Heddels
Posts
July 24 - Dainite Soles

July 24 - Dainite Soles

David Shuck
July 24, 2024

Together with

Behind Dainite – Shoe Studs Done Right

We take a look at Dainite, the studded rubber sole made in England that offers traction in a classic, sleek, and robust package.

James Smith

When it comes to non-leather soles, we’re all familiar with Vibram‘s rubber offerings, but what about the slicker, studded soles from the British solesmith, Dainite?

Dainite has been manufacturing high-quality rubber soles for over a century and we still see their original sole designs on shoes and boots to this very day. Today, we’re taking a closer look at Dainite, and how they go about separating our feet from the pavement.

What is Dainite?

Dainite is a brand of rubber footwear soles, manufactured by the English company, Harboro Rubber. Established back in 1894, the trade name Dainite was coined by locals in the brand’s hometown of Market Harborough who would describe the company as ‘day and night mills’.

Dainite produces a small range of rubber soles, but they’re best known for their studded sole. In fact, the phrase ‘Dainite sole’ is usually just referring to their studded rubber sole which is often utilized on footwear from brands such as Viberg, Truman Boot Company, Tricker’s, Crockett & Jones, andLoake. This sole has since become a generic sole design and has been imitated by other manufacturers such as Itshide, but Dainite will always be recognized as the originators of the studded style that combines a formal aesthetic with traction and grip.

The Origins of Dainite

In the early twentieth century, there was a gap in the market for a formal sole that could provide traction and grip during the wet and icy British winters. Most formal shoes during this time were made with flat leather soles which offered little or no grip, leaving the informal, heavily toothed soles of work boots the only practical option.

Hearing these cries, Dainite introduced their famous studded sole in 1910. The Dainite sole answered formal needs with smooth rubber and practical needs with recessed studs that help the wearer grip the ground. In addition, the simple composition of the sole made them easy to wipe down and less likely to track dirt, two qualities that were absent in the heavily studded soles of work boots. The Dainite sole really was the answer for those looking for formal footwear with a touch of endurance.

/ In Partnership with Iron & Resin /

Towel On with Iron & Resin’s Terry Collection

Iron & Resin knows a thing or two about toweling off with terry. They’re based in the surf mecca of Ventura, California and their new terry collection features tops and bottoms to help you lounge in comfort and style.

Their Terry Shirt, Polo, and Shorts are all available now and starting at $49 at Iron & Resin.

Want to see your name here? Send us an email at [email protected]

What is Dainite Good for?

Resoling station at Crockett & Jones

Still produced in the U.K. from hard-wearing, solid rubber, Dainite soles are a great option for someone looking for a long-lasting rubber sole with an added measure of durability. As well as being clean, slick, and applicable to anything from an understated derby to a more rugged service boot – Dainite soles are often applied to footwear using a Goodyear welt – making them easy to recraft time and time again.