I'm a women in her 30's from Sydney trying to get away from fast fashion and buy quality that will last. Your videos are informative and helpful. Thank you for posting
Don't get caught up in "womens" "Mens" the womens shoe industry tends to make skinny shoes that are bad for the feet. Consider every good looking boot to be unisex :)
Most folks will say use cedar shoe trees and keep them where a human would be comfortable. FWIW, a dry closet can still get "fuzzy" growth on leather soles if put away wet and not used for a long time.
Excellent review my friend. Here are my favorite soles in order of ❤: 1) Leather (the most comfort and style); 2) Ridgeway (I wish I had more boots with these soles); 3) Wedge Soles (Love them all); 4) Half-Soles, either mini lug or Dr. Sole design; 5) Vibram V-Bar; 6) Dainite; and at the bottom, 7) Commando heavy lug, is just not suitable for my lifestyle. 😊
Natural crepe can be fairly easy to re-sole...You can buy it in large sheets and build your heel stack with glued layers. It can last fairly long in moderate dry city conditions. The Vibram mini lug has a nitrile compound and a nitrile/cork version. Same with the 700 Tygum, it comes in black nitrile or nitrile with some cork...The cork is softer and wears faster but is more comfortable. You should download the vibram catalogue, if you bounce around you will find detailed specs about the compound durometer of each compound. The 2021 and cristy are blown rubber compound lots softer, quick wear and bouncy feel on hard surfaces. The nitrile compound from Vibram is super long wearing...but crepe I think is the most comfortable...Natural crepe unfortunately will get sticky if your walking on hot tarmac...
Excited to see you still have your RW 3343s!! I bought my first pair of GYW boots, the 3343, for Christmas 2022 based in part on your review!! Thanks for all your contributions to the GYW community!! 🥾
Much needed deep dive lesson. I wasn't aware until now or it didn't occur to me that commando outsoles varied in softness to provide varying degrees of grip. Thanks again Tek.
Gumlite is like a wedge sole with lugs...Pretty good design if you don't mind quick wearing soles. Better durability than natural crepe but pretty close in comfort.
I got some v-bar on one pair to see how they do, but I wonder if I should have gotten mini-lug or something for those instead. I guess I'll find out next year if I need them resoled if I change my mind.
I got some Wolverine 1000 mile and they have a leather outsole with NO midsole or something, so I think it best I add some half sole option before I wear them as long as ye did w' them one pair a bit. another probably mini-lug perhaps. I wasn't opposed to the idea of a leather sole instead of Dainite or something as usual BUT I think it odd that there's no other layer, so would need automatic recraft, like those other. Odd construction choice I think.
I don't know if I would like wedge soles hiking because no real arch support and doesn't it alter the way you step a bit? Maybe you're on more flat surfaces than mountainous?
Not sure if the mushier one would be better or worse on wet cement or whatever. Would want to hear from tradesmen weighing in before swapping out the regular wedges for the softer ones on Thorogoods or whatever. [Which are still rubber, not plastic like they kinda look, anyway.]
Really wish more manufacturers would offer leather outsoles with hobnails, with the extra leather halfsole in the front. There just so unique and a proven reliable durable outsole!
Try WILLIAM LENNON BOOTS in the UK. They are made to last and don't break the bank either. Hobnails are quite good in rugged terrain, but they are risky on plain surfaces.
Thank you for sharing such information about shoes based on your extensive research. I seek guidance your regarding my pair of new shoes as it's sole is facing hydrolysis. It is a brand new shoe I hardly wear it twice. Is there any way I can preserve its original sole. Thank you
Nice video, BTW. Great info for someone entering the "hobby" (I guess it's a hobby...). Trying to bend the White's was funny. I have a pair of Nick's that are like that.
Leather soles tire my feet. I can walk in rubber soles all day no problem but with leather my feet are fatigued after 4+ hours. Does this happen to other people? Dainite has become my favourite. I used to hate the smiley face heel tho it's won me over and I love the low profile. It can be slippery in rain or snow if you're not paying attention.
I just got my new Jim Green African Troopers. My much crashed legs can only tolerate zero drop soles. Barefoot shoes are usually too much like walking barefoot.
@@Bootlosophy Not the original poster, but the African Troopers are a new style of barefoot boots that JG just began shipping out. Was considering them, but seeing as how even the non-barefoot African Rangers with the wedge sole make my feet hurt after a while, I guess I'm holding off of them.
