DIY Topy / Rubber Half Soles Like a Pro!

Рет қаралды 12,563

Жыл бұрын

This video will help you install rubber protective half soles, a.k.a. "Topy" onto your new or lightly worn leather soled dress shoes at home like a pro. This video will discuss:
1:02 Why to apply them
The different types of rubber half soles and their differences:
2:35 "Goodyear Neolite Rubber Protective Half Soles" (2mm thick)(eBay seller "Nordshoe")
4:42 "Kaneji Shoe Repair Soling Sheet" (1mm thick)(Amazon)
6:40 "SoleTech Mini-Check Rubber Sole Guard sheet" (1.2mm thick)(Amazon)
8:13 "Anti Slip Rubber Protective Half Forefoot Pad Soles Shoe Repair Replacement" (eBay)
9:15 Chic 1.8mm thick Rubber soling sheet. As stated in the video, I was given this product and was not able to find a supplier for it. Also see www.mcmaster.com or Amazon or eBay for sheet rubber of similar thickness.
11:41 A comparison of how long they lasted for me (# of wears)
12:10 We have different Values; why you may not like them
14:57 The traditional purist philosophy
18:54 When to apply them
21:17 How to apply rubber protective half soles
21:25 Step 1: Decide what material you will use & what shape the cut line will be, and mark it on the shoe
22:03 Step 2: Cut masking tape to create a template and transfer it to the rubber sheet, and cut out the rubber sheet exactly on the bias line, and a little larger on the outer perimeter
23:06 Step 3: Cut a step at the back edge to create a countersink for the edge
24:28 Prepare the lether sole by sanding it flat (new or used shoe)
25:00 Step 4: Apply Master's All Purpose Cement or Barge cement to both parts and let it dry per the directions on the glue (available on eBay from seller "Nordshoe")
25:49 Step 5: Heat activate the glue with a heat gun and apply the Topy.
26:44 Step 6: Trim the outer edge to match the sole
29:12: The finished result
Other related videos:
"Putting Rubber Half Soles on my new Allen Edmonds":
• Putting Rubber Half So...
"How to apply protective half soles to your shoes (1 of 3)": Warning, this is one of my earliest videos, so the production quality sucks, and it's 3 parts because I hadn't qualified for longer videos.
Part 1: • How to apply protectiv...
Part 2: • How to apply protectiv...
Part 3: • How to apply protectiv...
"Adding Half Soles to my new Allen Edmonds":
• Adding Half Soles to m...
"A More Elegant Rubber Half Sole Solution":
• A More Elegant Rubber ...

Пікірлер: 60

@MrDucatiti Жыл бұрын

Just installed 2 sets so far last week based on your previous videos. I learned a lot from them. Thank you.

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

Great to hear!

@MrDucatiti Жыл бұрын

@@CobblerBob I've watched all your videos, even some repeatedly. Find them to be relaxing :)

@kostaskritsilas2681 Ай бұрын

Robert, thank you for this very informative video. I knew Topys/sole protectors existed, but didn't have any idea of all the different brands out there. I do have one pair of Italian loafers that are of glued/cemented construction that had the Topys (in this case, not the generic Topys, but the actual Topy branded sole protectors). I was thinking of having them removed and then trying to convert them to either Blake/insole stitched leather soles, or even having them converted over to a Goodyear Welted shoe (if even possible). After this video, I'm just going to wear them as is, and when they get thin, just replace the Topys. This shoe is extremely light and elegant, so the very thin Topy brand sole protectors are appropriate for this application. I also have recently inherited my dad's shoes. He used to work as a sales person at a higher end mens store (1960s-early 2000s) when they were still around. There is a total of about 35-40 pairs of shoes in all. Some are in great shape, some not so much. One pair is a brand called Louis Phillipe. I don't know if it is a well known brand or not, but somebody went to town on this pair. The uppers are tooled leather (in an elegant way), they are fully leather lined, and they have not only a leather layer on the inside of the heel, but a suede layer on top of that. They are obviously of European origin, being Oxfords, but have a chisel toe. I don't have much else. The inner sole is also leather with the name of the brand and in larger letters Luxure. Even the sole bottom is engraved, not just with the maker's name and the Luxure logo, but more of the same type of leather tooling as the uppers have on the forward part of the sole. There is some wear to the sole, but the stitches are fully intact and have some way to go before they will contact the bottom of the shoe surface. The only real issue is that the shoes are Blake/Insole stitched because there really is no welt to speak of. I am thinking of either trying to get them converted over to Goodyear Welted shoes, or just adding sole protectors to them. I know that these shoes can only be resoled maybe 2-3 times before they must have the inner sole replaced, so I think that using a sole protector will be a big help in making sure these shoes are usable longer term. Is my thinking OK with this?

