Thread for boots and shoes

[Kovant]

Hello

So far I have been using hemp yarn for welted and for the sole to make boots and shoes (all handmade).

In principle I will continue to use it for the welted as it suits me well (unless you advise me on a thread that is more worthwhile),  but I would like to use another more polished and in different colors for the sole.

I have no idea what thickness is suitable or the most appropriate material. 

Could someone help me? 

Thank you very much

Edited 16 hours ago by Kovant

[Mablung]

Most use braided or twisted polyester or nylon thread. There are a lot of threads on the market, but the ones I use are the Ritza 25 braided and the Maine Thread Company braided and twisted. I like braided better than twisted, because the twisted tends to come unraveled as one stitches, due to the pressure on the tail. It can be retwisted to a degree, but it’s a bit of a pain. The braided Maine Thread is a round braid, unlike the Ritza flat braid. The Maine Thread feels stronger to me, but it’s also a royal PITA to pierce with a needle that has a large enough eye to thread effectively. I use 0.8mm, generally, but 0.6 would also do the trick. I tend to buy heavy threads because I don’t make many delicate items, and a lot of what I make needs to hold up to some heavy use. 

[Aven]

I use black Nyltex Thread for anything sole related.  I know Springfield carries it as well as several other supply houses.  As far as I know, it comes in at least 3 colors, black, brown and white.  You might find it in tan as well.  I think it only comes in one thickness. 

[Mablung]

4 hours ago, Aven said:

I use black Nyltex Thread for anything sole related.  I know Springfield carries it as well as several other supply houses.  As far as I know, it comes in at least 3 colors, black, brown and white.  You might find it in tan as well.  I think it only comes in one thickness. 

Good to know. Is it a particular kind of nylon? I may get some for some hunting boots I plan to make soon, as I need to attach the sole very sturdily. 

[Aven]

I honestly don't know much about it.  It's what Jason had us use in the shoe making classes.  It was impossible to break and it comes prewaxed.

I know that several shoe making shops, orthopedic supple houses carry it. 
 Are there other options? Probably, but I was satisfied with it.  I've only used it on three pairs of shoes with rubber soles, so my experience is limited. 

If you want a more informed option, you could contact Southern leather Co or Springfield to see what they know about it.