Why to & How to Install Heel Guards/Heel Taps

[@paulo8001]

When I was a kid, about 10 or 12 years old, it was a fashion thing to have these on your shoes and make all the damned tapping noise you could on the school floors to piss the teachers off. Blakey's we used to call them and we'd have as many as we could fit on, front and heel. Anyhow, after years of installing these it became an expense that could not be kept up on a 10 year old's pocket money. Now that was because they would wear down real quick on the one pair of shoes that your parents could afford to buy for you back in them days (I'm 55 now). So, what we did was cut a guard sized piece out of the heel rubber so that the guard wasn't sticking up proud of the heel and therefore became the only point of wear on the heel. This is something maybe you and your subscribers might want to try, it really does work. It makes the entire heel become the point of contact, not just the guard that sit's proud of the heel. It doesn't have to be a perfect cut out in the shape of the guard, just enough of the rubber so that the guard can be inserted into the cut out space. Right, that's my 2 penny worth of useless information garnered over half a century of living. Take it or leave it, it's there to be used or not. Thanks for the vid, much appreciated!

[@thetrickisirarelyrespond5945]

Hi. Would what you're suggesting result in the effect you get on a Clark's Desert Boot, ie the back of the heel is ever so slightly lifted off the floor because your heel strike is more toward that "step" (for want of a better word) toward the middle of the sole..? Thanks

[@Londonfogey]

I'm 51 and remember those days...the ultimate 'dare' was to dangle one's foot off the back of a Routemaster London bus platform to create a shower of sparks from the Blakies. I never dared do this, but my father claimed he'd done it in the 40s!

[@stansmith4054]

Why am I relaxed after watching this? Good video, very useful.

[@MrDazzlerdarren]

Years ago (80s) when I was growing up all of the people my Grandads age used to have a metal version of these in their shows (segs/blakeys they called them) ......they had a very distinctive tap/tap sound to them, I honestly can't hear the difference with the version you installed but loved watching the process.

[@rsmith9733]

I really appreciate your time and effort in providing this information. It makes you realize the work it takes to dress well and to properly care for your wardrobe.

[@dwaynehayden8246]

I wear my shoes a couple of times before installing the protectors so I can see how the shoe is wearing and where best to install the tap on it's heel. Each pair of shoes will wear different on it's heel.

[@CobblerBob]

dwayne Hayden great tip! 👍🏼

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

great video - the sound comparison was the best. I work at a hospital and had these installed on my allen edmonds.

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

UPDATE: My shoes are holding up great. I'm now installing these on all my cowboy boots. Re-watched your video!

[@Cardsmaster]

I dont mind the sound. Sounds like the boss is walking through the door.

[@theeonlystorm]

Exactly

[@Tim145Tim145]

You might also try the Shoe Goo to fill that worn spot. When Shoe Goo is dry, it is the same as rubber. I am starting to do that in all my shoes including sneakers with good results.

[@mb3080]

What to do if the heel is textured or has an uneven surface for grip? Do i need to sand flat or fill in the ridges? I ask a lot of questions but dont thjnk i akways say thank you. Ill say it now. You're videos are amazing 👏

[@williammedford5891]

Thanks for being the guy who does this useful video. Much appreciated.

[@CobblerBob]

You’re welcome!

[@99thVeil]

Thank you for making this video! I don’t know why but my heels always wear down really fast. Going to try these out.

[@gaugea]

zerg :)

[@cougarhunter33]

A "fishing magnet" will help get those tacks out of the carpet. I use one to pull the staples out of my office carpet that don't quite make it into my trash can.

[@klmitchellbrown]

Thank you for uploading the video it was really great I really appreciate it. I am a female and I used to go to the shoe guy to put tabs on all of my shoes but he moved so I guess I was like let me just try it myself so I’ve already ordered the tabs from Amazon so thanks for the video again

[@CobblerBob]

👊🏼

[@klmitchellbrown]

I put them on, thank you .

