i wasn't thinking about this before deciding to install metal toe-taps on all my shoes: they set off metal detectors. so at euro airports, where we're relieved from the American dancing-on-one-foot rigamarole, i have to do it anyway.
(metal shanks in cork beds normally dont set the machines off...)
and thats my lesson for the day
He means that, prior to installing toe taps, he did not have to remove his shoes whilst walking through airport security, but he now does because they set off the metal detectors. Of course, the presence/absence of toe taps would only matter at non-US airports, as in the US everybody has to take off their shoes, toe taps or otherwise.
Although a number of airports in the US will now let you keep your shoes on. Depending on the type of line for security you get into, Boston Logan will let you keep them on. A nice change, having to take off my shoes is one of the most irritating parts of the security checkpoint.
Never had an issue at EU (at least in Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, France, Turkey) airports with metal toe taps. Also never was asked to take the shoes off when the detector went off, e.g. due to a metal buckle on a loafer (they simply use the hand-held detectors to check you manually).
Also do not have sound issues due to the metal toe taps (but would wear tips down quickly without them).