Goodyear Welt Vibram Rubber Sole
While maintaining the cork-filled footbed, the Vibram rubber Goodyear welt replaces the 4 mm leather outsole with an 6 millimeter Vibram rubber outsole that is stitched to the midsole, so that it can easily be resoled in the future without damaging the upper.
A heavier and sturdy construction, the Goodyear welt has been known historically for being the golden standard for quality shoemaking and it is synonymous with high quality footwear. The space enclosed by the welt is filled with shredded cork to add cushioning and breathability to the interior of the shoe. In the resoling process, the outsole can be removed without causing damage to the upper.
The Goodyear construction method is most popular in England as its weatherproofness becomes a utilitarian necessity to match its year-round rainy weather. It is known to be the most complex and sturdy construction available for shoes. This method also requires the most skilled craftsmanship as it is time consuming and laborious. The two level stitching makes it incredibly easy to resole, making it the preferred construction by shoe repair shops. Because the welt performs as a buffer between the insole and the outsole, removing the old sole and attaching a new one can be done by machine or by hand. The extra cost that comes with this method is worthwhile as it allows repeated resoling, making it possible for a pair of shoes to last decades.