This product is meant to be installed on brand new leather soled shoes and boots. The purpose is to prevent city side walks from grinding down your leather soles. You don't put them on to slow down the wear, you use them to prevent the wear in the first place. And by installing them when the shoes are new, means that they will wear evenly, so there will be no problems developing as you walk. This is a great way to extend the life of your soles. They can also be placed at the front of the shoe, to protect the leading edge.
I have horseshoes on about 1/3 of my cowboy boots and have no problems walking with them. Several pairs of boots are over 20 years old. Most of my boots are pointy toe with slanted riding heels. Awesome !
I have the horseshoe taps installed when my cowboy boots are new. No problem walking with them. Several of mine are over 20 years old, but I take care of the leather often. No floor scratching If they are installed correctly.
I have metal heel savers on my boots. They very much attract the attention of people and myself when I walk but there is no west on my heels. Most if not all of the damage is on the taps, and I think that they are saving me from having to resolve my heels early.
I like heal guards I put them on all my boots usually when they are brand new sometimes when they are older. I do it myself and have for years. I think your mileage may vary on how you walk and how much you walk and where you walk. Also you don’t have to get the largest ones or the smallest ones Travelers heel guards come in like 6 sizes and I don’t care for the biggest ones I don’t like the 5 hole ones I like the 4 hole or 3 hole ones. If you walk north of 20,000 steps a day and slightly drag one or both feet it’s a good option. They are economical if you don’t like them you are out $10 for 4 pair. If you like them when you save yourself a ton of money.
I wear out my heel caps super badly on the back so i reach the leather stack pretty fast. So heel caps are basically a must for me. My cobbler installs them for only 5 dollars and does it in like 2 minutes
I have used them for 50 years +. They have extended the life use of my work boots and dress shoes. I only use the the plastic rubber taps, and after a few months of wear. But, i have also used them on new footwear without major issues. I gave used them on leather, plastic and even crepe sole wookboots without major issues. I always use adhesive plus the required nails, 3-6 nails for best results. I have saved a substantial amount of money thanks to these taps. If they get loose or are in danger of falling off, i repeat process if installation with adhesive and cobblers nails. Try them and see if you like them! Thanks for a good video!
Well Done Video Craig! My thoughts, just get the heels re-done. However the metal heel guards are super cool for making a lot of noise. Like at a Hot Rod Show or a Biker Show. Also meandering around a small town for just plain coolness. Dragging your heels on purpose especially when "ALSO" wearing a pair of Spurs too! Whoopie Dog!!!!! Thanks for the great information. Keep in mind "IF" you do add these "gizmos" to any pair of boots and your feet, ankles, knees or hip starts hurting, take-e'm off immediately!
I had these metal heel savers several times on my cowboy boots but usually they wore out in two weeks with regular use so I stopped using them. It is not only the abrasion which make them wear out but the impact which is like hammering them with every step making them thinner and thinner at the side.
Back in the 80s, in my clogging days, I had horseshoes sized for boots on my heels. Loud to walk in and on occasion a complete loss of traction but when clogging you got the right sound and heels never wore out.
You can buy a 50 pair pack of #6 or # 5 heel guard from eBay for $ 35.99 which I have purchased recently. If you have many shoes boots like I do they would be a much better value Than buying a four pack for $10. In my experience they have worked great 👍
I agree with this video. I'll never ever use heel savers. It does definitely throw your gate off. It can also cause your foot to slip on various surfaces. I don't wear out ny heels very fast. I think a lot of people where out there heels fast because they drag their heel as they walk.
historically metal heel "savers" like that were common but were more of a horseshoe shape that covered more of the boot, because rubber heels werent really a thing. they would be worn in tandem with hobnails. the problem is they scratch floors
That would be a problem with these rubber/plastic ones too if you use nails. Eventually it will wear away leaving only the exposed metal and you'll have a lot of angry property owners on you from all the scratched up floors haha
@@JeremiahCraig yea there not very great. im glad you pointed out the changes in gait, its something that always bothered me about heel savers that people dont realize. these boots are designed the way they are so you can walk normally, modifying the heel is a bad idea
Great video Jeremiah, as always! We don't do many repairs ourselves, but can attest to the usefulness of rubber sole savers if you walk a lot (with boots) on pavement or similar surfaces.
what about sole savers on leather soles to make them last longer? or to prolong the life before resole? maybe just do the heel cap yourself if you are going through the hassle of heel savers if you are diy youtube it.
late to this convo i know but i use full metal horse shoe shaped ones yes cuz i ride but also deal with a lot of dirt and rocks the heel guards achual help dig in better to the ground and help with traction for me at least
No thanks on the savers They sell stuff for sneakers too called sole savers, which are just stickers for the bottom to keep them clean and from wear but destroy any chance of traction or being able to use them for intended purpose Great vid
I think they are great. I ran through 6 resoles of my first boot and if I were to do it again, I would totally get sole savers to help extend the life of the boot
My cobbler put them on. I didn't ask for it but he thought it was going to save my wear n tear. They hurt my walk (I'm young n healthy) and didn't save the life of my boot heel. A BIG NO to these!
