Q: Leather vs. rubber soles?
A: It depends!
Unfortunately there is no hard and fast answer to this question, unless you’re talking about formalwear, in which case the answer is always leather. In most other situations, there is a time and a place for both. While leather is more high quality, breathable, molds to the feet, can be re-soled, and has a lower profile, it is more fragile, can be destroyed by the elements, and is more slippery.
Rubber offers better slip prevention and traction, is less expensive, and weather-proof, however it is also more clunky looking. Our best advice is to choose a shoe that is appropriate for the season and occasion and to own a variety of both kinds of soles. You certainly do not want to be trudging through a snowstorm in your beautiful Italian leather shoes! If you’re looking for a mix of materials, Allen Edmonds a variety of soles and even features combination soles which give you the best of both worlds. Come in to Ted’s to check out our variety!