Interesting, wasn't expecting these to ship until November. I've got some in Houston brown on order so maybe I'll be keeping an eye out for them sooner than expected! How are you finding them?
Howdy, I have started getting some well made boots (Thursday Black Label, Nicks) that will not be going in the bin when the soles are worn. Problem is that it looks like you need a some specialist skills to resole boots where some hand re-stitching is required. Any advise on who can provide these services in Perth? Thank you
@@lyonmcleod6070 I’m afraid I usually send to a Sydney cobbler called Baxter & Black. A couple I’ve heard good things about are Wembley Shoe Repairs and Jon’s Shoe Repairs in Trinity Arcade
Being 118 years old, anything other than wedge soles really hurt after a short while. I will swear by the Lactae Havea soles though. Those are god tier.
ive been playing around with the Idrese boot designer on their website, mocking up my dream dress boot (a burgandy chelsea) and this was quite helpful in explaining the sole choices. in your opinion, are day-night soles wrong for a dress boot?
For years, my preference was Vibram lug soles. Great traction, and they lasted a long time. I had lug soles added on to dress shoes. Just in case I attend a wedding and a fight breaks out. 😂😂😂😂😂😂
I have added lug half soles and heels to dress shoes. Makes a big difference when I run to catch the bus. With leather soles, I was slipping, sliding, and falling all over the place - like Mr. Biden😂😂😂😂😂😂
Corcoran and older Red Wings used to use a "corded rubber" sole. Literally rubber with cotton cords infused in it. Wearing them daily, on concrete floors and steel catwalks, they would last two years before a resole. Red Wing quit making the boot (this was the early 1980s). Corcorans are a complete joke these days.
Did anyone ever get to the bottom of Allen Edmonds and their Knock-Off-Esque Dainite soles? Am I the only one who’s noticed that?? Look closely, their Dainites are not the standard, the heel pad doesn’t have “Made in England”, and Dainites don’t have the “Gentleman’s Notch” like these. Compare them in person and the differences are obvious, the lugs are different, that slant at the waist, even the print.. it’s not as bold. I’ve ONLY ever seen this with AE, somebody else must’ve seen this too..
I have the Landon in Tan Nubuck reviewed on this channel. They have a red toned Dainite sole. I see the "Dainite" stamp and had assumed that they were authentic. I know Grant Stone has an in house formula and not Dainite. Had not heard of this from AE.
Did anyone ever get to the bottom of Allen Edmonds and their Knock-Off-Esque Dainite soles? Am I the only one who’s noticed that?? Look closely, their Dainites are not the standard, the heel pad doesn’t have “Made in England”, and Dainites don’t have the “Gentleman’s Notch” like these. Compare them in person and the differences are obvious, the lugs are different, that slant at the waist, even the print.. it’s not as bold. I’ve ONLY ever seen this with AE, somebody else must’ve seen this too..
I'm a women in her 30's from Sydney trying to get away from fast fashion and buy quality that will last. Your videos are informative and helpful. Thank you for posting
Don't get caught up in "womens" "Mens" the womens shoe industry tends to make skinny shoes that are bad for the feet. Consider every good looking boot to be unisex :)
Thank you for giving some love to an area of boots that’s hardly discussed, IMHO. In fact, it’s the part of boots I first notice in most instances.
You have so many boots now lol. We need a “how I store my boots” video next. Great video!!
Most folks will say use cedar shoe trees and keep them where a human would be comfortable.
FWIW, a dry closet can still get "fuzzy" growth on leather soles if put away wet and not used for a long time.
Excellent review my friend. Here are my favorite soles in order of ❤: 1) Leather (the most comfort and style); 2) Ridgeway (I wish I had more boots with these soles); 3) Wedge Soles (Love them all); 4) Half-Soles, either mini lug or Dr. Sole design; 5) Vibram V-Bar; 6) Dainite; and at the bottom, 7) Commando heavy lug, is just not suitable for my lifestyle. 😊
@@Theheritagetribute Ridgeway is my fave too Ely!
Dear Teik,
I wish to compliment on the quality of your videos.
Great job !
Hope to watch many more.
Natural crepe can be fairly easy to re-sole...You can buy it in large sheets and build your heel stack with glued layers. It can last fairly long in moderate dry city conditions.
