I got my Grafters Brogue Dealer boots soles studded !

[ukali1066]

As someone who doesn't drive, I do a lot of walking here and there, and after wearing these boots out only twice I knew the leather sole wasn't going to last very long....so I went to my local Timpsons [ UK ] and the cobbler fitted these studs and heel segs for me....

Ok...so not very classy...but rugged...and that's what I needed

Here's the exact same boot if anyone is interested in the basic style
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GRAFTERS-BROG...MensShoes_GL&hash=item35a478a6c0#ht_668wt_906

And in black...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Grafters-Brog...Size Size+7&hash=item800eb3c0b2#ht_1225wt_906

 

[Edward]

Nice; I didn't know Timpsons would do that. If the ice / snow is as bad next year, I might invest in a pair of boots specifically for this treatment...

 

[ukali1066]

Go for it Edward....handy if you get in a fight too

 

[Mr Badger]

Blimey, that's pretty radical! So what are they like to wear? Are you getting any negative effects on your comfort from the studs? And what's the traction like around town, in the wet or ice?

I'm heavy on the outside of my heels, too, and find that 'segs' or 'Blakeys' as they're called are the most cost-effective way of keeping my heels from wearing out. For a while I used to get the cobbler to do my heels with the set-in metal quarters but, of course, that was more expensive, both up-front and when they needed replacing.

I do find that not many cobblers have a decent range of 'segs' these day, though. And, unfortunately, I can never get them to stay in the corded heels of my engineer boots so I still have to take 'em in for heel replacement every 12 months or so...

 

[dwebber18]

Those boots are priced pretty well. How does their quality compare to other UK shoe makers?

 

[ukali1066]

I haven't worn them outside yet, but in the non carpeted kitchen they seem fine, you can't even tell you're walking on studs, I suppose that comes down to the guy fitting them knowing where to place them correctly...

The boots themselves are very nice for the price, perfect stitching, leather welted sole, no complaints at all

 

[Edward]

Yes, they are nice boots. I have a black pair I bought a few years ago. Very comfortable right out of the box, and a great lounge-suit alternative to shoes in the Winter. So far, they're reasonably on a par with my beloved Clarks. You might want to check the postage to the US, though - that could make the difference as to whether they'd be all that cost effective or not.

 

[ukali1066]

UPDATE: I've worn them out, great stuff....a tad noisy and slippy on floor tiles...but just the job

 

[Tomasso]

after wearing these boots out only twice I knew the leather sole wasn't going to last very long....so I went to my local Timpsons [ UK ] and the cobbler fitted these studs and heel segs for me....

Ok...so not very classy...but rugged...and that's what I needed

If it was a question of extending sole life I would recommend rubber sole coverings which also perform very well in ice and snow. BTW, be careful walking with those boots on marble floors.