Leather Sole vs. Rubber Sole: Everything You Need To Know

When purchasing a pair of shoes, one of the last things that most people think of is the sole. From the color to the material to the size, there are plenty of other factors that seem to take precedence when finding our next best pair of footwear. However, while it might seem like an insignificant detail, the sole of your shoe actually makes a huge difference in your comfort and overall experience. 

With leather and rubber being two of the most common and popular soles used in shoe manufacturing, it can be difficult to know which option is best. That being said, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the difference between the leather sole and the rubber sole so that you can spend long days on your feet in comfort and style. 

Leather Sole

In order for a leather sole to be done properly, it is important that it be mixed with the correct mixture of cork. The combination of the leather and the cork creates more cushion and comfort than just the leather alone would provide, meaning that if the mixture is not done properly, the sole will be rather rigid and stiff. Leather soles are also known for being more eco-friendly being that they are much easier to replace than plastic or rubber. 

Rubber Sole

Rubber soles first became popular for athletic and sportier shoes given their amazing traction and grip. Being that rubber has a lot of shock absorption, rubber soles are seen as being very comfortable, even from the first wear. They are also known for being a bit thicker than most other soles.

Comfort

Being that leather is a firmer material that is not often thought of as being soft and flexible, rubber soles generally tend to be seen as the more comfortable option of the two. That being said, while a leather sole was made to be hard, people forget that leather is simply skin, meaning it has the ability to mold and shape to your actual foot. This allows for a natural fitting to take place.

This combined with the mixture of cork can lead to a much more cushioned leather sole than you might expect. However, as stated previously, if the cork mixture is not done correctly, then the sole will be rather uncomfortable. 

Rubber, on the other hand, is flexible right from the get-go and requires little to no break-in time. Though it is more flexible than leather, it is still sturdy enough to give you that stability that is needed to walk with ease.

The only noticeable con to a rubber sole is the fact that, unlike leather, rubber is not able to contour or mold to your feet in the same way, and that inability to take shape can lead to some discomfort over an extended period of time. Basically, shoes that have rubber soles might feel very comfy throughout the first couple of hours of wearing them, but by the end of the day, your feet might grow a bit tired and cramped. 

Formality

There really is no question when it comes to which sole is more elegant, being that leather soles are the epitome of formality. When making formal footwear, leather is pretty much always the chosen material for the sole, marking it with class and tradition. However, it is important to know that if the sole is not cut tight all the way through, the entire shoe can wind up looking a bit off or wonky, taking away from the overall elegance that is intended with a leather sole in the first place. 

Though some shoemakers feel that a rubber sole can in no way, shape, or form be utilized as formal footwear, if done subtly, it can work. Basically, if the rubber sole is cut very thin, the shoe can pass in a formal setting without much question. Yet in general, rubber soles are typically used for athletic shoes or other casual footwear due to the “chunkiness” that often comes with rubber soles. 

Durability

While leather is a strong material, the true durability of leather sole lies in its layering. For example, a single-layer leather sole will most likely give out before a rubber sole, however, a triple leather sole could easily outlast a rubber one.

The more layers of leather that you have, the stronger the sole will be. While some think that a single-layer leather sole looks more formal and delicate, those shoes are not meant to be worn every day. If you wear a pair of shoes like that every day, you will easily be having to buy a new pair within a matter of months. Save shoes like that for special occasions, and use thicker soles for work and other everyday activities. 

When it comes to rubber soles, they are nearly indestructible. No matter how often you wear them or for how long, a rubber sole is literally made to last through thick and thin. Another plus to having shoes with rubber soles is the fact that they are very water-resistant, meaning you won’t have to worry about getting your feet wet for the most part.

However, beware of your rubber soles cracking. Sometimes these cracks can occur for no apparent reason, leaving you bewildered as to why it happened. Bottom line is that once it cracks, the shoe has pretty much met the end of its life. All in all, there are several pros and cons to both leather and rubber soles.

Leather soles are better for more formal environments and occasions just as rubber soles are better suited for more athletic purposes or casual settings. They are both pretty durable, though leather soles require more layering and attention. Regardless of which sole you prefer on a daily basis, having shoes with both leather soles and rubber soles is necessary for any man’s wardrobe.