Topy vs rubber oversoles on leather -- in New England

[LooknGr8]

What is pictured above is what the cobblers are calling a "full overlay" and although some on SF call it a Topy, others Vibram, and my cobblers here are calling it rubber, It appears to amount to the same thing (except for the logos on the overlay, and some on SF argue that one might possibly last longer than others). This, below is the partial overlay option. It's a pic of some Bass Weejuns I'd thrifted to beat up while out & about this summer; turns out they don't fit and they're headed back. They had what my cobblers are calling the "partial overlay" done at the factory (the stitching says so?). But I could get this done to my new ones. I can't figure out what the benefit of this would be vs. the full overlay.

 

[Mark Seitelman]

Originally Posted by LooknGr8

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Am trying to decide what to do on 5 new pairs.

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My specific *new* question is, since I live in the northeast and it's impossible to avoid some rain/slush/snow precipitation (even though I'll be careful) should I just opt for the full rubber oversole (not including heel) instead of the partial Vibram overlay/Topy?

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2nd question: Do the rubber oversoles eventually wear out and I'll have to re-oversole them in time? Previous posters say Vibram is pretty much permanent. What is your experience? What do you do?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by LooknGr8

These but without the heel piece (previous posters say the heel will be fine and not soak through) as opposed to the partial that leaves the leather of the toe exposed...

The Topy oversole will protect the sole of the shoe in light rains on wet streets after a rain. Essentially, it will keep the sole dry. However, with slush, light snow, heavier rains and the puddles, the oversole is insufficient. Opt for full rubber soled shoes with a thicker sole.

The oversole is very strong and will rarely need replacement. I have a pair of shoes that I wear to death, and I have had the Vibram oversole replaced only once. It is cheaper to have the rubber oversole replaced (very infrequently) than to have a leather sole replaced (more frequently).

Incidentally, the rubber oversole is a good idea for the ladies on their dress shoes which have paper thin soles. My wife has a rubber oversole added from time to time (except for evening shoes).

I would not go "whole hog" and have all of your new shoes "Topied". Try one or two at most to see if you like it. Some people prefer the "glide" that you can have with leather soles. You can "Topy" your remaining shoes later.

Do not place an oversole on shoes that you may use for dancing.

Good luck.

 

[LooknGr8]

thanks for the advice. I've got my answer & will try a couple. I'll get me some overshoes too. Luckily, the dance part isn't an issue, I am worse than Tom Brady at carnivale

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[JDMills]

It's all wether you like the feel or not, I prefer the feel of leather when I walk, (leather heels can be a killer though). Might be a better idea to have a pair of shoes with a rubber sole like he said ^^

 

[cbfn]

Originally Posted by Ravi

Looks like ****. Go buy some cheap shoe and stop worrying about a little rain. Shoes are meant to be disposible not worn for 20 years

 

[P-K-L]

Originally Posted by Ravi

Looks like ****. Go buy some cheap shoe and stop worrying about a little rain. Shoes are meant to be disposible not worn for 20 years

...how DARE you? People here INVEST in shoes...