Experience with vintage soles

BigMunnyMunroabout 2 months ago
GREB 1960s Kodiak Steel ToeUnknown Leather
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Maker

GREB

Model

1960s Kodiak Steel Toe

Leather

Last

Unknown Last

Unknown Last: 8D

I customized the fit of them slightly when I resoled them by putting in a higher arched (riveted!) shank, that along with the tall logger heel definitely gives them plenty of arch, originally the arch was similar to a Munson last but now it’s much more 55ish

The fit and feel is very good, they have a moderate arch but a decently sprung toe, the heel is comfortably narrow giving a nice locked in feeling and the forefoot is nice and roomy making sure there’s absolutely zero pinching or anything from the steel toe caps even though they have a fairly low profile toe compared to some others I’ve worn

Sole

Biltrite GRIPLUG Half Sole

2 months, current sole

Biltrite Neoprene Nylon-Cord Full Sole

Worn for 9 months, resoled on May 14, 2025

Heel

Panco Triple-Wear

Worn for 2 months, current heel

Cat’s Paw ‘Twin Grip’ Heel

Worn for 7 months, re-heeled on May 14, 2025

Biltrite Basketweave Heel

Worn for about 1 month, re-heeled on October 3, 2024

Purchased from

eBay

More about this item

The kilties are from Canada West boots in Red Dog leather

Why I own this

Ready To Wear
Workplace Needs
Style

I purchased these since as a mechanic I need to wear protective footwear but I also enjoy the heritage of traditional work boots so I sought out a vintage pair with a protective toe cap and was able to purchase these locally, I also really like the nylon corded biltrite soles because the grip you get on oily shop floors is honestly unmatched

How I sized

Unknown Last: 8D
Tried On
Compared to Other Lasts
Trial Shoe

I based my size off of other boots I had worn from the same brand, but still ended up a little bit different (they actually fit me better than I expected)

Ordering process

Purchased from eBayTotal cost: 160 CAD Lead time: Less than a day
Direct Message

I messaged the guy selling them and then came over to see them and try em on and left with a lighter wallet but I was the owner of a pair of boots I’m confident I’ll never see another pair of

Use & wear

Physical Work
Travel
Cold Temperatures
Hot Temperatures
Dry Climate
Wet Conditions
Extreme Conditions
Snow

I worn these all the time for anything short of a formal occasion, they went through it all

Leather

Unknown Leather
Patina Process
Durability
Care Routine
Color Change

The leather remains beautiful and has remained relatively the same (in a good way, I don’t want my boots wearing out) my care routine has stayed consistent, mainly using snow seal or dubbin to keep them moisturized and water resistant, the colour has definitely darkened with wear but it has some pretty nice pull up so the places where it bends have stayed lighter

Fit

Unknown Last: 8D
Length Feels Right
Volume Feels Right
Ball Feels Right
Satisfied with the Fit

Fit is still great and as close to a perfect fit as I could hope for

Craftsmanship

GREB 1960s Kodiak Steel Toe
Design
Construction
Durability
Stitching

The craftsmanship on these is excellent, definitely on par or better than vintage red wings, I like the unique vamps and counter cover. The only issues I’ve had with them have been as a result of them being around 60 years old, I had some stitching fail around the back stay (which is not uncommon for vintage boots) and midsole which was made from a leatherboard began to fall apart (I believe this is mostly from age) which spurred on my decision to resole them

Sole & heel

Biltrite Neoprene Nylon-Cord Full SoleWorn for 9 months, resoled on May 14, 2025
Durability
Traction
Other

I really liked this sole and had wanted to keep it but when midsole started to fall apart I needed new soles, these are still some of my favourite soles because of their combination of traction, durability and oil resistance

Biltrite GRIPLUG Half Sole2 months, current sole

I haven’t had much time to wear these new soles as of yet but they seem quite nice

Cat’s Paw ‘Twin Grip’ HeelWorn for 7 months, re-heeled on May 14, 2025
Durability
Design

I love the look of the vintage cats paw heels with the plugs and I don’t think anything could change my mind on that, but unfortunately compared to modern rubber compounds they wear much much faster, that being said, one must make compromises for badass heels

Panco Triple-WearWorn for 2 months, current heel

Again I haven’t had much wear on them yet but they seem comparable in composition to a vibram 100 (just around 70 years old)

Written by BigMunnyMunro
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