• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Stridewise

Stridewise

It's a Boot Time

  • Best Boots
  • Boot Reviews
    • Popular Reviews
      • Thursday Captain Boot
      • Red Wing Iron Ranger
      • Wolverine 1000 Mile
      • Viberg Service Boot
      • Grant Stone Diesel Boot
    • Cowboy Boots
    • Work Boots
    • All Reviews
    • Comparisons
      • Red Wing Iron Ranger Vs. Wolverine 1000 Mile
      • Timberlands Vs Doc Martens
      • Thursday’s Captain vs President Boots
      • All Comparisons
  • Boot Guides
  • Gear
    • Bags
      • Backpacks
      • Leather Bags
    • Denim
    • Jackets & Outerwear
      • Leather Jackets
      • Waxed Canvas Jackets
  • About
    • About Nick
    • Review Process
    • Our Experts
    • Revenue
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
Home

Why Do All the Good Boots Have Dainite Soles?

Karl Wasson
Updated Jan 12, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission from.

Some things — electronics, jewelry, cars, penthouse apartments, whatever — are expensive for obvious reasons. Rubber soles for shoes, the reasons aren’t always so clear.

But there’s one name that constantly pops up when shopping for high end boots: Dainite.

We’ve touched on these soles before with the 6 kinds of boot soles you should know about. Still, there’s a question we hear a lot, and it needs to be addressed in greater detail.

Why the heck are Dainite soles so popular?

parkhurst sole

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • What is a Dainite sole?
  • Why Are Dainite Soles Pricy?
  • What Are Studded Soles?
  • Studded Soles vs Lug Soles?
  • Dainite vs Vibram
  • Wrapping Up

What is a Dainite sole?

Dainite is a subsidiary of the Harboro rubber company in the UK. Harboro makes three different patterns of soles under their brand name: the Medway, Ridgeway (which you can see on the Taft Dragon), and Studded. If you like boots, you’ll know that their Studded sole is their most popular product.

Harboro has been in the sole making business since 1894 and has been producing the Dainite Studded sole since 1910. Some of the best shoemakers in the UK trust their craftsmanship, including Crockett & Jones, Tricker’s, Church’s, Barker, and Cheaney. While they pride themselves on local tradition and handmade quality, they use some high-tech processes for producing modern rubber soles.

Viberg service boot sole

Why Are Dainite Soles Pricy?

Today it’s tough to find a pair of US-made boots for under $300 with Dainite rubber. There’s no one definitive answer for why they are on more expensive boots, but there are a few possibilities.

Aesthetically, they just go well with dressier shoes and boots because of their sleek low profile design.

The second reason is quality. They are made in England and tested with rigorous quality control measures that include laser measured tensile testing and thermal gravimetric analysis. Basically, the product’s quality, strength, flexibility, and endurance in hot or cold temperatures (that’s the thermal gravimetric analysis) are all assured with some seriously impressive technology.

Viberg service boot resting

What Are Studded Soles?

“The studded design keeps dirt and debris moving freely through the sole with each step because it is a circle with a pivot at both points of the diameter with each step,” says Andrew Svisco, the creator and owner of Parkhurst Brand. The Dainite studded pattern is essentially self cleaning.

For muddy or wet environments where you are walking in and out of homes or offices, this is a real boon. They offer the low profile and classiness of leather while providing the grip associated with rubber without the mess of a more aggressive sole pattern.

Trickers Stow Boot profile
A chunky Vibram Commando sole on the Tricker’s Stow Boot

Studded Soles vs Lug Soles?

If you’re unfamiliar with sole lingo, “lug” is used to describe soles that tend to be thicker with deep indentations. It’s not a specific pattern but encompasses many sole patterns which offer grip and stability. Rubber wasn’t commonly used for shoes until the late 19th century — before that, leather soles were the norm.

Leather soles are thin, smooth and not at all ideal for doing things like climbing mountains. The famous, chunky Commando sole from Vibram, in fact, was designed by Vibram’s founder Vitale Bramani after six of his friends died mountaineering. Improper footwear was considered a factor in the accident.