[@jeffu3724]

Totally enjoyed this. Just starting to enjoy decent shoes, and all of this helps. Thank You !

[@thomasfeltes1041]

I've put taps on my boots several times exactly to your directions. The only last for a couple of days before the come off.

[@CobblerBob]

I’ll bet it’s because they do not have a leather heel base. They don’t stay on very well if the heel is solid rubber. I’m nit sure there’s a whole lot that can be done in that case, except maybe trying longer ring shank nails? Ring shank nails are nails that have ridges along the entire shake

[@johnalterio372]

I see some folks using metal taps in the front to minimize wear, but I understand and can imagine that these add a bit more noise to your step. The rubber taps/guards seem to be the more common option.

[@JuanHerrero]

Down the rabbit hole... tapgrrl.wordpress.com

[@theeonlystorm]

The taps are why I got them in the first place, they sound nice, makes you feel more masculine if I could

[@spadesquiz8105]

Excellent tutorial, exactly what I was looking for and extremely well explained... thank you for your contribution!

[@stevemendez3535]

Glad I found you. This is a excellent craft that you have. Keep it up I wish you did it on a larger scale I do have some shoes that need to be repaired. And have installed these tabs.

[@jeffu3724]

Love your vids, and I've done the same with dropping the tacks on carpet. They make a magnetic 'broom' of sorts, that not only works good for this, but anything else in the garage, etc.

[@NDN_FTR]

Thanks. This video gave me enough confidence to do the heels on my boots.

[@GenesisTejada]

Thank you! Now I know about heel taps and how to extend the shelf life of my dress shoes.

[@MrCooper83]

Great stuff! I have a pair of J.M. Weston with a metallic tap. Sounds really cool especially when I walk on the escalator.

[@fitnessfanatics9644]

Very precise and crystal video quality. Thanks!

[@tamlawrie5043]

Hi Robert- My shoemaker applies shoe glue that he lets sit for 24 hours before renailing the taps to my sneakers. It works unless a tap gets caught on a city sidewalk metal grate. I am going to try doing it with your method. Thanks.

[@CobblerBob]

I've honestly never tried them on a sneaker, I wouldn't think they would hold on very well. Other than the two small nail holes, I don't think it hurts to try though.

[@tedblackburn8679]

@@CobblerBob holds well with tiny screws much better on sneakers. I have lots of experience. Only metal protectors work for me. I've even tried a piece of a bicycle tire. I think i need to relearn how to walk? 🤔

[@alexanderbaray2050]

Thank you, Robert. Saving me time and money. Cheers!

[@Jeremy_Watson]

Thanks. I just got the Rome boot from Taft and will very likely be doing this. This was a great video.

[@BrewerShettles]

Great Video. Hope you get that loose Nail. Shine a flashlight: you'll see metal reflecting back. Good to know about the wear area goes between the nails! Thanks!

[@CobblerBob]

LOL, yeah, and I’ve dropped many more since recording this. Whenever I vaccinated around there it sounds like the cleaner is sucking up gravel, LOL.

[@panda5122]

Do you center the tap on the heel? Or follow your foot anatomy/wear pattern? For example my husband pronates outward and the wear/breakdown is more on the outer edge of the heel.

[@CobblerBob]

No, I personally don’t. That’s covered at about 1:30 in the video, but I like to install them such that the greatest wear is on between the middle and outer nails on the heel tap.

[@adrianeyre3630]

Just bought a pair of boots from eBay. Really nice handmade but they have metal shoe/heel savers on the the heels. I haven’t tried them on yet . What will happen if I remove them? Thanks

[@CobblerBob]

More than likely there will be holes there from the nails. They may or may not close up a little. You could always install plastic heel taps where the metal ones were? And sorry for missing your comment!!

