New canvas "brogues" from Tom's Shoes

[Tobus]

I wonder if there's a mechanical/structural reason for the heel not being defined...I really like the shoe and the idea of canvas (some of the other colors there were pretty cool) but the heel turns me off too.

I usually see that "no heel" sole on a particular style of work boot, meant for folks who work on flat concrete surfaces all day. In that case, I think they're intended to provide more surface area for traction and may perhaps be more comfortable to walk around in. I've heard roofers like to use them too. I like a heel, though, for many functional reasons (not the least of which would be climbing a ladder if I were a roofer!). Plus, a completely flat sole just looks strangely primitive to me on a boot - like a clunky moccasin. On a shoe like this, it looks strangely modern, although it fits right in with the look that one would normally associate with canvas shoes like Vans or Converse.

In this case, they may have to leave it flat because the soft squishy sole material isn't strong enough to go unsupported under the arch of the foot. Stiffening it up might increase cost and decrease comfort.

I could almost see myself wanting a pair of these if they had a traditional sole with a heel. With my sweaty feet, it would be a blessing having a more breathable material on my feet than leather. The tops look good enough to pass for casual daywear, but I just couldn't live with the soles unless they provided an option for a normal heel profile.

[HippieLee]

even this fakey kind of sculpted heel looks better than the straight edge:

tomboot.jpg

but I have other problems with this boot lol...looking through their site I see all kinds of shoes that are almost great but something keeps annoying me about each one...I'm gonna keep my eye on them though - I like the idea of buying a pair and another pair getting sent off to people in need - I suspect with so many very near misses they will eventually give me a hit.