Regular vs. Traction-Tread: Both are Vibram® brand soles, made in the USA, and will provide a good balance between comfort and durability. The Traction-Tread sole offers better traction in winter conditions but, like a snow tire, it is prone to wear faster from everyday use than the Regular sole, due to its more aggressive profile. The Regular sole is suitable for most people and environments. Both soles can be fitted with our Heavy-Duty Heel option.
Regular Traction
Heavy Duty Heel: Our standard Vibram® sole is made of a soft polymer that gives good wear, cushioning, and is lightweight. If you wear your heels down quickly, or only on one side, then for an extra $15 we can grind off a layer of the Vibram® heel and attach a harder heel. The heel then lasts longer, but the shoe is slightly heavier and the world underfoot feels not as cushy. Often, a worn-out sole can be restored with the addition of a Heavy Duty Heel, rather than a complete resole.
Regular Sole w/ Heavy Duty Heel
15I & 18I Crepe: Our crepe sole is a soft, flexible, and durable polymer. It’s smooth surface tends to be a bit more slippery than our Regular sole, and is most suitable for indoor, summertime, or dry conditions; Our Floridian sandal comes standard with 15I crepe. If we find that the shoes we are making for you are too large, or small, to fit effectively on our Regular or Traction Tread sole blanks ,we may have to use the 18I crepe instead. If we do, we will add on the Heavy Duty Heel for you, free of charge.
15 I Crepe
Leather Sole: This soling is a high quality vegetable tanned leather, 1/4 inch thick, imported from Italy. Our leather sole option is ideal for those of you looking for a dressier look, or if you just desire a slick sole for dancing. Many people prefer this sole if their shoes are going to be exclusively for smooth floor dancing like contras, squares, Cajun, and swing. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR WET OR SLIPPERY CONDITIONS.
