Originally Posted by Parker

Good question.

Heres a theory: maybe it's more "suede = casual, rubber = comfortable for walking". So, a rubber soled suede shoe is a "comfortable casual shoe". Not necessarily a wet weather shoe.

Interesting. Quite a cock tease then, eh?

 

[holymadness]

Does this keep you up at night? Keep in mind that you've already admitted to being annoyed at a shoe.

 

[Mr. Moo]

Originally Posted by holymadness

Does this keep you up at night? Keep in mind that you've already admitted to being annoyed at a shoe.

We've had extremely wet weather here this past week or so, and I haven't been able to wear them. Tomorrow does not look promising, either.

 

[holymadness]

It rains quite a lot in the summer here, too. I suppose that's as good a reason as any to look into a rubber-soled dress shoe, of which I have none at the moment.

 

[Mr. Moo]

Originally Posted by holymadness

It rains quite a lot in the summer here, too. I suppose that's as good a reason as any to look into a rubber-soled dress shoe, of which I have none at the moment.

Me neither, actually. Rubber soled dress shoe and a leather soled suede shoe are on my list now.

 

[Gus]

I have a pair of dark suede, rubber soled Heschung wingtips that I bought in France in 2005. The suede was factory waterproofed and I put them to work right away walking for two weeks through rain and snow during a cold December. With the rubber soles they felt broken in right away and very comfortable for miles and miles of walking and shopping around Paris. It amazed me how water resistant they were. Easily equal to my regular leather shoes.

If your suede isn't treated, just stop at any shoe repair store and get a waterproofing spray suitable for suede and enjoy your shoes in the rain.

 

[Mr. Moo]

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

I have a pair of dark suede, rubber soled Heschung wingtips that I bought in France in 2005. The suede was factory waterproofed and I put them to work right away walking for two weeks through rain and snow during a cold December. With the rubber soles they felt broken in right away and very comfortable for miles and miles of walking and shopping around Paris. It amazed me how water resistant they were. Easily equal to my regular leather shoes.

If your suede isn't treated, just stop at any shoe repair store and get a waterproofing spray suitable for suede and enjoy your shoes in the rain.

Hmm, do those sprays really work? Can you recommend a particular brand?

 

[Gus]

I've used many different silicon sprays over the years for suede. I really like suede shoes and recomend anyone spraying any color suede with silicon before wearing and not just for rain. It also seems to protect the finish from most spills and splashes. But, if something really bad happens, then check out this link.

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=70189

 

[apropos]

I've always wondered about something else these shoe companies do:

1. kick up a fuss about why adding a topy (a rubberised plastic protector) to your leather soled shoe is bad because it stops it from 'breathing', reduces moisture evaporation, etc etc etc.

2. offer the exact same model with rubber soles.

Anyone else see the contradiction?

 

[embowafa]

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

I've used many different silicon sprays over the years for suede. I really like suede shoes and recomend anyone spraying any color suede with silicon before wearing and not just for rain. It also seems to protect the finish from most spills and splashes. But, if something really bad happens, then check out this link.

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=70189

Did you treat your C&J Westfields? What with? Just wondering since I have some on the way.

 

[embowafa]

Originally Posted by apropos

I've always wondered about something else these shoe companies do:

1. kick up a fuss about why adding a topy (a rubberised plastic protector) to your leather soled shoe is bad because it stops it from 'breathing', reduces moisture evaporation, etc etc etc.

2. offer the exact same model with rubber soles.

Anyone else see the contradiction?

Not really. The Topy is placed over a leather sole designed to 'breathe'. The rubber sole is placed over nothing...there is no leather that needs to 'breathe'.

I'm not sure how true the whole 'leather needs to breathe' thing is anyway.

 

[Gus]

Originally Posted by embowafa

Did you treat your C&J Westfields? What with? Just wondering since I have some on the way.

Damn, you've got a good memory!

Yes, I gave them a spray of silicon. It seems to darken them a bit, but within 4-5 hours they are virtually the same as new. I just didn't want to take a chance spilling something on them, especially when cooking or shaking up a round of Manhattans. As the Boy Scout motto says, "Be Prepared".

 

[mr monty]

Originally Posted by Mr. Moo

I'm annoyed at my suede chukkas because they have a rubber sole, which would make them attractive for wearing in wet weather. Sadly they're suede, which would make wearing them in wet weather pretty stupid. So why the suede + rubber sole combination?

Same as diver's watches with alligator straps?