Ten years ago, a Septieme Largeur dress shoe almost certainly meant a leather sole — the mark of refinement, tradition, and Parisian craftsmanship. Fast forward to today, and you’ll notice a quiet transformation underfoot. The brand has embraced what I’m calling the rubber sole revolution — a deliberate evolution that fuses timeless design with the realities of modern life. Septieme Largeur’s rubber sole options are now almost greater than their leather sole choices.
From Classic Elegance to Modern Utility
Founded in 2009 by Marcos Fernandez & Mathieu Preiss, Septieme Largeur built its name on beautifully balanced lasts, Goodyear-welted construction, and the artistry of patina — all for an incredible price. For years, leather soles were the norm — sleek, formal, and rooted in classic shoemaking tradition. But as the world’s dress codes shifted, so too did the brand’s approach to what a “dress shoe” could be.
The past decade has seen menswear relax dramatically. Office culture has loosened, commutes have lengthened, and the line between tailored and casual has blurred. In that context, a rigid leather sole feels less practical for everyday wear — especially when walking the slick cobblestones and rainy boulevards of Paris.
Septieme Largeur responded, not by abandoning its heritage, but by adapting it. Smart, too, as many people simply are not wearing leather soles anymore.
Septieme Largeur Rubber Soles for the Parisian Streets
Today, many of Septieme Largeur’s most popular models come fitted with Dainite, Vibram, or other rubber sole options. It’s not an accident. The brand has consciously leaned into designs that offer grip, comfort, and durability — without sacrificing the elegance of a welted construction.
The Anduze derby, for instance, features a supple sand-colored rubber sole praised for its flexibility and traction. The Ameto — a hybrid between a dress shoe and Vans sneaker — uses a 100% natural rubber cup sole to provide grip on wet surfaces while maintaining a refined silhouette. Even in collaborations, such as their partnership with Hast, Septieme Largeur highlighted a full natural Dainite sole on a classic loafer to marry sophistication with practicality.
Where once their collections were dominated by thin, polished leather soles, today you’ll find double Dainite, commando, and lug options across a wide range of their line-up. In short, Septieme Largeur now offers shoes meant for real life — for movement, weather, and comfort — all while retaining the sleek, patinated beauty the brand is known for.
It is a natural transformation for anyone who understands the French mentality. Nearly all ‘dress shoe’ wearers in France add rubber sole guards and toe taps to their leather shoes anyway. So, why not bypass that altogether?!
The Broader Shift: Dress Casual for a New Era
Septieme Largeur isn’t alone in this movement, but they’re arguably leading it from the heart of Paris. As dress codes continue to evolve, brands must find ways to bridge the gap between formality and function. Rubber soles are part of that solution — offering wearers confidence on slick pavements and long days, while still pairing perfectly with a blazer or smart denim.
It’s a practical response to modern life, but also a statement: the elegant man no longer needs to choose between style and comfort.
Why Rubber Soles Matter in Keep Dress Styles Relevant
What we’re seeing is more than just a design tweak — it’s a cultural reflection. Septieme Largeur’s rubber-soled dress shoes are proof that true craftsmanship adapts with time. The welt remains; the artistry remains. Only the foundation has changed — literally — to suit how we live today.
In a way, that’s the essence of great shoemaking: not static tradition, but evolution with integrity. I won’t lie and say that I prefer a dress shoe with a rubber sole. I am a leather sole purist. But I understand the movement and prefer it to getting rid of dress shoes altogether, and see the Cole Haan’s of the world taking over. That is a nightmare I prefer to avoid, and if adding Dainite and/or Commando soles to elegant oxfords prevents us from getting there, I will take it 100 times over!
Conclusion about Rubber Soles on Dress Styles
The rubber sole revolution isn’t about turning dress shoes into sneakers — it’s about ensuring they survive the times. And Septieme Largeur, true to their spirit of refinement and innovation, is walking that path one step ahead of the rest.
Read more about Septieme Largeur here
Learn more here: www.septiemelargeur.com