Steel ones wear best as long you don't walk on tile. I Used these on my Ariat ironsides until I could modify some heel caps to fit. Apparently it's a non standard thickness
I remember a pair of boots I had one time, an older gentleman gave them to me, they were really nice, real snakeskin, I think they were Dingo boots, but those boots had those heel savers on them and he told me he stopped wearing them because of those. I tried them and I saw nothing wrong with them, I tried the heel savers again a few years ago, they were really awkward. So, I was thinking about trying them out again, but of course what you're saying is your opinion, I might like them and yet I might not, we'll see. Also, I can't remember if you made a video on this or not, what is your take on silver toe tips and caps?
We have customers use them all the time. I personally, don’t like them. You have to make sure you get the good rubber ones. Some will sell the plastic ones which are junk.
I just checked the heels on my Nomi snip to boots, I'm gonna need more than just heels savers. I wore the right heel all the way outward and wobbly(vice versa on the left heel). I wore them all the way through 3 leather stacks on the block.😕
If I wanted to walk making sounds like a tap dancer, I’d wear tap shoes. I’d rather clop around in my clod hopping boots making clod hopping noises...just because I can lol
I use the metal ones,i am finding it difficult to get heel tops for my boots as they are smaller Cuban heels so there is a slant if any one knows where i can get some.
Amazing pair of Frye Ropers and yes the savers look like they would throw of your step and gait pretty bad lol. It’s so economical to just get Soles replaced man just do it. Mrs. Reagan said it best “just say no”…!!!!
Yea, you installed that one boot saver waaaaay offf that’s why it felt bad and the other was fine. It’s like a new set… they feel like you’re dragging the new heel at first. Till it’s worn down
I use plastic heel guards on my dress shoes. Since I am usually sitting in my office, they don't trouble me that much and they do prolong the life of the heel. I tried steel heel guards BRIEFLY and yanked them off after a day. They're just plain dangerous on any kind of slippery hard tile floor, and not much safer on concrete. As far as putting these on my boots, NOPE. I'll pay for new heels. My cobbler has to eat too.
I hate them. They are uncomfortble like you said it throws off the way it feels as you walk. Slippery af, the rubber heel cap helps minimize slipping and with those things you might as well be ice skating. It feels off balance for sure.
Yeah they’re useless, they will basically get caught on the sidewalk, you’ll feel the awkwardness while walking. They always fall off within a week to two weeks, useless.
I have a pair of reproduction military boots with hobnails all over the soles. Walking in the woods? Great. Walking into a place with tile floors? Multi-directional skating, at all times, and very loud. That being said, I just found a card of brass heel savers that my great grandpa had in his house. These might work out well for a pair of boots I have sitting around, since they won't make the entire sole surface slippery. Also found his shining brush and a couple of cans of kiwi, same color as my work boots. I'm gonna use it.
I've worn metal taps on my boots for 50 years! You put them on fresh heels. I guess being a tin horn you would have problems and your application on the video was wrong. I guess that's the difference in being a working cowboy and a city slicker!
@@JeremiahCraig I'm 71 years old and on dirt, mud and bull dogging before you were born they have served me well. I think I have some insight on getting the most out of your gear. My horse has shoes and he can negotiate different situations because he has learned by experience and common sense from the rider on potential dangerous surfaces. I've got boots that are decades old that I still wear everyday with the same plates. Women have put metal on high heels for years some may have fallen but I can't recall any in my times. I'm not trying to get in a verbal tug of war but there are other sides to the coin. Obviously my life experiences are different from yours and that's ok. We agree to disagree my young friend....best wishes and a long life!
are you kidding me? I can't believe you made a vid about heel savers. If anything, you should of made a vid about the many boot companies that use shitty heel composites, and there are MANY! I would urge your viewers to take your advice with a grain of salt
Those useless pieces of plastic wear out so fast, that they're just a waste of money. The plastic is slippery. It's better to just wear your boots with the rubber heel cap, then replace it.
This product is meant to be installed on brand new leather soled shoes and boots. The purpose is to prevent city side walks from grinding down your leather soles. You don't put them on to slow down the wear, you use them to prevent the wear in the first place. And by installing them when the shoes are new, means that they will wear evenly, so there will be no problems developing as you walk. This is a great way to extend the life of your soles. They can also be placed at the front of the shoe, to protect the leading edge.
I wear down heel caps pretty fast. So I put the heel-taps on my boots when they're new. Works great for me no problems.
Me too. I wear my boots everyday and I’ve never had a problem
I need some. Where do you get them
@@tractorsjohndeere154 you can order them online. Walmart, Kroger. Probably shoe repair shops
I have horseshoes on about 1/3 of my cowboy boots and have no problems walking with them. Several pairs of boots are over 20 years old. Most of my boots are pointy toe with slanted riding heels. Awesome !
I have the horseshoe taps installed when my cowboy boots are new. No problem walking with them. Several of mine are over 20 years old, but I take care of the leather often. No floor scratching If they are installed correctly.
