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Goodyear Welted footwear is traditionally constructed with a leather sole. In recent years however, other materials have begun to grow in popularity.
The majority of the shoes we make at Loake still feature a leather sole, but there is an increasing number of rubber/synthetic sole options on offer.
Leather is arguably still the best all round soling material. Being of natural composition it is breathable, helping feet to remain comfortable in warmer weather. Many people also find that leather has the best ‘feel’ on the foot, as it moulds to the shape of the feet and becomes increasingly comfortable with wear.
In addition to our leather soles, we have several rubber options.
To view all our Leather sole styles click here.
Perhaps the most versatile of these is the “Dainite” rubber studded sole. This is designed so that the profile appears no thicker than a standard leather sole and it is therefore well suited for use in formal shoes. The Dainite sole gives improved grip and durability, especially in damp conditions.
To view all our Dainite sole styles click here.
We have two heavier rubber sole units. The first is our “Commando” sole which has a distinctive heavy cleated tread. This gives improved grip on uneven surfaces. This sole is thicker than the Dainite sole and feels a little heavier on the foot as a result.
“Victory” is our other heavy rubber sole. It has a similar weight and grip to the Commando sole. Due to the weight and shape of both these rubber sole units, it is not possible to fit them to all our shoe styles.
The final type of sole in our current range is referred to as our “Lattice” model, which is a leather sole with a rubber forepart. This composite sole is designed to provide both the benefits of leather and the durability of rubber. It is also designed to be no heavier or thicker than a leather sole and so is appropriate for our most formal designs. Lattice can be fitted to all our leather soled Goodyear Welted shoes if required as part of our factory repair service.
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Francis Hogarth
the rubber oversole combines the best of both worlds, the breathability of leather keeping the sweatiest of feet fresh and the longevity of rubber, .My Loake suede boots have a rubber oversole and breathability is no different to my fully leather ones even in the 30 degree heat of the South of France!! amazing stuff leather I just wish you could buy work type boots of similar construction my Timberland Colrains are about worn out,and Im struggling for replacements
Phil Dore
My sons Sahara’s soles have small linear holes, looking more like splits, about 13mm, 1/2″ in length. They were a successful and (for us) an extravagant gift, he has worn them daily. I am not sure if the sole needs replacing or whether a rubber forepart can be bonded over the slits. We need a cobbler who would ensure Loake standards. Can you advise?
Loake
Hi Phil.
We have an excellent repair service at our factory in Kettering. You can send us your shoes to repair free of charge using our Collect+ service. Details of what to do can be found on our website here: http://www.loake.co.uk/repairs/
Hope this helps.
Laird Sky
I must confess I do prefer leather soles too but I am seriously thinking of returning one pair of my Loake brogues and having them fitted with a commando sole for wet and wintry weather wear.
Alan Murray
That was meant to be “heel-tips”!
Alan Murray
Nice blog – still prefer leather when possible (since first discovering “real” shoes 5 years ago!). If only there was away to stop it wearing preferentially at the toe. The soles on my trusty Chesters have lots of meat on them, but the toe of the sole is wearing faster. Mebbe I walk in a funny way!? Heels and help-tips are easier to have replaced – just as well, as that’s where my shoes wear fastest.