[@pcking2008]

I tend to chew through those plastic heal savers quickly. I have to use the metal ones to save my heels, and yes they are noisy and slippery if not use to them. I am used to the sound after many years of wearing them. I only know I have them on when people stare at my feet LOL I also chew through those too but not as fast. I am going to re-angle my taps. Thank you for the idea Angel from The Bay

[@Ematched]

You may be slightly dragging your feet or doing a little scoot when you bring your heel down with each step. Since I started wearing dress shoes, I've definitely noticed little ways that I add extra wear to my shoes. The worst for me is that i rock my heel when i'm sitting down. It's an awful habit and really difficult to break.

[@naeun7387]

Excellent tutorial! Are nails need to be installed as a must? The adhesive sticker wont hold onto the shoes enough?

[@CobblerBob]

Sorry for missing your comment! I do believe the nail is neccessary, but you could try it without them. Worst case, you loose a couple bucks worth of heel taps.

[@websurfer1585]

I wonder if just glue is a better way to go, and leave the nails out of it? Also, i am wondering if using polyurethane sealant from a tube may be a good solution, just carefully shape and smooth it to square off the heel as it wears?

[@CobblerBob]

Feel free to try, but from my experience they won’t hold on with only glue. They take the full impact of your body weight. As far as filling in, I’ve never been able to do that without it looking terrible and the filled area popping off. Experiment away on a pair of cheap shoes though and see how it works!

[@e.i.8081]

I use gorilla glue precision tip. Think the container is 6 grams. Runs $6-9 bucks.

[@theeroom]

would you recommend metal heel plates? Great detailed guide!

[@CobblerBob]

I’ve never used them. I’m fairly certain they’re going to be really slick on wet pavement and any hard smooth surface like marble, so no.

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

@@CobblerBob plus they're LOUD unless someone wants to tap dance.

[@williamconoremberley697]

Hey Bob, Question regarding taps, when do you recommend toe taps/heel taps. Are toe taps/ needed when you add a topy to a leather soled shoe? Getting my shoe repair routine down and want to know if I should default to taps on all my dress shoes. I wear them semi frequently.

[@CobblerBob]

William Emberley - honestly, I’ve never messed with toe taps because I don’t wear the tips of my shoes out. There is something called pronation and supination, having to do with having flat or high arches which will affect whether or not you wear out the tips of your toes. I believe it has more to do with how you walk than whether or not you’re using topy. I would guess that you would want to consider toe taps if you have a pattern of severely wearing out the toe area on your shoes first.

[@JohnJVela]

Thanks for the video. Great job.

[@marise-cellardoor2031]

I got gifted a pair of shoes with fully rubber heels - I love them but am worried about them wearing out early- my old faithfuls I got reheeled 5 times and lasted me years even though they were pretty worn when I first got them secondhand. Can I apply this to new fully rubber heels to make them last?

[@CobblerBob]

I assume you mean heels without a leather or particle leather heel base? I’m not sure. I’ve tried before, and they did not stay adhered well because the nails didn’t have a solid material to cinch into. Many soles that are all one piece with the heel molded into it are hollow.

[@marise-cellardoor2031]

@@CobblerBob Thanks for your reply! I do -There is no leather heel base. These feel like they are solid rubber rather than hollow from the weight of them but I suppose I wouldn't be able to tell until I try to get a tap put in. Such a shame as they are gorgeous boots and certainly were not cheap. Goodness know why they make expensive shoes so disposable!

[@sleepingbanshee_]

this is actually genius. thanks sir.

[@traceynicholls7698]

This was very helpful, thank you for sharing this info.

[@CobblerBob]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lincolnhawk4671]

I like the sound they make as well. Reminds me of how movies make it sound when men are walking.

[@dvamateur]

Is there any advantage to metal ones? Also, can you attach them with screws, or it's gotta be nails? Nails are kind of a crude method of attachment if you ask me. :)

[@CobblerBob]

Andrew Piatek - I’ve never used the metal ones, it seems like they’d be slippery. And yes you could use screws. Pros usually attach metal toe plates with screws.