@kissmissthis Жыл бұрын

Another amazing video from RP!! I haven’t had time or energy to do this yet, but this channel is the go to source for instructions!

@alexandermorrow7047 Жыл бұрын

This was very helpful! Thanks so much! I worried a pair i have wouldnt take a topy, but I learned it will!

@Super50calbmg Жыл бұрын

Very informative post. I don’t think I’d put them on my favorites but, I’d definitely put them my winter footwear.

@Javi_C Жыл бұрын

You get better and better! Thanks Bob!

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

You are very welcome, I try! That's one of my matras I got from the sales trainer Tom Hopkins: "I'm getting better and better every day in every way." Of course it's not always true, but it's a great thought to guide us.

@baberoot1998 Жыл бұрын

And once again...another great video Bob. The added blooper at the end...makes the video priceless!!! Great to see your sense of humble humor come out. Your channel is one of the best out there.

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! I've been trying to include the bloopers more.

@dreamonrockon1216 11 ай бұрын

Hello Robert, loving your videos since last 4 years, I bought lots of Allen Edmonds because of your videos, and you know what? I am back now since I have invested in 2 pairs of Shell Cordovans and I was seeking for how to protect them. You are truly a gentleman and none like other professional cobblers, you taught us how to DIY at home, which is even more relaxing and affordable for us. Many thanks!

@koontank720 Ай бұрын

Thanks it helped me, Also such a gorgeous shoes you got there Robert.

@dustrabbit4761 Жыл бұрын

This is a great diy tutorial. I’m thinking about diy-ing some grippy half soles on a pair of Lucchese 2000 ostrich cowboy boots I got on the secondary market. The cowboy boot collectors have exactly the same approach: some put function over beauty & craftsmanship, others are traditionalists in materials, toe-, & heel-shapes. Excellent! TY

@Xpeijz Жыл бұрын

Great video man! I hope to use it one day when I try this on my own shoes :)

@blaineca Жыл бұрын

Great, informative video. I have a new pair of Old Gringo cowboy boots with a stacked leather heel and leather sole. I was told to wear them about a month before applying the topy so the sole can flex first. I'll keep an eye out on the toe as you recommend. I also have a pair of J.M. Westons and I just can't bring myself to put a Topy on them. They only get worn maybe 10 times in the summer so I think I'll just wear them out and hopefully have them rebuilt eventually!

@thomaskraincuk9815 Жыл бұрын

Hi Bob! Like many of your fans I have been waiting 4 a new video of yours. Cheers!

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I’ve got quite a bit in the pipe recorded already!

@thomaskraincuk9815 Жыл бұрын

@@CobblerBob I remember U telling us about this. Thx a lot, pundit Bob! ;-)

@livebig6414 Жыл бұрын

looks great, you should make a video how good it lasted so far and how often you wear the shoes.

@zulp.1683 7 ай бұрын

Excellent - again! Thank you - again! 🤗 Please give women's shoes examples as well. I'd like to see how a woman's shoe looks like on rubber half soles, for example.

@williamkazak469 Жыл бұрын

I watched your video. My value system tells me not tondobthis on my Church's shoes. Sperry has leather shoes and boots with rubber bottoms and so does L.L. Bean. Thank you for this discussion.

@MichelKiflen Жыл бұрын

Great video!

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@BOLTZtheCLOWN Жыл бұрын

i went to my local home depot and in the back they have rolls of thin rubber you can have them cut as much as you want i think it was 4$ a square foot. Probably not the same but has worked for me. ps great videos man :-)

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

Great idea!

@dalriada842 Жыл бұрын

I've applied these to two pairs of dress shoes. I used cobblers nails as an additional form of belt and braces protection, in addition to the contact adhesive. I may try it without the nails next time.

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

Awesome!

@TimothyEnloe Жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting the pros and cons of the different sole types. I’ve been using the Goodyear brand and also find them a little too stiff to create a smooth edge. I’d like to try one of the thinner more flexible options you shared. Did you post links to each product you shared? Thanks!

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

You're welcome! I didn't post a link right to them as the Amazon and eBay links change pretty often, which will make the video out of date. Instead I typed in enough specific product name info in the video details so you can find it easily on the respective platform/website.

