Do you guys use shoe taps?

I read something about heel/toe taps the other day -- not sure what they are? Tried google-ing but just got a crapload of tap dancing links :P

I put heel taps on all of my leather shoes since I rub the outer corners faster than any other part of the sole. they need replacing when they get worn but only cost $4 each time and the money you save potentially in re-heeling isnt even a question. some guys put toe taps as well, but it depends on where you put abnormal wear

Just a little piece of plastic you put under the shoe on the tip.

I don't see why you would need it other than for leather soled shoes.

So do you put the heel taps on the sole when the shoes are new, or do you wait until the heels start to wear down and then apply the taps?

ideally, when they are new of course.

But then doesn't it feel weird when you walk, because your weight is resting on a small piece of plastic that is elevated from the rest of the heel, as opposed to being evenly distributed over the entire heel?

It doesn't feel all that funny or different. Also, I believe some makers offer the option of having the taps built in.

Bump. How is it that heel taps don't affect your weight? The toe tipss don't normally hit the ground during normal walking, but the heels sure do, so I was hoping someone might elaborate.

Some cobblers install the taps so that it is flush with the heel.

How weird this just got bumped. I've been researching heel taps for the last half hour. My Brandos are only 8 mo. old and already need a re-heel due to excessive supination. Think I'll have them add heel taps, too. I've got a pair of RM Williams on the way, and might as well get them tapped right away.

Should I get commissions or something?

J/K. Do post some pics of them being worn when you can though.

I absolutely have taps put on all my new shoes and boots...On the heals and on the tips of the shoes. Doesn't bother me in the slightest when I walk. In fact, for some reason, with certain boots I actually prefer the feel of the taps. The plastic doesn't make much sound at all...but again, on certain boots, I get just the faintest "tap" as I walk. I like it.

BTW- The taps go on the back edge of the heals, a bit to the left of center on the left shoe; a bit to the right of center on the right shoe. For most people this is the part of the heal that gets the most wear.

If you replace the taps on a regular basis, you can pretty much go for years (perhaps forever?) without replacing soles or heals. I'm reminded why I have taps put on every time I look at 2 pair of pointed toe, Dolce & Gabbana (Signature) boots that I bought years ago. The soles were thin to begin with...and the pointed toes took a lot wear...quickly (the tips of longer toe shoes tend to contact the pavement much more than "average" length shoes...something about not being able to "clear" them as quickly as you walk). In no time at all my gorgeous (and mucho expensive) D&G's were all but unwearable. They're still great-looking, very contemporary boots (that were way ahead of their time). But I'm gonna have to get them re-soled if I ever want to wear them again.

Note: I used to get thin, rubber "half-plates" put on the soles of all my good shoes/boots. But they tend to wear far too quickly...and are expensive, and a pain, to replace on a regular basis. I found that the taps work just as well, and a far easier and cheaper to replace.

Dennis

so taps are removable? i bought a pair of used shoes with taps on them but am not sure whether i like them or not...i guess i'll try them out for some time.

Taps are applied with adhesive and then attached with tacks/staples.

You can find taps at any drug store for a few bucks. Just peel the paper off the bottom to reveal the adhesive...attach them where you want, and then tap in the built-in "staples"... But keep in mind, the drug store variety are smaller (and less efficient) than the ones used by the cobblers.

And yes, taps can be removed...with little difficulty.

Dennis