[@timgaskey2258]

Have you ever tried putting more nails into them than the 3? Do you think it would split the plastic? Mine kind of stick up in areas where the heel isn't flat

[@CobblerBob]

No, I honestly haven't. That is one downside to them as you just found out, you really do need to get them on before the heels really wear. If the top lifts (the layer of rubber on the heel that touches the ground) are replaceable, you can have a cobbler replace the top lifts first. If you're handy, you could buy new top lifts from eBay and replace them yourself. Just PRACTICE on a pair or two of OLD or thrifted shoes you're not afraid to destroy first. If you have a local cobbler do it, ask to see examples of his work first, as there are some hacks out there. "How to Replace Top Lifts (Heels) at Home (detailed)": kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXXWcqOvhpp1hNE

[@timgaskey2258]

@@CobblerBob Thank you for the reply!

[@thehobbydeskjl621]

Thank you for this awesome video! How do you feel about toeplates? Or metal plates for heels or toe? Do you recommend them?

[@CobblerBob]

The Hobby Desk JL Thank you for you kind words! I’ve honestly never used metal heel or toe plates. I’m curious about them too. With the way I walk I’m not hard on the toes, but more so on the outer edge of the ball of the foot (I’m a little duck footed bc of being a little bow legged).

[@saadabdullah4245]

@@CobblerBob can these be applied to the toes?

[@CobblerBob]

Yes, but I never have put them on the toes. The other option are metal “Lulu” toe plates, or toe taps, that are cut into the leather. That’s more of a job for a professional cobbler though. Check out Bedos Leatherworks channel, he’s done a bunch of them!

[@otto8712]

Hello. I have a pair of shoes with dainite rubber soles. The heel has a imitation of the heel guard. Can I put the "real" or mobile heel guard over the other one. Also, is it possible to put it over a commando sole?

[@CobblerBob]

I apoligize for missing your comment!! The main problem I've run into is when there is no leather or compressed particle leather heel base. If there is a leather heel base under the Dainite top lift, it should work as long as the nails are long enough to get through the top lift completely and still have some length left over to grab. The main issue may be that since the heel tap will be "elevated" on that pad, the heel may be slipperier. Try it out and see. If you don't like it you can just pull them back off.

[@zachhampton7163]

Anyway to add a little bit more traction after these installed? They seem to slip

[@CobblerBob]

Zach Hampton - not that o know of. You can always just remove them.

[@totalbliss1]

Thanks. Love the cheap DIY'S for shoes. Gonna try this out.

[@joefoster2906]

I realize this is an old topic but wanted to know what type of guard you would recommend on a lug sole. I have a pair of Danners with Vibram soles and want to protect them. Thanks.

[@CobblerBob]

It might be tough to instal these on a life sole. I’ve honestly never tried.

[@elcirujanoshoerepair2040]

If you bend the heel plate in the middle, it's easier to take the paper off of it. You don't have to peel it with your fingernails. Use threaded nails not spike nails.

[@kathleen606]

I have a pair with 1/4-1/3" heel pads over wooden platform. Can I still apply taps with small short nails? Thanks! (Concern is the wooden platform). Would it be better to go to a shoe repair and have entire rubber part of the heel replaced prior to applying the tap?

[@helprehouseourvets6919]

Great job! Thanks for sharing!

[@luisangelflores3951]

Awesome, thank you sir. So I have a pair of Apt 9 ankle boots with an all rubber heel. I shouldn't use this on them?

[@CobblerBob]

Bornagain Hard if it’s an all rubber heel with no leather heel base the nails generally will not hold and they’ll fall off. Maybe there is another way to get them to attach to an all rubber heel, but I don’t have experience or success with it.

[@luisangelflores3951]

Robert Powers ok. thank you sir.

[@SplurgeFrugal]

@@luisangelflores3951 Not to steal any thunder from Robert Powers... I wear rubber heeled shoes and taps can be added. You must use taps without adhesive and use a much stronger waterproof and flexible adhesive to secure them. I use Loctite Vinyl Plastic and Fabric Glue. I give instructions on extending the life of rubber-soled shoes at splurgefrugal.com/how-to-make-your-rubber-soled-shoes-last-longer/ Thanks Robert for the excellent shoe education!