The Vibram mini lug has a nitrile compound and a nitrile/cork version. Same with the 700 Tygum, it comes in black nitrile or nitrile with some cork...The cork is softer and wears faster but is more comfortable.
You should download the vibram catalogue, if you bounce around you will find detailed specs about the compound durometer of each compound.
The 2021 and cristy are blown rubber compound lots softer, quick wear and bouncy feel on hard surfaces.
The nitrile compound from Vibram is super long wearing...but crepe I think is the most comfortable...Natural crepe unfortunately will get sticky if your walking on hot tarmac...
Excited to see you still have your RW 3343s!! I bought my first pair of GYW boots, the 3343, for Christmas 2022 based in part on your review!! Thanks for all your contributions to the GYW community!! 🥾
Much needed deep dive lesson. I wasn't aware until now or it didn't occur to me that commando outsoles varied in softness to provide varying degrees of grip. Thanks again Tek.
Your videos are great. Thank you
I resoled a couple of my iron rangers with vibram gumlite plus a leather midsole. It’s made a big difference in comfort and aesthetics
Gumlite is like a wedge sole with lugs...Pretty good design if you don't mind quick wearing soles. Better durability than natural crepe but pretty close in comfort.
the honey soles can supposedly wear down faster than the black ones, but also more cushiony.
I guess it might be hard to know WHEN you're always getting rubber or when you're getting PU poly now?
I got some v-bar on one pair to see how they do, but I wonder if I should have gotten mini-lug or something for those instead. I guess I'll find out next year if I need them resoled if I change my mind.
I got some Wolverine 1000 mile and they have a leather outsole with NO midsole or something, so I think it best I add some half sole option before I wear them as long as ye did w' them one pair a bit. another probably mini-lug perhaps. I wasn't opposed to the idea of a leather sole instead of Dainite or something as usual BUT I think it odd that there's no other layer, so would need automatic recraft, like those other. Odd construction choice I think.
I don't know if I would like wedge soles hiking because no real arch support and doesn't it alter the way you step a bit? Maybe you're on more flat surfaces than mountainous?
Not sure if the mushier one would be better or worse on wet cement or whatever. Would want to hear from tradesmen weighing in before swapping out the regular wedges for the softer ones on Thorogoods or whatever. [Which are still rubber, not plastic like they kinda look, anyway.]
Great video, Teik! Enjoyed the detailed dive into outsoles, with a bit of a history lesson to boot!
Very informative! I enjoyed seeing all the boots as well.
I always look forward to your videos Teik! Speaking of soles, I got me some lugged Grant Stone Diesels in Black Waxy Commander. Badass!
Glad you went over this!
Would you say, for leather soles as well as uppers, that "breathability" is inversely proportional to water resistance?
Very informative - thank you for your work!
Really wish more manufacturers would offer leather outsoles with hobnails, with the extra leather halfsole in the front. There just so unique and a proven reliable durable outsole!
@@herkulays8380 although hobnails can wreak havoc on some floors
Try WILLIAM LENNON BOOTS in the UK. They are made to last and don't break the bank either. Hobnails are quite good in rugged terrain, but they are risky on plain surfaces.
@@adrianwalker2833 Thank you for the recommendation, they sure look swell!
Another vote for ridgeway here. My viberg 2040 with ridgeway outsole is my favorite combo I have. Thanks for the great vid 🍻
I like the look of them. Do they cake up with mud the same way commando soles do?
@@joshm9363 not nearly as much for me. Although to be honest I’m not wearing those boots in the dirt very much.
Excellent video 👍👢
I love your hat, sir
Seems like the kind of guy everyone wishes they had for a neighbor. 👍🏼
Lookin too cool for school my friend ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Thank you for sharing such information about shoes based on your extensive research. I seek guidance your regarding my pair of new shoes as it's sole is facing hydrolysis. It is a brand new shoe I hardly wear it twice. Is there any way I can preserve its original sole. Thank you
@@farooqashraf1630 unfortunately not - hydrolysis is a chemical reaction
Nice video, BTW.
Great info for someone entering the "hobby" (I guess it's a hobby...).
Trying to bend the White's was funny. I have a pair of Nick's that are like that.
Leather soles tire my feet. I can walk in rubber soles all day no problem but with leather my feet are fatigued after 4+ hours. Does this happen to other people?
