Shoe Sole Protection - Toe Taps / Toe Plates

[Morgan]

Can toe taps be installed after the shoe has been worn a few times, or must they be installed prior to any wear and tear?

On days that I walk to work, I put about 2 miles of concrete and asphalt wear on my shoes. Today I'm sporting a beautiful pair of black wholecuts by Grenson for Paul Stuart, and after just two or three wears (at formal events, not even walking that much) they're looking a little worn-down at the toe. It must be something about my stride.

 

[Tarmac]

you can put them on any time. remember they are nailed on, so it's not quite non-invasive.

 

[ephemeralcoherence]

Best to put on unworn soles (as a preventative measure), but definitely not a problem to get them on worn down soles.

However, depending on the current amount of wear on your soles as well as the type of taps you get, the taps may not sit perfectly flush with the soles' edges. So if you're looking to visually "disguise" the worn down toe with some taps, this may not work very well.

 

[Hanseat]

When you consider putting taps on the toe of your shoe I would recommend against that. a) It restricts the natural rolling movement and b) scratches hardwood floors easily.
Instead I walk quite a bit in my new shoes until the front of the sole has worn down quite a bit and then have a cobbler put on the same rubber that he uses on the heel. Works well for me- just make sure not to drain that part of the sole in leather oil or else the glue won't stick as well.