[@ardycewhalen1629]

Thanks for the easy to understand lesson; I can now do it.

[@sonampelbar7223]

Hello robert sir....where did buy the small black please i really need not one ..alots of pc and actually. My shoe all like half finish.....please help

[@ALEKSEI88828]

is it required to nail them or the adhesive is not strong enough to hold by its own? I own rick owens boots that do not have separate rubber soles, its one whole and im afraid that i might damage the pair

[@CobblerBob]

Niccolo Carcereny I don’t think the adhesive alone will be enough. Be warned, I’ve tried to attach them to rubber only heels (heels that do not have a leather heel base) and it’s harder to get them to nail to rubber; sometime it just won’t work.

[@kathleen606]

I have a pair with 1/4-1/3" heel pads over wooden platform. Can I still apply taps with small short nails? Thanks!

[@CobblerBob]

M. Kathleen - a top lift of around 1/4” thickness is very common. FYI the heel base is usually some sort of paper material, or ground up leather glued together. On high end shoes the heel base can be real stacked leather, but either way the nail/spikes the heel guards come with should be fine.

[@bloodstriper3649]

Thank you. Nice shoe shine, btw!

[@kennydesai7802]

Hi, Robert, in your video on replacing heel lifts, you pointed out how evena slightly thicker lift could cause a misalignment of the shoe. My question is, wouldn't heel guards do the same? Or is it negligible?

[@CobblerBob]

Kenny Desai - in my opinion it’s negligible.

[@kennydesai7802]

@@CobblerBob Thanks so much.

[@ApocalypsesandSurvival]

I noticed a slight difference, but nothing really to bothersome, in a noisy world it would vanish. I enjoyed your video. I just got a cheap pair of ankle boots with a plastic heel - very noisy and hard on the heels - might toss them plus they don't shine well - from China really thin leather they use as well - brand new and there garbage just from the heel.

[@perigee17]

Enjoy your video, as shoe repairing becomes a disappearing career, we need DIY our shoes now :( . One question, which length should be the nail ? as if my heel is about 20mm, can I use 19mm nails or should be shorter? thank you in advance.

[@CobblerBob]

SORRY for missing your comment!! The heel taps I've purchased always come with those pointed spikes. I wouldn't use anything longer than 1/2" or 12-13mm MAX.

[@oursquared]

Are you an engineer? I am and we typically provide much detail as you did. Great job.

[@CobblerBob]

My degree is Mechanical Engineering Technology (AAS & BS)!

[@bernardopena9665]

Thanks for the video Robert, great information as always.

[@kentpool7414]

Robert, I just ordered those heel guards from leather care supply. What do they call that thin rubber that you applied to the sole of the shoes? Are they also available from LCS? Thanks. Keep up the great videos.

[@CobblerBob]

Kent pool they are Goodyear rubber protective half soles taps - I get them from eBay from the seller Nordshoe. I’m not sure if LCS sells them. I’ve got another 3video series on how to apply those kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaPdamCcatljl5Y

[@richardreynoso1399]

Hello! I saw different sizes of heel taps in large quantities. Before I purchase, what size do you recommend? I also saw a size 6 shoe heel which I think covers the entire heel?? Not sure if it's better than a size 5.

[@CobblerBob]

Richard it’s partially preference, it’s also going to depend on the size of the heel, yes larger #6 or #6A ones will cover more, you may want to just go to CVS pharmacy or Walmart and pick up a pair made by Kiwi, and you can take them home and see for yourself how you like that size. Believe the key ones are #5.

[@thetrickisirarelyrespond5945]

Hi, I have an admittedly "less expensive" pair of boots with a rubber sole. Problem is that I pronate so wear tends to be on the medial side of the heel. Sick of all my shoes wearing down so fast and I was wondering if it would be in any way possible to attach a heel guard like this?? Thanks

[@CobblerBob]

Graf Aramaic - I have tried adding heel taps to a rubber soled shoe before, and they did not stay on very well. That’s interesting that you wear out the inside of the heel… I don’t really think I’m very qualified to answer this question! LOL.

