[Pr B]

I have a pair of AE Leeds in merlot calfskin that I wear for everyday wear at work. Since I also have a pair of AE Leeds on Shell Cordovan, I think I'd have AE craft this calfskin pair in sturdier soles.
I live in Minneapolis, where we have snowy or icy sidewalks almost half the year (!). The original leather soles with Toby work amazingly well.
What's your opinion, experience, advice about refracting with Dainite or with Itshide Commando?!

 

[fishertw]

Ive found Ishtide to be a harder, thus more prone to sliding on hard surfaces than danite.

 

[Matt S]

Dainite is awful on snow and ice when new, but it gets a little better as it breaks in. I've had commando soles that are better on ice, but I don't know about Itshide.

 

[fishertw]

I also have used Vibram mini lug which give a bit softer, less severe feel to dressier shoes.

 

[Watchman]

Even if Dainite is not good on snow/ice it is still far better than leather IMO. I lived in Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin for years and years and got good service from Dainite.

Also, you may consider traditional leather soles with a Topy installed on forefront and heel of shoe. This is what I opt for and this has always given me excellent service.

I have no experience with Itshide Commando, but I have different iterations of commando soles on other boots. Just be aware the moment you attached any version of commando to the Bottom of your Leeds, they essentially become inherently casual.

Dainite or Leather sole with Topy can be dressed up slightly with blazer or sport coat.

Cheers!

 

[Oldsarge]

We rarely get snow here in the PNW but when we do, I stay indoors. For our nearly constant rains, though, I say Dainite.

 

[Theoden]

Even if Dainite is not good on snow/ice it is still far better than leather IMO. I lived in Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin for years and years and got good service from Dainite.

Also, you may consider traditional leather soles with a Topy installed on forefront and heel of shoe. This is what I opt for and this has always given me excellent service.

I have no experience with Itshide Commando, but I have different iterations of commando soles on other boots. Just be aware the moment you attached any version of commando to the Bottom of your Leeds, they essentially become inherently casual.

Dainite or Leather sole with Topy can be dressed up slightly with blazer or sport coat.

Cheers!

The French are known, for city wear, to have a half topy on the ball of the shoe or somthing similar with a flush metal front tip (french tip) and a rubber tap on the heel. Keeps it city-ish without the need for constant resoling/recrafting.

I'm wondering if the metal tips on the front are overkill if you have a topy?

--Alan

 

[Pr B]

Watchman,

Hmm, in your experience, Topy or Dainite? I've had good snow/ice traction with both....

 

[Watchman]

The French are known, for city wear, to have a half topy on the ball of the shoe or somthing similar with a flush metal front tip (french tip) and a rubber tap on the heel. Keeps it city-ish without the need for constant resoling/recrafting.

View attachment 95486


I'm wondeing if the metal tips on the front are overkill if you have a topy?

--Alan

I don't think so, in fact, I have a pair of custom G&G St. James with this same treatment applied:

 

[Matt S]

Watchman,

Hmm, in your experience, Topy or Dainite? I've had good snow/ice traction with both....

I would go with Dainite. While topys help with both traction and durability, the soles can still soak up a lot of water and the water can get trapped under the topy.

 

[Watchman]

Watchman,

Hmm, in your experience, Topy or Dainite? I've had good snow/ice traction with both....

Generally speaking, I prefer Topy. This is due to my enjoyment of sartorial expression which is on the side of "Classic Menswear" and therefore more formal in nature. Although, in recent times, my wardrobe has gravitated towards casual due to contemporary world in which we live.

I have several pairs of boots with Dainite and thoroughly enjoy them. I like Dainite on shell cordovan because I feel the rubber of Dainite helps to produce more uniform rolling on the vamps for cordovan leather.

I enjoy Topy because they are classic with regards to mens footwear, but also provides a more "sure footed" feeling in foul weather. Topy seems to be the ideal place between formal and functional.

Cheers!

 

[Watchman]

I would go with Dainite. While topys help with both traction and durability, the soles can still soak up a lot of water and the water can get trapped under the topy.

Correct. Which is why in recent times I have the cobbler install Topy under the entirety of the leather sole as to cover the welt stitching completely. They may charge a couple extra dollars but well worth it. This does not become an issue with closed channel soles.

FWIW, I have yet to have an issue with my 25+ pairs of shoes which have Topy installed. But, I know it can be a problem for some.

Cheers!

 

[Theoden]

I don't think so, in fact, I have a pair of custom G&G St. James with this same treatment applied:

View attachment 95487


View attachment 95488

Thanks!

 

[mreams99]

I have boots with Dainite and boots with the Itshide commando sole.

The commando sole has better grip in snow. In my opinion, it’s slightly better than Dainite on ice or wet surfaces.

The Dainite sole looks more formal from the side because you don’t see lugs. For a shoe, I’m not sure which I would choose — probably Dainite unless snow and ice traction was my top concern.

With a boot, I wouldn’t hesitate to go commando.

 

[Watchman]

^After a lot of searching I finally found a pic of a pair of derby's which I had Topy installed as to cover the entire bottom of the shoe. As you can see, there would be no welt stitching to get debris into and the Topy is very secure.

 

[Ole Hickory]

Ripple soles are good but present similar issues as the other rubber soles mentioned.
Ive done research; if you hit an ice patch or frozen grate on the sidewalk, you can bust your tail!