Dainite has become my favourite. I used to hate the smiley face heel tho it's won me over and I love the low profile. It can be slippery in rain or snow if you're not paying attention.
Great video! Initial thoughts on the Parkhurst waxy commander?
@@givewai 5 stars!
I just got my new Jim Green African Troopers. My much crashed legs can only tolerate zero drop soles. Barefoot shoes are usually too much like walking barefoot.
@@dbmail545 African “Rangers”?
@@Bootlosophy Not the original poster, but the African Troopers are a new style of barefoot boots that JG just began shipping out. Was considering them, but seeing as how even the non-barefoot African Rangers with the wedge sole make my feet hurt after a while, I guess I'm holding off of them.
Interesting, wasn't expecting these to ship until November. I've got some in Houston brown on order so maybe I'll be keeping an eye out for them sooner than expected! How are you finding them?
Howdy, I have started getting some well made boots (Thursday Black Label, Nicks) that will not be going in the bin when the soles are worn. Problem is that it looks like you need a some specialist skills to resole boots where some hand re-stitching is required. Any advise on who can provide these services in Perth? Thank you
@@lyonmcleod6070 I’m afraid I usually send to a Sydney cobbler called Baxter & Black. A couple I’ve heard good things about are Wembley Shoe Repairs and Jon’s Shoe Repairs in Trinity Arcade
Those Fortis boots were amazing! Did you say they were the Dakar?
Yes and it’s titled in the video
Being 118 years old, anything other than wedge soles really hurt after a short while. I will swear by the Lactae Havea soles though. Those are god tier.
Well done! PS I like the hat.
ive been playing around with the Idrese boot designer on their website, mocking up my dream dress boot (a burgandy chelsea) and this was quite helpful in explaining the sole choices. in your opinion, are day-night soles wrong for a dress boot?
@@oldboy65637 no, I think they will be fine
For years, my preference was Vibram lug soles. Great traction, and they lasted a long time. I had lug soles added on to dress shoes. Just in case I attend a wedding and a fight breaks out. 😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@sheckydiamond7533 🤣🤣🤣
I have added lug half soles and heels to dress shoes. Makes a big difference when I run to catch the bus. With leather soles, I was slipping, sliding, and falling all over the place - like Mr. Biden😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@馬伕 🤣😇
I still haven't tried a leather outsole on any footwear...I am scared I will just fall the moment I take my first step.
Corcoran and older Red Wings used to use a "corded rubber" sole. Literally rubber with cotton cords infused in it.
Wearing them daily, on concrete floors and steel catwalks, they would last two years before a resole. Red Wing quit making the boot (this was the early 1980s).
Corcorans are a complete joke these days.
If your house were on fire, and you only had time to grab one pair of boots. Which would you take?
@@underratedcritic1983 a fire proof pair 🤣
Very Shakespearean " I mend soles sire!! " , Julius Caesar: Act 1 .
@@kartikchary “You have dancing shoes with nimble soles. I have a soul of lead …”
@@BootlosophyRomeo and Juliet was so much better 😄
Did anyone ever get to the bottom of Allen Edmonds and their Knock-Off-Esque Dainite soles? Am I the only one who’s noticed that??
Look closely, their Dainites are not the standard, the heel pad doesn’t have “Made in England”, and Dainites don’t have the “Gentleman’s Notch” like these. Compare them in person and the differences are obvious, the lugs are different, that slant at the waist, even the print.. it’s not as bold. I’ve ONLY ever seen this with AE, somebody else must’ve seen this too..
I have the Landon in Tan Nubuck reviewed on this channel. They have a red toned Dainite sole. I see the "Dainite" stamp and had assumed that they were authentic. I know Grant Stone has an in house formula and not Dainite. Had not heard of this from AE.
@@fessendenful trust me, compare the two, they’re different. Look for what I mentioned, I’ve owned many Dainites, the AE version is not the same
Did anyone ever get to the bottom of Allen Edmonds and their Knock-Off-Esque Dainite soles? Am I the only one who’s noticed that??
Look closely, their Dainites are not the standard, the heel pad doesn’t have “Made in England”, and Dainites don’t have the “Gentleman’s Notch” like these. Compare them in person and the differences are obvious, the lugs are different, that slant at the waist, even the print.. it’s not as bold. I’ve ONLY ever seen this with AE, somebody else must’ve seen this too..