[@thetrickisirarelyrespond5945]

@@CobblerBob Thanks for the reply, yes ultimately this is one for a podiatrist , so in the meantime I have to throw everything at the problem lol.. Just thinking on the fly, do you think that using a building comparison, one could "anchor" tiny screws into weaker material like rubber- similar to how different plugs are drilled into a wall prior to screws- depending on whether said wall is brick, metal, or wood? To be fair, I've never seen plugs or screws that small (except in mobile phones) but maybe you'll say that amount of work would disintegrate the rubber regardless- so glue could be the way to go if I insist on doing this (?) Last question (!)..following on from a reply I posted on this video- in terms of placement, and assuming I'm able to attach a heel tab to cheaper rubber, can I place it _not_ at the heel?...ie a couple of inches toward the middle of the undersole, at the "lip" of the heel?- so essentially the effect would be a back heel that appears to float some mm off the ground, and hopefully then less overall contact with the ground, without a visible tab. Thanks for any further input you can provide!!

[@CobblerBob]

@@thetrickisirarelyrespond5945 IMHO, I get what you're saying, and it may be able to be done, but it seems rather complicated. I personally would stay away from heel taps or the like on a leather sole, as I'm afraid it would feel like you're walking on something. That's one reason I like rubber protective half soles on a leather sole - they can be removed and replaced. A simpler solution may be just saving up for a pair of Goodyear welted shoes and getting them with Vibram or Dainite rubber soles that are relatively hard rubber and long lasting? As far as where the heel taps are placed, If its farther inside the heel it will not take the brunt of the wear and I think it would kind of defeat the purpose.

[@christinaohare5367]

Thank you so much for this video. It is a great help!!

[@davidcoleman2796]

Will they mess up your back ?

[@CobblerBob]

David, i’ve heard this question a few times before. I honestly am not smart enough, nor medically qualified to tell you that they won’t cause a problem. I can say I’ve been using them for at least a dozen years with no issues, even taking 10,000 steps in a day routinely on pavement without th dress shoes on. If it really concerns you I would consult a chiropractor or MD, but I honestly don’t think the added 1/8 inch thickness of the heel taps, considering the sole, insole, and top lift itself flex, making that added thickness an insignificant difference in my opinion. That being said, if you try them and experience long-term discomfort or pain, I would remove them to be safe.

[@chaniyas]

Can you use regular nails and how long should they be?

[@CobblerBob]

Yes, I think you could, as long as they’re not too large diameter. I’d get 1/2” long nails, no longer than 5/8”

[@chaniyas]

@@CobblerBob Thank you! Are threaded nails better? I don't have a shoe stand so hopefully, a Lay's container will work :) haha. Oh, one more question, when gluing (gorilla glue) the taps on my black leather boots, I accidentally got some on the boots. Any suggestion on how to remove it without ruining the leather or rubbing off the color? Many thanks!

[@lijeffli7]

Is there any issue with the nails when it comes to doing a full re-sole on them later? When you put them either at the toe or the heel? Trying not to ruin a new pair of Allen Edmonds and preventing them from being re-craftable later.

[@CobblerBob]

I’ve never put toe taps in, but I did have one pair of AEs re-crafted in my “Returning my New Allen Edmonds” video (they were new, but the welt stitching was messed up). I put heel taps on those shoes. I left them on when I shipped them to Allen Edmonds. They came back WITH NEW heel taps ON the new heels from Allen Edmonds, so as far as heel taps go, I can confidently say they won’t affect the recrafting ability. As far as plastic toe taps, I don’t think they would affect recrafting either. Brass Lulu style metal taps that are cut into the leather MIGHT, but that’s a guess. Video link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKTMiax8bpefeas

[@emperorsanders5744]

Got one made out of rubber from Amazon wondering why you have not used them.

[@CobblerBob]

Hmmm, honestly I've never seen the rubber ones. I may have to try.