Trickers Stow Boot sole
The Vibram Commando sole

So lug soles are pretty awesome. But they do indeed pick up a lot of dirt and debris as you walk. If you’ve ever worn hiking boots in wet clay, you’ll know the frustration of heavy, slippery clogged soles.

“A lug sole houses dirt and debris until cleaned so really, this traction is only achieved temporarily,” says Svisco.

The same is true with wet snow. The traction is only temporary if worn on a certain terrain in specific conditions. In urban environments, studded soles offer the benefits of being self-cleaning and relatively grippy at the same time.

[Related: Our review of the Parkhurst Delaware boot (with a discount code!)]

Oak Street boots heel
A nice sleek heel on the Dainite Oak Street Trench boot

Dainite vs Vibram

Dainite and Vibram are very different companies.

Dainite produces only three patterns, while Vibram makes dozens of patterns for just about every use imaginable. The Dainite factory is only 800 meters from its original location and has been making soles in the same town for over 120 years. Vibram produces their soles in China, testing new technologies with major athletic brands. Bootmakers typically use Dainite on hand crafted, high end boots, while Vibram is more common on mass produced boots or boots for serious outdoor use.

They both produce high-quality products but for different markets and products.

“As compared to other soles, I think Dainite serves its purpose in being a dress/casual everyday wear and tear sole,” says Svisco. “It’s not a lug, it is not a flat leather. There is grip and traction, maybe not as much as a work boot sole or lug sole, but then again that is not the purpose of Dainite soles. That is not what the company was going for.”

You get grip and traction, and sure, maybe not as much as a lug sole. But the Dainite Studded sole is meant to provide comfort and grip in all conditions, while not attracting and storing dirt. It’s the ideal all rounder.

Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill dainite

Wrapping Up

Yes, overall they are a very reputable company and have been making quality rubber soles for over a century.

They’re so beloved on fashionable, durable men’s boots because they have the ideal balance of grip, flexibility, shock absorption, and versatility. It’s the best marriage of form and function we’ve got.

Editor’s note: This article is an op-ed. The views expressed herein and in the video are the author’s and don’t necessarily reflect the views of Stridewise, LLC. Claims, assertions, opinions, and quotes have been sourced exclusively by the author.

Karl Wasson

Karl is Stridewise's Managing Editor living in South East Asia. He gets a kick out of durability and dependability. When he's not writing, he's searching for the best bespoke menswear in South East Asia and beyond.

Facebook Instagram LinkedIn More articles by Karl Wasson

You Might Also Like

different boot soles
8 Boot Soles You Should Know About
andrew svisco
From Office Job to Boot Maker – Interview With Parkhurst’s Andrew Svisco
red wing blacksmith goodyear welt
What We Know About Red Wing’s Cyber Attack
rambler leather truman boot company
Why Truman Boots’ Best Leather Is CF Stead’s Rambler
Stridewise team

About Stridewise

by Nick English

Founded in 2018 to help men buy the best boots, we’ve since expanded our team and purview to review and celebrate casual footwear and menswear that’s as close to “buy it for life” quality as possible. We take great pride in being a trusted source for information while maintaining complete editorial independence. At no extra cost to you, we might earn a commission from a brand when you purchase through our links, which helps us keep our mission alive. Learn More

11 Ways to Save Money on Boots

Subscribe for an exclusive article to help you find the best deals on quality footwear.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Join the Discussion Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. geo

    June 3, 2022 at 11:58 am

    thank you for the write up! Always wondered what Danite means

    Reply
    • Nick English

      June 5, 2022 at 9:29 am

      so glad it was useful to you my man!

      Reply
  2. Tomy

    December 26, 2022 at 2:09 pm

    Hey Nick,

    Living in New York City, you get some harsh winters. Which soles do you prefer most for a daily driver, Dainite or Vibram?

