[jon44]

I really want to find a pair of Alden boots that fit and started out with a great "custom" pair from Shoe Mart that has commando soles. Unfortunately, I let the aesthetics get the better of me and realize the boots just don't fit my foot (soon to be offered on sale).

At first blush, the Alden 3912 (cap-toe, more formal) boot fits great. But it comes in a leather sole.

I realize you can pay for a cobbler to put a rubber layer on top, but I'm wondering if I plan on using these boots in informal settings, what are the downsides of just wearing them no matter the weather?

People say leather is more slippery, but I haven't noticed a huge difference with just damp pavement.

Would I just expect the sole to wear down quicker if I occasionally get them wet?

 

[GeorgiatoJapan]

Walking around on wet pavement will cause them to wear down faster. I wouldn’t worry about occasionally getting them wet, you can always have a rubber topper put on later.

 

[some_dude]

Yes, and yes. I always have the rubber put on over the leather sole, although lately I've been ordering shoes from Allen Edmonds which already have a rubber sole.

 

[Buffalo]

I find that good leather soles work fine in wet weather

 

[ThomGault]

I've not noticed leather traction problems on simple wet surfaces, but they do have traction problems, vis a vis rubber, on other surfaces, e.g., ice, marble, etc.

Previously, I believed leather soles were always more correct for proper shoes, but as I get older, my attitude is reversing.

 

[RogerP]

Yes, and yes.

 

[some_dude]

I don't really understand that bias. I get that waffle soles, or running shoes, or whatever, aren't appropriate for wear when, well, not running or playing tennis or whatever.

However, this has no relationship to a small piece of rubber either glued to a leather sole or even the pure rubber soles that Allen Edmonds, for instance, offers. The rubber tap-sole, for instance. Unless you show someone, how would they even know it's not a leather sole?

Previously, I believed leather soles were always more correct for proper shoes, but as I get older, my attitude is reversing.