Vibram vs Commando soles

[Marcellionheart]

Apologies for the somewhat basic thread. I'm looking into a pair of Alden Indy boots and deciding which type of sole I want. I'm not a fan of the Neoprene sole, so I'm looking into one with lugs in it.

The Kudu 404 has a Vibram sole on the bottom which fits in theory, but I've heard that the sole is simply glued whereas a Commando sole is welted on. Does that mean I can only resole using another Vibram sole? Or can I replace the sole with anything I choose? Also are there advantages to one over the other?

Thanks!

 

[Achilles_]

I think Vibram looks better but commando is probably more practical

 

[james_timothy]

You'd be better off going over to the SW&D side where there is an enormous thread on Alden's and asking this question; LeatherSoul sponsors it, so don't worry about lack of expertise over there.

 

[Marcellionheart]

James: thanks, I'll cross post there.

I'm still curious as to whether you can resole a pair of vibrams to something else since they're glued though and not welted.

 

[Mudhiker]

Originally Posted by Marcellionheart

I'm still curious as to whether you can resole a pair of vibrams to something else since they're glued though and not welted.

Yeah. They slice em off and glue another vibram sole on. Modern combat boots are no longer welted, and they are resoled in this manner. There are quite a few sole patterns, I'm sure there is a suitable one.

 

[Marcellionheart]

Yeah, but I meant, could you slice off a vibram sole and then put on a welted sole after? Like leather or dainite, etc?

 

[Edify Inc]

Originally Posted by Marcellionheart

Yeah, but I meant, could you slice off a vibram sole and then put on a welted sole after? Like leather or dainite, etc?

You can definitely resole to whatever takes your fancy, but probably not welted per se. Blake stitching would be the alternative.

 

[Marcellionheart]

I found some Aldens in Toronto today to try on and examine. It seems the 404 (Kudu w/Vibram) is actually a goodyear welted sole anyway. The Vibram is glued onto a piece of leather so that you can resole any welted sole later if you wished or replace the vibram. Definitely contemplating copping them.

 

[wonderwall]

If I wanted to resole my 405s with the same sole found on the 404s, which model number do I quote my cobbler? Is it one of these?: http://www.vibram.us/repair/repair.a...ct=Composition

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Isn't Vibram just a brand of "commando" sole? Isn't it like saying, "when you get a cut do you use a Band-Aid, or an adhesive strip?"

At any rate these are Vibrams on a blake/rapid stitched sole:

 

[upnorth]

Vibram is a brand with many ranges of product. Commando is a type of thread pattern not exclusive to Vibram, most British shoe makers use a brand called itshide.

I fail to see how you can/ would want to compare a brand vs a product type.

 

[Nick V.]

Originally Posted by upnorth

Vibram is a brand with many ranges of product. Commando is a type of thread pattern not exclusive to Vibram, most British shoe makers use a brand called itshide.

I fail to see how you can/ would want to compare a brand vs a product type.

Correct.....Further, the Itshide Commando gets stitched on. The lugs are recessed so they can't be seen from the profile. It's a much sleeker look.

 

[makewayhomer]

Originally Posted by Nick V.

Correct.....Further, the Itshide Commando gets stitched on. The lugs are recessed so they can't be seen from the profile. It's a much sleeker look.

that's the deal breaker for my on all the Alden boots with this sole, they are so clunky. I wished they used Dainite or the commando you mention.

 

[ManofKent]

Originally Posted by upnorth

Vibram is a brand with many ranges of product. Commando is a type of thread pattern not exclusive to Vibram, most British shoe makers use a brand called itshide.

I fail to see how you can/ would want to compare a brand vs a product type.

Originally Posted by Nick V.

Correct.....Further, the Itshide Commando gets stitched on. The lugs are recessed so they can't be seen from the profile. It's a much sleeker look.

Yes, and there are goodyear welted Vibram soles in different lug patterns...

 

[Nick V.]

Originally Posted by ManofKent

Yes, and there are goodyear welted Vibram soles in different lug patterns...

True but, they are to thick for dresswear IMO.