    I’ve read mixed reviews for Dainite because of how slippery they are in the snow and slush. I don’t want to pull the trigger on a pair of Vibergs if I’m not going to be able to wear them in the snow.

    I’m in Toronto so they conditions would be similar to NYC which is why I ask.

    Love the blog, great info and really appreciate the detailed reviews.

    Tom

    Reply
    • Nick English

      January 20, 2023 at 9:38 pm

      Hey thanks, sorry for the delay replying. Honestly, there aren’t many soles that are good on ice but I’d go with a commando sole if it’s really important.

      Reply
  3. Leo W

    September 5, 2023 at 8:43 pm

    Great write up. I was looking at the choice of Danite vs Lug on a pair of Whites Boots. Want a nice dressy but tough boot.

    Reply
    • Nick English

      September 7, 2023 at 2:36 pm

      Cool! I was just explaining to a friend last night that Dainite soles are grippier than they look but he didn’t believe me. What did you go with?

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Want to dress better?

See which boots suit your preferences and style.

My Top Picks

Most Popular

Best made in usa boots

The 10 Best American-Made Boots

Best chelsea boots for men 1024x576 1

The 13 Best Chelsea Boots

best moc toe boot

The 7 Best Moc Toe Boots

Stridewise team

About Stridewise

by Nick English

Founded in 2018 to help men buy the best boots, we’ve since expanded our team and purview to review and celebrate casual footwear and menswear that’s as close to “buy it for life” quality as possible. We take great pride in being a trusted source for information while maintaining complete editorial independence. At no extra cost to you, we might earn a commission from a brand when you purchase through our links, which helps us keep our mission alive. Learn More

11 Ways to Save Money on Boots

Subscribe for an exclusive article to help you find the best deals on quality footwear.

Most Recent

Flint tinder flannel lined denim trucker jacket review

Flint and Tinder Flannel Lined Denim Trucker Jacket Review: Their Most Underrated Product

Frost river briefcase review

Frost River Bags Review: Waxed Canvas Correspondent Brief Tested

Bleu de chauffe visit

Bleu de Chauffe: How They Make the French Leather Bags American Men Love

Best british boots made in england

Best British Boots: Northampton’s Finest Footwear Reviewed

Left field visit_youtube

Inside Left Field NYC: The Underdog of USA-Made Denim and Workwear

Trending Now

  • a man pondering the best boots for men16 Best Boots For Men to Buy Tested By Experts (Spring 2025)
  • doc martens alternatives6 Doc Marten Alternatives That Don’t Suck
  • best american boot brands10 Best American Made Boots to Buy in 2025 (Made in USA!)
  • Best leather briefcases for men, Satchel & Page Counselor on the right, and Saddleback Pilot on the left11 Best Leather Briefcases for Men in 2025: High-End, Budget, Vintage, and More
Stridewise

Casual Durable™.

Yup, we even trademarked it. Just because you’re dressed down, doesn’t mean you have to dress bad. 

This site started to help guys find the best boots for their dollar and has since expanded to cover the highest quality casual menswear, from leather jackets to selvedge jeans to canvas bags — the kind of simple, fashionproof classics that help you get dressed without overthinking your “style.” Read more

  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Our Experts

11 Ways to Save Money on Boots

Subscribe for an exclusive article to help you find the best deals on quality footwear.

Articles by Category

  • Accessories
  • Backpacks
  • Bags
  • Boot & Leather Care
  • Boot Guides
  • Boot Reviews
  • Boots
  • Briefcases
  • Clothing
  • Comparison
  • Cowboy Boots
  • Culture
  • Denim
  • Denim Jackets
  • Denim Review
  • Fabric
  • Footwear
  • Hats
  • Jackets & Outerwear
  • Leather Bags
  • Leather Conditioners
  • Leather Jackets
  • Loafers
  • Pens
  • Shirts
  • Sneakers
  • Waxed Canvas Jackets
  • Women's Boots
  • Work Boots
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • X

© 2025 · Stridewise · All Rights Reserved · Terms · Privacy · Affiliate Disclosure · Accessibility