Toe plates in NYC

[Nick V.]

Originally Posted by Kuro

I have a qyestion for Nick V.: would a very thin toppy (like the ones from cat's paw) covering the same area be a workable alternative? Thanks.

Metal obviously will wear better that any rubber or composition whether it be Vibram, Topy or, Cat's Paw. So, it depends on your normal wear. For instance, if you constantly wear out the toe area of the sole before the sole (under the ball of your foot) itself wears, you need something more than a sole guard. In this case I would suggest both sole guards and metal toe plates. Now we're back to the same question. What type of metal toe plates? As mentioned I like the European style that is flush mounted to the toe of the sole. However I haven't been able to find them in years. So if you have a local cobbler that has access to them give him a try. Make sure they do quality work. A simple task like this could end up damaging a shoe if given to a hack! The alternative would be to use the regular metal toe plates regularly available today. They go on top of the sole. As someone posted, they are tapered to avoid tripping on them.

I will try again to see if I can find the European style.

 

[Nick V.]

Originally Posted by tonup277

so Nick, you planning on getting a bunch of plates?

If I can find them, I will post.

 

[Kuro]

Originally Posted by Nick V.

Metal obviously will wear better that any rubber or composition whether it be Vibram, Topy or, Cat's Paw. So, it depends on your normal wear. For instance, if you constantly wear out the toe area of the sole before the sole (under the ball of your foot) itself wears, you need something more than a sole guard. In this case I would suggest both sole guards and metal toe plates. Now we're back to the same question. What type of metal toe plates? As mentioned I like the European style that is flush mounted to the toe of the sole. However I haven't been able to find them in years. So if you have a local cobbler that has access to them give him a try. Make sure they do quality work. A simple task like this could end up damaging a shoe if given to a hack! The alternative would be to use the regular metal toe plates regularly available today. They go on top of the sole. As someone posted, they are tapered to avoid tripping on them.

I will try again to see if I can find the European style.

Thanks. If you find a source please post, but since the only place that seems to have these in NYC does [pick an adjective] work do you think that a rubber version of the flush metal toe plates (cut from a topy, etc.) would adhere to the toe area of the sole properly to provide protection better than taps? I prefer a leather sole over a rubber sole and have had the taps before (both rubber and metal) but they always seemed to need frequent replacement or resecuring.

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by Kuro

I would grade the result a solid C...not as pretty as you'll see from gaziano, etc. but gets the job done.

They are well done. More of a B.

The screwed ones would, by chance, hold up a little longer.

Here is a example with topys by bespoke maker Lajos Balint, Vienna.

 

[blackplatano]

Originally Posted by Kuro

I would grade the result a solid C...not as pretty as you'll see from gaziano, etc. but gets the job done.

What did the total come out to? Did he also do the heel?

The work seems pretty good to me.

 

[bigbris1]

And to think I was just going to get some sheet metal & fabricate my own toe plates

I would think the first sign to whether or not your cobbler can do this is if he has the right tools on premesis, i.e. metal grinder, etc.

 

[alliswell]

Originally Posted by Manton

I don't think I've ever heard of these being installed by a shoe repair shop. People who get them seem to get them put in by the maker. I would love to be corrected, if I am wrong.

I've had mine done at:

Empire Shoe Repair

991 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10021-4204

(212) 744-1257‎

$30/pair, two pair minimum.