Topy vs rubber oversoles on leather -- in New England

Have read a lot of the previous SF threads on this.

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

People seem to like Topy's better than old-skool rubber over leather soled shoes for reasons of both looks and overall durability, right?

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?

(no, it's not really practical for me to store 10 pairs of shoes at work like one previous poster said he does -- would love that but I have a fairly public cube and not a lock-and-key opportunity...we're encouraged to not store anything we don't want stolen, although that rarely happens if ever)

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

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should I just opt for the full rubber oversole (not including heel) instead of the partial Vibram overlay/Topy?

what is that?

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...

These but without the heel piece (previous posters say the heel will be fine and not soak through)

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hrrm that's what I call a topy

Thats a topyd sole, if you stand in a puddle or any amount of snow water and wet can still get in, topy doesnt protect completely against that and the waist of the shoe (the leather bit not covered by the topy) will get wet as well. I've never heard of one that leaves the leather on the toe of the sole exposed. You should get some overshoes, Swims are SF approved and a little bit more expensive than standard overshoes but worth it in my books.

The overshoes would certianly be cheaper, as I'd only need one pair!

I've talked to cobblers in three towns (I commute...far, ugh) and none of them do topys/vibram here and all do rubber. I wonder why? Have I just not shopped around enough, or are topys worse on ice or some reason specific to New England?

I dont think you can add a vibram or rubber unless its resoled like that, any basic cobbler I know can glue on a Topy. But seriously the overshoes will be much cheaper and look better. I've been told if you wear the topy down itll get smooth and wont grip as well on ice but I dont have any topyd shoes so I couldn't say. A lot of people I know use topy because its cheaper than resoling a full leather sole, 30 bucks versus 70+, but all up to you. I know a few high end makers dont recommend them (Edward Green) because it stops the leather sole from breathing.

It seems I might also have an issue with regional vocabulary here. Topy = Vibram = rubber, the more I google, and they appear to called different things in diff regions of the country. My cobblers aren't using Topy branded or Vibram branded oversoles...but they could all be similar things. They all call them rubber, and no one has shown me a vibram or topy logo'd oversole (the least expensive was called "Doble Vida"...)

Posters here, obviously call them by different names too but I am starting to think they are all referring to the same thing.

Originally Posted by LooknGr8

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The overshoes would certianly be cheaper, as I'd only need one pair! I've talked to cobblers in three towns (I commute...far, ugh) and none of them do topys/vibram here and all do rubber. I wonder why? Have I just not shopped around enough, or are topys worse on ice or some reason specific to New England?
I'm not sure I understand what you're talking about. Topy is a rubber product, Vibram is a rubber product. they can each be put on top of leather soles like your picture shows. this costs around $40 at my guy in Newton. Sole Man in Newton uses Vibram branded rubber Vibram also makes lug soles that would replace your leather sole. a guy like B Nelson in NYC could do that for a good bit more, as this is a much more involved procedure is this the decision you are talking about? putting a piece of rubber on vs completely replacing the sole?

Originally Posted by LooknGr8

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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...

OP, here's a pefect example of why you don't Topy. Here's a pic of why I buy leather soled shoes (second go, pic too small LOL): Wear them in the rain. It's fine. Was raining yesterday for me and my leather soled shoes did not fall apart.

Yes, and a bit more: Resoling vs. a smaller piece that leaves leather exposed up by the toe vs. something that covers toe most of the way back to the heel (like the pic). Looks like most either do it like the pic or Swims. Which is basically the answer I was looking for.

The partial overlay (smaller piece) I guess is more of an option for people living in warmer (less ice/snow) climes, although they will do it here if I insist.

a smaller piece that leaves leather exposed up by the toe

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I have never seen this

Originally Posted by LooknGr8

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Yes, and a bit more: Resoling vs. a smaller piece that leaves leather exposed up by the toe vs. something that covers toe most of the way back to the heel (like the pic). Looks like most either do it like the pic or Swims. Which is basically the answer I was looking for.

The partial overlay (smaller piece) I guess is more of an option for people living in warmer (less ice/snow) climes, although they will do it here if I insist.

I think pictures of each of your options would make it easier for everyone to give advice, as something seems to be getting lost in translation.

TOPY [/quote] VIBRAM (Commando sole in this case) http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=h...w=1280&bih=699 Dainite sole http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=h...w=1280&bih=699 Overshoe http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=h...w=1280&bih=699

Originally Posted by LooknGr8

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Have read a lot of the previous SF threads on this.

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

People seem to like Topy's better than old-skool rubber over leather soled shoes for reasons of both looks and overall durability, right?

What is your experience? What do you do?

i buy leather soled and rubber soled shoes and rotate them due to the weather conditions.