Working Shoe for Young Exec

[ecan07]

I bought some from taobao.
it worked out to be $20-30 per pair after shipping.

Any links to share bro?

 

[ecan07]

Topy or not to topy, that is the question.

I think I wanna topy leh... So slippery to wear even till it roughs out...

 

[ecan07]

I am planning to order from Bexley the next time they have a sale. Can share shipping then.

How much is it ah? Can I share as well?

 

[arcfire]

I read about how the leather soles will help the moisture escape whereas the rubber will trap them. So wanna check with the experienced ones here.

Also, is it true that its better to wear the shoes for a few weeks before topy, so as to have a rougher surface for adhesive as well as the soles to meld to your feet

I'm no expert but it works both ways. i.e. if leather soles help moisture escape, it also allows moisture to seep in as well. and if rubber soles prevent moisture from escaping, it also prevents moisture seeping in. Its how you look at it I guess.

I prefer to wear a couple of times for the sole to flex out a little before topy, not to have a rougher surface though. The cobbler will sand down the sole anyway for better adhesion.

I have a question for those that topy their shoes. Is it a standard procedure for cobblers to cut a thin layer of the leather off the sole before applying the rubber sheet? Or do they mostly just sand down and slap on the rubber layer, leaving an obvious rubber edge near the waist?

 

[All in a Day]

I'm no expert but it works both ways. i.e. if leather soles help moisture escape, it also allows moisture to seep in as well. and if rubber soles prevent moisture from escaping, it also prevents moisture seeping in. Its how you look at it I guess.

I prefer to wear a couple of times for the sole to flex out a little before topy, not to have a rougher surface though. The cobbler will sand down the sole anyway for better adhesion.

I have a question for those that topy their shoes. Is it a standard procedure for cobblers to cut a thin layer of the leather off the sole before applying the rubber sheet? Or do they mostly just sand down and slap on the rubber layer, leaving an obvious rubber edge near the waist?

I think most likely sand down as that is the more expedient as well as less error prone method.

I find that the design of the topy/vibram typically flattens/tapers off at the waist so it's not that bad

 

[j3r0m3]

Thanks for the education. Respect!!!

 

[All in a Day]

Topy or not to topy, that is the question.

To me it's a practical issue. If ur dress shoes are only meant for infrequent n formal use eg functions and u drive, then prob u dun need the topyn keep ur shoes "original". I wear my dress shoes for work n i dun drive. Topy is a must for me to prolong lifespan and for grip too. Leather soles in the rain like today is a no no for me

 

[evilnickwong]

I topy-ed my Mountbattens and another pair of loafers before. I really don't think there's likely to be any harm from putting on that extra layer.
I usually only do it once the soles have started to wear down, otherwise I don't really mind the original soles getting wet since it's fine as long as you don't wear them the next 2-3 days.

Btw, if you are the type to wear out the front part very fast, then you should topy after the first few wearings, otherwise it might be hard for the cobbler to get it even at the front since it'll be much thinner there.

How much is it ah? Can I share as well?

Not sure what their shipping is like nowadays. Will post here when the time comes, no worries.

 

[Andy0601a]

how much does topy-ing typically cost?

 

[Beta_Tester]

Topying is a Must the gravels ard my office will.kill.it.

 

[Entropy]

Topy typically costs $30 a pair of shoes for just the front half sole. With heels it will be additional cost but usually heels last longer unless u pronate strangely and wear the corners fast.

 

[alvinquah]

I usually topy my leather sole shoes after couple of wears. Feel the leather sole before topy feel... Feel is completely different. Cost is 30 for the front sole.

Have gotten couple of topy front rubber from online. Will send it to cobbler for pasting. Not sure will it be cheaper. Will report back

 

[ecan07]

Topy typically costs $30 a pair of shoes for just the front half sole. With heels it will be additional cost but usually heels last longer unless u pronate strangely and wear the corners fast.

Oh back is different ah? I do hav that problem with the corners like one side of the heel will wear off faster. Will topy help with that?

 

[All in a Day]

Oh back is different ah? I do hav that problem with the corners like one side of the heel will wear off faster. Will topy help with that?

Best to replace the heel rubber once about to wear out. Dont wait till u start to wear out the wooden part of the heel.

 

[analog.man]

Any links to share bro?

I can't post any links (and images) yet.
You can do a search on taobao with the following "cedar wood香雪松香木鞋楦".

I'm using an intermediary (65daigou.com) for my taobao purchases.

cheers!

 

[arcfire]

Oh back is different ah? I do hav that problem with the corners like one side of the heel will wear off faster. Will topy help with that?

I have the same type of wear on the heels. Just need to make sure you replace the heels before it wears onto the wooden part.

 

[Ind1go]

Oh back is different ah? I do hav that problem with the corners like one side of the heel will wear off faster. Will topy help with that?

Topy only helps with the front half.

You need to look for heel taps.. However, they will alter your gait.

 

[arctuates]

I have a question for those that topy their shoes. Is it a standard procedure for cobblers to cut a thin layer of the leather off the sole before applying the rubber sheet? Or do they mostly just sand down and slap on the rubber layer, leaving an obvious rubber edge near the waist?

You were referring to this ah?

"For those that argue against Topy soles, they claim that it is either going to put your shoes off balance or not allow the sole to breath, thus ensuring that you deteriorate your insole much quicker. For the first claim, I wholeheartedly agree. BUT, that is only if the added rubber bit is not put on properly. You see there are two ways of doing it: 1. slabbing it right on top with a bit of cement (the wrong way) and 2. skimming off the top layer of the sole (same thickness of the rubber) to add the piece and have it lay flat as if it was the sole (the right way). Doing it the right way ensures that you don’t loose the balance of the last. So as long as you have it done properly that claim becomes invalid."

http://www.theshoesnobblog.com/2014/03/additions-to-your-sole.html

 

[Beta_Tester]

any place to intro to do it properly?

the one i use to go left and went back to his country. FL guy. i nv did any where other than from this person.

 

[All in a Day]

You were referring to this ah?

"For those that argue against Topy soles, they claim that it is either going to put your shoes off balance or not allow the sole to breath, thus ensuring that you deteriorate your insole much quicker. For the first claim, I wholeheartedly agree. BUT, that is only if the added rubber bit is not put on properly. You see there are two ways of doing it: 1. slabbing it right on top with a bit of cement (the wrong way) and 2. skimming off the top layer of the sole (same thickness of the rubber) to add the piece and have it lay flat as if it was the sole (the right way). Doing it the right way ensures that you don’t loose the balance of the last. So as long as you have it done properly that claim becomes invalid."

Additions To Your Sole – The Shoe Snob Blog

I will be interested to know who does method 2 locally. For $30 i seriously doubt it

Also means u will always need to get a topy replacement of the same thickness everytime henceforth,else u get same "imbalance" thereafter?