AcremanS Posted June 14, 2015 Report Share Posted June 14, 2015 I am currently using JR leather soles and mostly Topy for the rubber. I find both quite expensive and I've had comments from my customers that the Topy materials are too hard and many of my elderly customers find them slippery, but I don't want to buy cheap rubbish. What materials do you guys use? and what is out there that is a good comprimise for quality/wear, grip and cost? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul_ Posted June 14, 2015 Report Share Posted June 14, 2015 I use a variety of different materials, I've tried loads and have settled for ones I like and think are the best for my customers. Some Vibram, some Topy and I use a lot of Turbo rubber (get in touch if you want to know more). Leather is where I'm struggling at the moment. In recent months I've tried JR, Wares Gold, High Class and have just bought some Lamonti (I think that's right) from Healys. It looks quite nice and will use my first pair in the morning, hopefully I've found one with the right quality at the right price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AcremanS Posted June 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2015 Thanks, paul. JR is lovely but so expensive, but nothing else I've seen so far seems to be any good. I'll probably give you a ring in the near future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 I was using Wares Execs for ages but the quality went downhill so tried Premier grade from CB. Been happy with them for a few months now, although I only do maybe a couple of pairs a week on average so haven't used massive amounts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinh Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 The Italian leather mentioned by Paul@pnc is La Querce. It is very consistent in quality and has a very lightly waxed finish. We also stock it in 6/61/2 iron ( 3mm ) which we cut in Gents size 14. We have this particular thickness made slightly firmer and it has proved to be very popular. We also carry (8 iron/ 9 iron /10iron.) and can cut in either half soles or through soles. Terms and conditions apply Other wholesalers are available If you have any complaint with this blatant piece of advertising please do not call us. However if you wish to buy some then by all means call............. hibsjo(SCO) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul_ Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 I did 4 pairs of leathers today, I used 1 pair of High Class and 3 pairs of Le Querce. It's fair to say the High Class nearly disappeared when they touched the band (amazing quality decline -shame as these used to really good). The Le Querce seemed very nice, sanded well, finished nice and looked lovely after I'd put the wax on to finish the job. I for one will be ordering some more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AcremanS Posted June 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 Looks like I'll be giving those a try. Thanks Paul and Robin for your help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 best is cheapest at any price. I only stock one grade of leather soles, fit them to everything... JR Heels wise I've found people revel in a recognizable brand & the dunlop & goodyear heels have been well received with no complaints on wear. goodyear being harder to scour than dunlop, but the logo is wide so I prefer the dunlop for aesthetics Simes 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgios6567 Posted June 22, 2015 Report Share Posted June 22, 2015 I've been using le querce for years great stuff. I just switched over to thier soling hides and am cutting and staining, waxing myself. But winter rainy months JR holds up the best. Topy is good but I prefer vibram. Wish I could get the dainites or commando in the US but no one ever gets back to me to ship here from across the pond. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AcremanS Posted July 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2015 I ordered some Le Querce and they don't seem too bad. However they're a little fleshy for my liking. Sticking to JR for the forseeable future. Thanks for your input, Lee; I've been considering Dunlop for a while now, they look good. I think I'll get those on my next order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted July 12, 2015 Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 Vibram has a great range, styles and colours, good quality and look nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shoe Posted July 16, 2015 Report Share Posted July 16, 2015 I'm using recycled car tyres for soles and heel top-pieces. I build up the heel with offcuts from old conveyor belts. Soft, non-slip and extremely hard-wearing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AcremanS Posted July 29, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2015 Just tried the Dunlop heels and I have to say I'm very impressed. And you were right, Lee! I gave a customer the choice of Topy or the Dunlop (which I told I was only trialling and I wasn't sure how it compared)......he chose the name he recognised. Definitely the way forward Just a shame it only comes in black. But I think I'll use Vibram to fill in the gaps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted July 29, 2015 Report Share Posted July 29, 2015 I'm using recycled car tyres for soles and heel top-pieces. I build up the heel with offcuts from old conveyor belts. Soft, non-slip and extremely hard-wearing! FFS.. I'm embarrassed for you!! x minit uk and Dr. Shoe 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simes Posted July 30, 2015 Report Share Posted July 30, 2015 best is cheapest at any price. I only stock one grade of leather soles, fit them to everything... JR Heels wise I've found people revel in a recognizable brand & the dunlop & goodyear heels have been well received with no complaints on wear. goodyear being harder to scour than dunlop, but the logo is wide so I prefer the dunlop for aesthetics I agree with Lee. I charge top prices for top quality materials. I don't offer a cheaper option, but it is an option to carry top notch stuff and cheaper lower quality if you think you need to have two tier pricing. Rarely find price a problem for the customer. If the shoes warrant JR then the customer values quality over price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shoe Posted August 4, 2015 Report Share Posted August 4, 2015 FFS.. I'm embarrassed for you!! Yes but I'm using old leather sofas for the leather and laminated denim from old jeans for counters and toepuffs so I have to keep to the recycling theme! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike at Vauxhall Posted August 4, 2015 Report Share Posted August 4, 2015 I'm using recycled car tyres for soles and heel top-pieces. I build up the heel with offcuts from old conveyor belts. Soft, non-slip and extremely hard-wearing! I spent sometime in a cobblers in the Philippines. He used old tyres, but he spent most of his time standing on his cat. He seemed oblivious to it, even when I kept pointing it out. I'm not fond of cats, but I still found it distressing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 I spent sometime in a cobblers in the Philippines. He used old tyres, but he spent most of his time standing on his cat. He seemed oblivious to it, even when I kept pointing it out. I'm not fond of cats, but I still found it distressing. WTF!! Mike at Vauxhall 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike at Vauxhall Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 The Philippines. Crazy place where nothing makes any sense. Great for a holiday, but wouldn't want to live there. This was ten years ago, the cobbler was fairly deaf and old. I think he is dead now. As for the cat, I think it ended up getting shot by a small American dentist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironplanet uk900 Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 Yeah, I know what you mean... gotta go anyway, need to finish painting a hole I'm cultivating to house a triangle Mike at Vauxhall 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shoe Posted August 8, 2015 Report Share Posted August 8, 2015 You guys are completely hatstand! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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