Boot Building Specs: Outsole - [Reddit Wiki]

The outsole of the boot is the bottom, usually a rubber compound, in contact with the ground. The choice of sole comes down to aesthetics, color, side view, and function. Not all soles are available on all boot models but can be created with the Build Your Own options.

Aesthetic choices include the view of the sole from the side and color choice. Functional choices include traction, safety rating, and comfort.

Deeper lugs, visible from the side, increasing traction on variable terrain but not on ice. Some vegetable tanned and lighter leathers will not be stitched through lug soles due to potential damage from the grease and oils of the sole stitcher on these leathers.

V100

• Made by Vibram
• Black
• Compatible with all heelstacks and lasts.
• Longest wearing, most durable, lug sole option featuring a heavy tread pattern.

Red-X

• Made by Vibram
• Black
• Compatible with all heelstacks and lasts.
• NFPA certified with no burn and self-extinguishing properties and some additional oil resistance.
• Slightly harder rubber than V100 in the same heavy tread pattern.

V100 Honey

• Made by Vibram
• Honey tan
• Compatible with all heelstacks and lasts.
• Features the same heavy tread pattern as the V100 but is touch softer providing a little more comfort. The softer material sacrifices some durability and longevity comparted to the V100. 

Unit Lug

• Made by Vibram
• Black, Honey tan
• Only offered with 365 Stitchdown construction. 
• Depending on model, it can have a rubber heel base, not the usual leather heel base, and is connected to the rest of the lug sole. 
• A better option for those working in wet conditions all day.
• Similar to the other lug options but the heel and sole are all one piece making it a wedge offering. 

A lug sole with a less aggressive look from the side that offers traction on variable terrain. They offer a true zero-drop boot when paired with a zero-drop last.

Voyageur

• Made by Vibram
• Black
• Compatible with ThurmanZD last.
• Customer option to stitch through the sole, for higher durability, or non-stitched through, which is glued for easier resoles on zero-drop lasts.
• Outdoor casual lug sole similar to Kletterlift.
• True zero drop sole when paired with a zero drop last.

Kletterlift

• Made by Vibram
• Black
• Compatible with ThurmanZD last.
• Customer option to stitch through the sole, for higher durability, or non-stitched through, which is glued for easier resoles on zero-drop lasts.
• Classic lug sole similar to Voyageur.
• True zero drop sole when paired with a zero drop last.

Sierra Slim

• Made by Vibram
• Black and Tan
• Compatible with ThurmanZD last.
• Customer option to stitch through the sole, for higher durability, or non-stitched through, which is glued for easier resoles on zero-drop lasts.
• This is the regular Sierra sole without the polyurethane wedge to achieve zero drop. It is just the rubber bottom, not dual density.
• Good for loose terrain. 
• True zero drop sole when paired with a zero drop last.

Shows as a clean layer from the side, with no lugs visible. Available on all Heritage models as well as many Build Your Own options.

430 Mini-Lug

• Made by Vibram
• Black
• Compatible with all heelstacks and lasts.
• Not available on work boots but can be paired with work leathers.
• A little more tread than the V-Bar but is a shallower thread than a lug sole. It is easier to clean of dirt when stepping inside than a traditional lug sole.
• Its makeup is similar to the V-Bar sole and will wear similarly.

V-Bar (V700)

• Made by Vibram
• Black
• Compatible with all heelstacks and lasts.
• Not available on work boots but can be paired with work leathers.
• The sole pattern makes for a cleaner boot less likely to carry mud indoors than a traditional lug sole or the 430 Mini-Lug. 
• Its makeup is similar to the 430 Mini-Lug sole and will wear similarly.

Supergrip Half Sole

• Made by Dr. Sole
• Black
• Some limitations based on size and toe shape that will be determined as each combination of size and last are built.

269 Western

• Made by Vibram
• Black
• Compatible with all heelstacks and lasts.
• Not available on work boots but can be paired with work leathers.
• This is a thinner, dressier rubber offering. It does not have the same durability of other options but offers increased flexibility.

Leather

• Tan
• Compatible with all heelstacks and lasts.
• Not available on work boots but can be paired with work leathers.
• Must be paired with a beesewax edge.
• Does not provide the traction of other soles and can be susceptible to water absorption. 
• Is an easily replaceable sole when needed.

Wedge soles have a larger surface area in contact with the ground and are considered more comfortable for standing on hard, flat surfaces and walking. They are only compatible with HNW, ThurmanNW, and ThurmanZD lasts.

Nicks Wedge

• Made by Nicks
• Black, Brown, or White
• Not compatible with all lasts.
• Electrical Hazard (EH) rated.
• Made of a PU material that is longer lasting, more durable, and has added slip resistance. 
• The white Nicks Wedge sole must be paired with a beeswax edge.

2021 Sand

• Made by Vibram
• Sand
• Not compatible with all lasts.
• Electrical Hazard (EH) rated.
• Is an oil resisting sole.
• Must be paired with a beeswax edge.

Sierra 

• Made by Vibram
• Black, Coyote Brown
• Dedicated hiking sole that sacrifices some longevity to provide more cushion. 
• Made up of two layers glued together.

Steel Caulk

• Made by Nicks
• Black with Steel
• Available on the Woodsman boot only. 
• Designed for serious loggers.

Read Also: Step Up Your Style With Custom Leather Boots

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