@Ray-wh6zt 11 ай бұрын

Bob, I have a question and please forgive me if you addressed this in of your videos. I have a few pairs of shoes that I bought used because I was planning on putting on rubber half soles myself. I later heard that if there is no longer the indentation in the leather sole where the stitching is, the rubber half sole will not hold. Would you agree with this? Thanks for your valuable advice.

@m.angeloz9080 2 күн бұрын

I've worn nice shoes that make clacking noise like a horse but this'll help also save wear

@jacknjill3000 7 ай бұрын

Is it common to put on the rubber half soles yourself or do most ppl. take them to the shoe repair to get the done?

@TheNunakun Жыл бұрын

I think you're ready to tackle on toe plates! Is that in the horizon anytime soon? I think they're going to be easier to deal with (Lulus rather than Triumphs). Always a pleasure, Mr. Powers!

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

Yes, it's one of the projects/videos I defenitely want to do. I actually started on a set before made from brass stock, but they weren't symetrical, so I need to start over. I got distracted on other projects, but I'll get back to them!

@zefdin101 Жыл бұрын

Robert San… who knew! Lol. That’s awesome Bob, how long did you live in Japan? The culture there In amazing, ancient with tremendous craftsmen and artistry. I would love to go to Japan some day. Great video! Thank you. 😊

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

LOL, yes, I lived there only until I was about 3 years old, but we used to visit pretty often when I was a kid. I don't think I've been back though since the mid 1980s though.

@mb3080 9 ай бұрын

I loved this video! If I have a pair of shoes where the heel corners are slightly worn down, can I still do this? Or is it too late?

@CobblerBob 8 ай бұрын

It's tough to say without looking at them, but the topy only goes on the sole, not the heel, so it depends more how worn the edges of the soles and the sole at the tip of the toe are.

@alierem4266 7 ай бұрын

If u have a belt sander & few sheets of small leather pieces, u can do this, regardless of how worn down heels or leather soles are. Scoure the worn area. Measure worn area by placing leather pice(s) on it to check how thick u need to do build up to first, on worn area. If wear us major, build up thickness by sticking leather pieces together. Glue the patch area & leather patch, stick it on area to be patched..Sand down patch, then scoure entire surface flrst, before applying rubber with glue & tack down with nails also, if desired. gd luck.

@dreamonrockon1216 11 ай бұрын

And also I have a question, since one of my boots is hidden channel goodyearwelted, is it better not adding a protector half sole? I just find it so elegant. I know you had same one yourself and you didn’t add half sole on it.

@dreamonrockon1216 11 ай бұрын

Oh, you explained that later in the video, sorry I was so excited to leave you a comment before I saw it.

@danaendres7458 Жыл бұрын

You inspired me to thrift Allen Edmonds. I have refurbished two eBay fins so far with great results. How can I forward you before and after pics?

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

Awesome!! 👊🏼 send them to robertpowers1972 at gmail dot com!

@guidodelgiudice5 Жыл бұрын

Considering that I only wear my shoes inside the restaurant I work at, flat clean new floors, which option would you suggest for me. I have three pairs of shoes in rotation. Thinner or thicker? Never outdoor never outside

@alierem4266 7 ай бұрын

Only offering a lay viewpoint here... if u have basic tool using skills, u can save yourself maybe $45--$85 a pair. It will cost in material and your time. Practice on old shoes first, perhaps. Challenge yourself, gd luck.

@plinden Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome. Thanks for taking the time to comment! It helps the channel.

@plinden Жыл бұрын

@@CobblerBob Keep posting! By the way, do you feel comfortable dressing properly, or does it feel antisocial and weird?

@muffemod Жыл бұрын

I put mines on!

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

👊🏼

@miskovass9848 Жыл бұрын

Hi Robert, thanks for the video, what kind of knife is that one?

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

That’s a regular utility knife with a carpet blade. Both were purchased at Home Depot or Lowe’s.

@zesqcpa3 Жыл бұрын

😘😘😘

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

Back at 'ya!

@styzoom Жыл бұрын

I thought Robert was of Italian descent. 🍕🍕🍕🍕

@TobiasDuncan Жыл бұрын

I was pretty sure he was a clone from the very distant future

@frankv7068 Жыл бұрын

😩 you’re a month late for me with this vid, I bought a thousand dollars RM William signature craftsman with signed red color bottom soles, I wore them twice and half the color is gone 🤦🏻‍♂️

@CobblerBob Жыл бұрын

Oh man! It may not be too late to apply a topy though? Cobblers can sand the sole to get them flat.