[@woochatming9917]

Should it be applied on new shoes ? Or only old worn shoes ?

[@CobblerBob]

I believe the less wear on the heels there is when you install them, the better. The only caveat is as long as you know WHERE to place them. The more you walk with your feet out, the further towards the outside they’ll need to be placed. If you apply them to heels that are excessively worn out, it can be difficult because now you’re trying to place a flat heel guard onto a curved heel surface.

[@frakenfish1]

Where do you get the small nails and what size Mr. Powers...thanks

[@tagheuer001]

I wonder if the glue would be sufficient given most of the stress is downward and not lateral???

[@CobblerBob]

Public Piper only one way to find out! I would really doubt it though.

[@e.i.8081]

@@CobblerBob I use gorilla glue precision tip.

[@josefsbeach]

Could you do a video where you change buckles on monk strap shoes? Looking to these to a pair of mine but I dont know where to start if I go DIY haha

[@CobblerBob]

Josef Tolentino 🤔

[@asfazrq]

what if one does not have the shoe stand thing that you place the shoe on for hammering? any workarounds?

[@LuckyStrike-ov9cd]

Can I ask you why you use number 5 if you don't mind and are those good quality thank you

[@CobblerBob]

Lucky Strike - 🤔 I guess I use #5 simply because they have worked in the past... I know there is a larger size available that I might try sometime. They’re injection molded plastic with adhesive backed... yes for what they are the ones I get from Nordshoe or Kiwi are decent quality.

[@LuckyStrike-ov9cd]

@@CobblerBob thank you sir

[@jeffu3724]

@@CobblerBob Very Good Info Sir !

[@ruthhoward265]

I did not see the link to purchase.

[@CobblerBob]

I don’t have a link, but I posted the ebay item number, description, and seller in the video description under the video.

[@dulcimer16]

Excellent video, sir! Thank you.

[@CobblerBob]

Surthrivor - you’re welcome!

[@deenerpeener]

I took my shoes to a shop and he stapled them in and placed it in the center rather than the outside, what’s the difference?

[@CobblerBob]

Yes, I've seem that too. As long as they stay put there's probably no real difference. It may not look as nice, but I'm sure it's easier and faster for the Cobbler to do it that way.

[@zcfeng8]

Great video! Could you please post the place to buy the steel stand?

[@CobblerBob]

Thank you! I found the cobblers stand on Letgo, an App that connects you with local sellers selling their own personal stuff. It was old and rusty, I got it for $20 and cleaned it up and painted it.

[@zcfeng8]

@@CobblerBob Thank you for your quick response and for introducing Letgo to me.

[@suxrob1884]

What is the name of the thing that is installed against the heel of the shoe?

[@CobblerBob]

I’m not sure what you’re asking, do you mean the heel taps? They’re also known as heel guards.

[@suxrob1884]

@@CobblerBob ok

[@ilgambino0784]

Bob can you please share a link on ebay or amazon where to get these sole protectors? I find a lot of options and sizes and dont know which one to order

[@CobblerBob]

Sure?! Here are the ones I most recently purchased. www.amazon.com/SoleTech-Mini-Check-Rubber-Sole-Guard-Soling/dp/B01NBWH3C0?pd_rd_w=ngBii&pf_rd_p=a508bfed-3ba4-4a18-b6fb-1a7be6808b1e&pf_rd_r=RT2BSX6TTV3WDPRT9R56&pd_rd_r=81a71a84-8bdd-43f6-88e7-74f04230e66e&pd_rd_wg=uAhf3&pd_rd_i=B01NBWH3C0&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_1_i

[@lunallena1588]

what happens if you don't have a shoe stand? What is he alternative?

[@CobblerBob]

I'm sorry for missing your comment!! You could put in a shoe tree, and put a folded up towell under the back of the heel. Just make sure you're not pounding on the heel and crushing the shoe upper. You can also just sit the shoe in your lap. You could also get two pieces of 2x4 lumber nailed together standing on end.

[@renderartist]

Thanks Robert!

