Shoes: Leather vs. Rubber Soles

leather soles in general, but i have a pair with rubber soles i wear if it's rainy out. Otherwise leather soles can soak through and your feet will be wet all day.

yeah personally i wear rubber soles, but then have a pair for rainy/snowy days as well with rubber soles

point taken

I posted this in another forum the other day, and it is very relevant here.

Ferragamo loafers, get the ones with the heavy rubber sole. I was reluctant to at first because I figured that I should by leather soled shoes but this guy in Italy talked me into them and now I swear by them. The first day I had them I wore them out of the store and talked around Florence for a few hours. They are by far the best shoes I have ever bought. I like their driving shoe as well, but it has a light sole and simply does not get the job done as well.

Rubber Soled Ferragamo Loafers, you will never buy another shoe again.

yeah i read that and found it interesting and was partially why i figured i would open the question up to all.

b-school do you have a link for the ones you have?

B School I have to disagree, I think leather soles are essential for the office. Generally, most folks are overly casual with shoes (e.g., loafers really should not be worn with suits). If there is inclement weather, you can wear those rubber things that go over your shoes or some ducky boots.

I have worn rubber sole shoes for all my professional life and haven't had any problem with that. They are more confortable, they don't slip when it rains... That said, of course you have to choose carefully, all my shoes look just like normal suit shoes, I wear Prada Sport shoes (no, these are not sport shoes, the brand is Prada Sport). There are other brands that also build great rubber sole suit shoes (I have seen a pair from fratelli Rossetti and they look great) @B School I havent tried Ferragamo rubber sole shoes, but could you sent a link to have a look?

Rubber soles do not = casual. Problem with rubber soles in general is that they are glue rather than sewn onto the bottom of you're shoes. Gluing is considered a cheap practice and looked down on. Rubber is a lot more comfortable to wear and frankly a lot more convenient.

If you are spending over $200 bucks for a pair of shoes get leather soles. When they wear out you can have them fixed for a minimal fee. I have a pair of coach shoes that I have worn for about 7 years, just got them re-soled a month ago for $50 bucks and they are good as new.

Quality lasts.

hi, I reckon that formal leather shoes are usually accepted or go well with the formal attire. So, i would suggest to get a shoe with a leather sole for its high durability and better experience.

I can even recommend a brand to buy leather shoes "tZaro" this brand will give you a great option for leather shoes and other men's leather accessories.

I personally think that rubber sole is fine. Leather sole is more classy, so it epends on the occasion, you can go for leather sole. But for a casual dressed up wor day/meeting, i think rubber sole is more than enough

I wear leather shoes with a rubber sole attached to the heel, so it doesn't wear as quickly. Rubber sole only shoes are for when it's raining.

Wear some neat english shoes (crockett, cleverley, lobb) with dainite, no problem. And not a worry in the world come wintertime.

Rubber, unless you find a leather set that fits amazingly well. Go for very high end rubber though, and have a leather pair or two in reserve.

In NYC AM there is just too much walking to deal with leather full time. Even our talking heads wear rubber when they aren't going on TV. Contrary to popular belief re-soling top end rubber is possible.

Agree with PMaag on the English shoe with dainite sole. Gaziano & Girling makes a great dress boot for winter if you're looking for something a bit more unique. For non-English shoes, Carmina and Carlos Santos also have quality options at (significantly) lower price points than G&G/Lobb.

Leather mainly because that is at least an indicator of better quality. But when you really get into shoes you will realize that the last is the most important thing. Just for the love of god do not buy shoes with square toe boxes as those always look like shit regardless of the quality of materials used.

Get the best one