Leather or Dainite studded sole?

[soren]

Since autumn is soon to come I've decided to buy a pair of suede boots, probably C&J. The question is whether I should go for the classical leather sole, or the (probably) more durable Dainite sole? Since all my other shoes are leather soled I have absolutely no experience with the Dainite sole, and hence I'm curious to know if will stand the weather of autumn (and winter) better than a leather one, and if it's just as comfortable? In other words: If I should be willing to sacrifice the elegance of a leather sole for the sake of a longer life for my boots?

Hope that some of you can help me!
All the best, Soren

[rodes]

Soren, I have one pair of each that I got about the same time,perhaps four years ago. I prefer the leather for both appearance and comfort. Both seem to be holding up very well and there is no noticeable difference in wear. One marked advantage for the dainite is the better grip on icey sidewalks. For this reason I am considering the Edward Green Thames soul for the future in hopes of getting the optimim of appearnce,comfort,wear and traction. Hope this helps.

[Jordan Marc]

Soren:

Save your leather-soled shoes for dry weather. For foul and icy weather, Google L.L. Bean and have a look at the winter boots in their online catalogue. There are two different models that might be of interest to you, a slip-on with a dark brown rubberized lower section to which is sewn a sturdy tan leather upper section. The other Bean model of interest is similar to the slip-on but has a six-eyelet
tan leather upper section over the rubberized lower section. The soles of both models are designed
for non-skid traction underfoot and heel. They're easy to care for. The wipe of a damp cloth cleans
the grime off the lowers, and an occasional application of Saphir Revenatour followed by some Saphir neutral shoe cream takes care of the uppers. Made in the state of Maine, the Bean boots are a godsend
in winter climates. If the boots appeal to you (neither can be misconstrued as a fashion statement), order a pair or two of fuzzy woollen inserts from Bean to keep your feet warm and lay in a supply of warm woollen hosiery from a mountain outfit supplier. Keep a pair or two of leather shoes at your workplace, which are preferable to clomping around the office in your Bean boots.

JMB

[soren]

Thank you so much, that was very helpful indeed! The LL Bean boots are definitely to the heavy (and warm) side so – for autumn wear at leat – I think I'll stick to the suede boots.

Theres one thing about leather soles and rainy streets I would like to add, though. I have only recently been made aware that you should treat your leather soles with a special sole oil; not only for the sake of waterproofness, but for durability in general. A lot of you are probably already aware of this, but I didn't know before I found the product at www.grunwald-true-style.com. I have now treated my soles, and it seems to work great.

Cheers, Soren

[Rob O]

I am delighted with my Edward Green 606 Dovers with Dainite soles. The grip they provide is outstanding and they are elegant in appearance. My leather soled EGs have nothing like that grip.