Sole Protection: To Toe Tap or Topy?
Following on from my earlier post on how how to care for your new shoes out-of-the-box, here’s another thing to consider… sole protection.
On quality leather shoes, the soles are made of leather and are stitched on. They can be replaced if worn out. However, this is quite labor intensive and your cobbler will charge you for it. The best way to save money in the long term is to employ some sole protection.
Toe Taps
I find that when I walk, I wear out the toe quicker, so toe taps are just what I need. Toe taps are little metal plates that are nailed on to the front of the sole. They can also be made of rubber.
The challenge is to find toe taps that will fit the edge of your sole perfectly. This could vary from shoe to shoe and from size to size.
Advantages
- Cheap, my cobbler charges AUD$7.50 a pair.
- Fast, my cobbler does it while I wait.
- Can be easily replaced by the cobbler.
Disadvantages
- While it offers some protection, it’s not as effective as a topy.
- The cobbler never gets it right to the edge, no matter how much I plead!
- Depending on how you walk, your shoes might make a sound as if you’re tap dancing. Doesn’t really bother me, but I know some of you guys don’t like drawing attention to yourself for all the wrong reasons!
- If not done properly, they can fall off. It has happened to me before.
Doesn’t improve the grip of your shoes. You’ll still be prone to slipping.
Topy
A topy is a thin rubber sole that’s glued on to the sole, so the rubber gets worn out instead of the actual sole. You should actually wear the shoes for a couple of weeks beforehand. The sole needs to be “roughed up” so that the adhesive applied to the topy would stick better. While your cobbler will do this for you, wearing the shoes for a period of time also has the added advantage of allowing the sole to stretch & mould to the balls of your feet.
Advantages
- Greatly extends the life of your shoe.
- Provides better grip. Good option if you walk alot in your shoes.
- Can be easily replaced by the cobbler when worn out.
Disadvantages
- More expensive than toe taps at AUD$30-$40 but won’t completely blow the bank.
- Can’t be done right away. The adhesive needs time to properly cement the topy to the sole. You’ll be without your beloved shoes for a few days.
To Toe Tap or Topy?
The cobblers will mostly recommend topys over toe taps, not just because they get to charge you more, but it’s the more practical and cost-effective option in the long term.
However, toe taps are my choice simply because I find it looks better!
At 10:58 pm, Rene Ellis said:
Are the second pair of the shoes Crockett & Jones?
Posted on October 14, 2010
At 7:51 pm, Jodie said:
Topy is actually a product that doesn’t wear out. It can’t be scuffed or even scraped with a knife and there will be no mark left behind. It will outlast every other part of the shoe. If you have expensive leather shoes enjoy the feel and look of leather and then when the sole wears down, put the Topy on and extend the life of your shoes. There is no point paying for full leather soles and then covering it with Topy. That’s just stupid and expensive. Who wants to pay 2, 3 or $400 for a good pair of English or German shoes then pay another $35 to stick this shit on? But if you don’t want to spend another 2,3 or $400 or you simply like the shoes but they now have a hole in them you can spend $35 to extend their life a year or two.
Posted on March 09, 2011
At 1:25 am, The Boy In The Box said:
You should look at Vibram. They make half soles and sheets that could be custom cut for any shoe. An unbelievable product.
http://www.vibram.us/repair/repair_popup.asp?Product=57&style=HalfSoles
I have placed these on every pair of shoes I own. It gives my dress shoes the traction and comfort of a good pair of boots.
I like nice shoes. When nice shoes have leather soles, I have a problem. I get no traction. For some, slipping and sliding is no big deal. If you are a dancer, it’s desired. But I need to chase down suspects, climb fences, and throw spinning back kicks.
Posted on October 13, 2011
At 1:26 am, The Boy In The Box said:
http://www.vibram.us/repair/repair.asp?Product=HalfSoles#
Posted on October 13, 2011
At 3:05 am, nizaam khan said:
I bought a new pair of cj’s today and had it fitted with toby it took the guy an 1hr should I be worried because u say :Following on from my earlier post on how how to care for your new shoes out-of-the-box, here’s another thing to consider… sole protection.
On quality leather shoes, the soles are made of leather and are stitched on. They can be replaced if worn out. However, this is quite labor intensive and your cobbler will charge you for it. The best way to save money in the long term is to employ some sole protection.
Toe Taps
I find that when I walk, I wear out the toe quicker, so toe taps are just what I need. Toe taps are little metal plates that are nailed on to the front of the sole. They can also be made of rubber.
?
The challenge is to find toe taps that will fit the edge of your sole perfectly. This could vary from shoe to shoe and from size to size.
Advantages
Cheap, my cobbler charges AUD$7.50 a pair.
Fast, my cobbler does it while I wait.
Can be easily replaced by the cobbler.
Disadvantages
While it offers some protection, it’s not as effective as a topy.
The cobbler never gets it right to the edge, no matter how much I plead!
Depending on how you walk, your shoes might make a sound as if you’re tap dancing. Doesn’t really bother me, but I know some of you guys don’t like drawing attention to yourself for all the wrong reasons!
If not done properly, they can fall off. It has happened to me before.
Doesn’t improve the grip of your shoes. You’ll still be prone to slipping.
Topy
A topy is a thin rubber sole that’s glued on to the sole, so the rubber gets worn out instead of the actual sole. You should actuall.
Can’t be done right away. The adhesive needs time to properly cement the topy to the sole. You’ll be without your beloved shoes for a few days
Posted on November 11, 2011