Tips on DIY Shoe Toe Protection

[Sean Archer]

The easiest and most minimalist way I've found is to simply hammer in 4-5 nails at the toe on the stitch. Nailing them into the stitch reduces the chance of bending a nail. That's it. I've used it on 2 pairs of AE's and just did the same to a pair of Florsheim Imperials. Easy and effective. To be even more effective, hammer them in outside the stitch line, close to the end of the toe. Simple.

 

[MyOtherLife]

May we see photos?
Hopefully the shoes are not on your feet while doing this.

 

[Sean Archer]

Here they are: Note: the second brown pair, I originally had plastic taps on both but one fell off and I said screw it and just used nails. I've used just nails ever since. I think using taps increases wear on the rest of the sole.

 

[cptjeff]

So what type of nails are those?

 

[Sean Archer]

From what I could determine last night, carpet tacks or something very similar. They're short enough that they don't go all the way through. They are basically crude tiny spikes with a thin flat round head.

They came with the taps I ordered off EBAY.

 

[cptjeff]

Time to run by Ace then.

 

[dropout5]

how long ago did you first try this? am curious if, in the long run, they provide as much protection as the taps? (i know you said taps increases wear on the rest of the sole, so let's just talk about the toe)

 

[Master-Classter]

always use rubbers, obviously

 

[dropout5]

Originally Posted by Master-Classter

always use rubbers, obviously

+1. the added traction really helps to last longer.

 

[Sean Archer]

The brown Bristols I bought in August 2009. I wear them once per week. The black Auburns, I bought more recently.