Are Toe Plates Absolutely Necessary?

[ltontheqt]

I recently visited a cobbler who has been repairing shoes longer than many of us have been alive. I asked him to put toe plates on one of my nicer pairs of shoes. He responded that unless you're brutal on your shoes, it's not necessary. He went to say, without much explanation, that the toe plates degrade shoes. So, is he right?

 

[JayJay]

I've never used them, but my older shoes that have seen a lot of wear still look fine.

 

[freddie]

I did use toe plates but by today I prefer vibram soles (or vibram tips at least). Even if toe plates are very durable, they have to be replaced some day. As the cobbler will have to nail them to the sole every time, the welt seam (if present) is likely to be damaged.

 

[Stirling]

I know more than a few Cobblers & Cordwainers (myself included) that aren't fans of toe plates, especially on RTW offerings.

Flush toe plates are effectively invasive and in order to install them one has to sever threads...

But if you eat through the toe area of your soles, there is a case for having toe plates as a necessary evil. Just make sure you use a good cobbler if you have to do it.

 

[musicguy]

They're only necessary if you feel they are.

I eat through the toes of my shoes normally and would have liked to have metal toe plates installed. But, it seems like almost no one these days will put them on. I know there's one person in NYC that'll do it. I know G&G will allow you to ask for it on MTO and bespoke shoes.

Is it really more invasive than nailed-in toe taps?

 

[jammyo40]

What about toe tacks?