When is it too late to put sole guard?

[ProfessorShak]

Recently had vibram sole guards installed on my santoni's by B.Nelson and I quite like it. Nick is a very nice guy as well and we had a brief convo on the topic. Now I'm considering to have them installed on the rest of my shoes. However, the santonis were new and unworn my other shoes have and some more than others.

When is it too late to have sole guards installed on already worn shoes?

Thanks all

 

[alliswell]

If you have to replace the sole because it's soft, it's too late for topys. Replace the sole and then put the topys on. Otherwise, have at it.

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by alliswell

If you have to replace the sole because it's soft, it's too late for topys.

this

Originally Posted by ProfessorShak

However, the santonis were new and unworn my other shoes have and some more than others.

don't do this.

 

[upnorth]

New is fine, the cobblers will file it roughly to create more surface area for the adhesive but rather than let them have all the fun, you could simply take the virgin out for a ride without protection.

 

[The Louche]

Originally Posted by alliswell

If you have to replace the sole because it's soft, it's too late for topys. Replace the sole and then put the topys on. Otherwise, have at it.

Originally Posted by upnorth

New is fine, the cobblers will file it roughly to create more surface area for the adhesive but rather than let them have all the fun, you could simply take the virgin out for a ride without protection.

These. Best to do it before you forget IMO, and new is the best time for this.

 

[otc]

What do you mean when you say soft?

I have never resoled a shoe but I have a pair that I think are close to needing it...

 

[The Louche]

When leather soles wear down to a point close to developing holes they become soft to the touch. Just press the sole with your thumb and you will be able to tell. The softness is unmistakable. I think this phenomenon is particularly true of Goodyear welted shoes with cork mid soles.

 

[rk9]

Why are shoes that are Goodyear welted particularly susceptible?

 

[The Louche]

Originally Posted by rk9

Why are shoes that are Goodyear welted particularly susceptible?

They aren't susceptible to wear more than other shoes. Its just that the cork mid-sole commonly found in a Goodyear shoe will enhance the "squishy" sensation you feel when the out-sole wears thin. Something like, say, a Blake shoe doesn't have the spongy cork in there to enhance this sensation.