Midsole Leather Weight Inquiry

[Art]

Burten distribution in LA carries those Vibram 1375s. Check Southern first.

Art

[PaxAddict]

Actually, I've already called them to attempt to order from them, but they will only work with liscensed companies. They didn't just hang up on me or anything, seemed like they wanted to help, but had no information on where I could get something on a hobby scale, as they work on a production scale.

[niftycurly]

Hi Pax Adddict- search for "shoe repair" suppliers for your sole. You'll be able to get just one pair from them rather than the thousands you'd need to order from a shoe making supplier. If your are feeling spendy go for Vibram, they're on the better quality mass produced industrial shoes and boots. Usually $12-30/ single pair depending on the tread type. Alternatively you can buy soling material by the sheet and cut them yourself. For either it's best to go to store to see for yourself as there's literally hundreds of options.

In Southern California we have Saderma.net, the website is pretty dense for non shoe people, best to call them and describe what you want if you can't get to either store, but they have everything you'd want for shoemaking/repair except lasts - tacks, shanks, leather (pricey) adhesives, thread, soles, insoles, dyes, etc.

[Art]

Can't say I've ever had luck with Saderma, they don't put up pictures or bother on a description. I tried to look up Lincoln Wax, just a page full of nothing. Seems like it is pretty much the same for everything. I'll stick with Southern.

Art

[niftycurly]

Art, you're quite right about the Saderma website, it's next to useless. I think it's intended for people who know the exact item they're looking for to restock their repair shop. Fortunately for the kids in Los Angeles we can go to the store and browse. I don't get there too often but if there something your trying to find, let me know and I can have a look on my next trip.

[PaxAddict]

You know, I did find exactly what I was looking for, the bifida cup sole, on their website, but I have to put all purchases on hold, because I might have just got an inside deal on something here. The reason I decided to get into shoe and boot making (aside from my ever apparent interest in leatherworking) is because a company I have been in love with, and always intended to buy from them. Well, they went out of business awhile back, and I didn't even realize it. Now I just found this guy who didn't get his last paycheck or a severance package, well he ended up with their sole molds. I might just be picking up an entire line of sole molds, in the Tabi style (split toe). The exact soles I'm aiming for here. Things might start looking up for me in the sole department. In either case, Saderma has the soles I need, so failing that, I can still start with more classic boots like I intended.