[@CobblerBob]

You are most welcome!

[@momimi5653]

i Use shoes protector for the last 30 years they are strong and worth it

[@WW-ob7ek]

do you really need to put nails or adhesive itself will be enough?

[@CobblerBob]

You could try then without nails, as the worst case scenario is you loose the heel taps, but from my experience I don't think they'll stay on without nails. It probably also depends on how and where you walk too.

[@josephbell3909]

Is the black your fore foot slapping down?

[@CobblerBob]

the black? I'm not sure what you mean?

[@blattshlett8842]

is there a way to install heel taps without using nails?

[@CobblerBob]

I’m not sure, do you need some awful strong adhesive. Then I’d worry about being able to get them off with said strong adhesive. Anything is possible though

[@e.i.8081]

Gorilla glue precision tip

[@LuckyStrike-ov9cd]

Hi Robert are the shoe plates the same size heel plates and toe plates the guard I bought 10 pairs and I got same size heel plates and toe plates and the nails small thank you

[@CobblerBob]

Lucky Strike - I’ve never used the toe taps, but the ones I’ve seen are generally smaller than the heel taps. Of course the heel guards come in different sizes.

[@LuckyStrike-ov9cd]

@@CobblerBob Thank you sir

[@lucyuen]

your video is very useful. thank you.

[@manny3095]

Could I use this on sneakers?

[@JimVincitore]

Great video! Very cool!

[@vllrrql]

Great video !!

[@CobblerBob]

Thanks!

[@scottshaw7936]

If you use the same holes when replacing, are they as secure as with new holes ?

[@CobblerBob]

Scott Shaw - whenever I replace them, I make sure to put the new nails back into the old holes, and I’ve never once had a pair come back off, even after replacing them 3 or 4 times.

[@sleepingbanshee_]

is there a way to add like quarter or half an inch to heels?

[@CobblerBob]

Youngblood - yes, but that’s probably something better done by a professional cobbler. First you’d have to start with a shoe with a removable top lift, then add an extra layer of leather to the heel base to raise it. It would have to probably be wedge shaped to keep the geometry of the shoe correct, then a new top lift would have to be installed. More than likely, the old one would no longer fit because the wedge you add on would effectively make a surface area larger. So it’s not that simple. Check this related video out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXXWcqOvhpp1hNE

[@EnidAgnusDei]

How do you know what size plates to get please?

[@CobblerBob]

Red Shutter Photography - rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F253141447511 Ads like this will show you the widths. Also trial and error! You can buy the #5 sized heel plates at any drugstore or Walmart, Kiwi sells them.

[@nelsonaviles344]

How to you keep the taps from making a clicking sound from the nails

[@CobblerBob]

Nelson Aviles there is a round recessed area around the nail hole for the nail head to sit in. Also, when they’re positioned correctly on the heel, as I show in the video, the highest wear spot should be between 2 nails, not right on one.

[@secondaccount6647]

I just like em for their sound

[@CobblerBob]

LOL, yes, me too!

[@BB6Teardrop]

Why not make them from rubber?

[@CobblerBob]

Sorry for missing your comment, I think they would just be too floppy and tear?

[@hightop9225]

Can I put these on Doc Martens

[@CobblerBob]

If the heel is only rubber, it may not stay. I've tried to put them on rubber only heels, and the nails tend to back out. Also, if the heel has large tread or knobs on it, it probably won't work.

[@suxrob1884]

What is the reason for the rapid wear of the heel of the shoe ?

[@CobblerBob]

If your heels wear fast it’s probably because you walk a lot on pavement, and it also could be the way you walk too. I believe heavier men are harder on soles and heels too.

[@suxrob1884]

@@CobblerBob thanks

[@gress12000]

I’ll be completely honest with you I don’t notice a difference in the sound. Maybe it didn’t pick up the best on the video. I like them thank you for the great video.

[@CobblerBob]

It's not a huge difference, but it's a harder tap, and it makes a click-click vs a single click. Thanks for watching!

[@I-P-777]

well done!