I have metal heel savers on my boots. They very much attract the attention of people and myself when I walk but there is no west on my heels. Most if not all of the damage is on the taps, and I think that they are saving me from having to resolve my heels early.
I watch a cobbler channel called trenton & heath. They may also be someone to chat with aswell.
That's an epic channel! Would love to collab with them some day
I like heal guards I put them on all my boots usually when they are brand new sometimes when they are older. I do it myself and have for years. I think your mileage may vary on how you walk and how much you walk and where you walk. Also you don’t have to get the largest ones or the smallest ones Travelers heel guards come in like 6 sizes and I don’t care for the biggest ones I don’t like the 5 hole ones I like the 4 hole or 3 hole ones. If you walk north of 20,000 steps a day and slightly drag one or both feet it’s a good option. They are economical if you don’t like them you are out $10 for 4 pair. If you like them when you save yourself a ton of money.
That makes a ton of sense! They're not for everyone but sounds like you're super grateful for them and I respect that
I wear out my heel caps super badly on the back so i reach the leather stack pretty fast. So heel caps are basically a must for me. My cobbler installs them for only 5 dollars and does it in like 2 minutes
I have used them for 50 years +. They have extended the life use of my work boots and dress shoes. I only use the the plastic rubber taps, and after a few months of wear. But, i have also used them on new footwear without major issues. I gave used them on leather, plastic and even crepe sole wookboots without major issues. I always use adhesive plus the required nails, 3-6 nails for best results. I have saved a substantial amount of money thanks to these taps. If they get loose or are in danger of falling off, i repeat process if installation with adhesive and cobblers nails. Try them and see if you like them! Thanks for a good video!
I use them in all my boots and shoes (I tend to destroy the heel of my shoes very quickly) and they do a very good job and barely notice them.
I love to hear that! Did you ever feel like you had to get used to them or did it feel natural from the start?
@@JeremiahCraig Nope I've never notice them. Maybe it is because I walk in a "duck" feet posture or "V shape".
Just like most top twenty hits, I wasn’t feeling the intro song at first but, now I find myself singing through my day
Lol
IT'S WORKING!! muhahaha
*lightning flashes outside my window*
@@JeremiahCraig Lol 😂
Me too
Well Done Video Craig! My thoughts, just get the heels re-done. However the metal heel guards are super cool for making a lot of noise. Like at a Hot Rod Show or a Biker Show. Also meandering around a small town for just plain coolness. Dragging your heels on purpose especially when "ALSO" wearing a pair of Spurs too! Whoopie Dog!!!!! Thanks for the great information. Keep in mind "IF" you do add these "gizmos" to any pair of boots and your feet, ankles, knees or hip starts hurting, take-e'm off immediately!
I never used them .But I am willing to try. TY for sharing
If you don't try, how could you know for sure? Thanks for watching Randall!
I had these metal heel savers several times on my cowboy boots but usually they wore out in two weeks with regular use so I stopped using them. It is not only the abrasion which make them wear out but the impact which is like hammering them with every step making them thinner and thinner at the side.
Back in the day, military recruiters would use the metal heel plates.
I put those on my fashion sneakers. Got 5 on each. I use the horse shoe type for my Bates.
Back in the 80s, in my clogging days, I had horseshoes sized for boots on my heels. Loud to walk in and on occasion a complete loss of traction but when clogging you got the right sound and heels never wore out.
What is clogging ??
@@culture4519 dancing
Go green. Cut up little crescents from your old leather belts and nail em into your heels. Much quieter and cheaper than the plastic plates.
You can buy a 50 pair pack of #6 or # 5 heel guard from eBay for $ 35.99 which I have purchased recently. If you have many shoes boots like I do they would be a much better value Than buying a four pack for $10. In my experience they have worked great 👍
Seems like one of those items that just prolongs the inevitable. I would just head to the cobbler.
I agree with this video. I'll never ever use heel savers. It does definitely throw your gate off. It can also cause your foot to slip on various surfaces. I don't wear out ny heels very fast. I think a lot of people where out there heels fast because they drag their heel as they walk.
I'm curious just how loud the metal heel savers are. Cant seem to find a video with someone walking in them.
historically metal heel "savers" like that were common but were more of a horseshoe shape that covered more of the boot, because rubber heels werent really a thing. they would be worn in tandem with hobnails. the problem is they scratch floors
That would be a problem with these rubber/plastic ones too if you use nails. Eventually it will wear away leaving only the exposed metal and you'll have a lot of angry property owners on you from all the scratched up floors haha
@@JeremiahCraig yea there not very great. im glad you pointed out the changes in gait, its something that always bothered me about heel savers that people dont realize. these boots are designed the way they are so you can walk normally, modifying the heel is a bad idea
Jeremiah , how about the sole savers ? are they useful ?
Great video Jeremiah, as always! We don't do many repairs ourselves, but can attest to the usefulness of rubber sole savers if you walk a lot (with boots) on pavement or similar surfaces.
what about sole savers on leather soles to make them last longer? or to prolong the life before resole? maybe just do the heel cap yourself if you are going through the hassle of heel savers if you are diy youtube it.
Good job 👍
I use heel savers on all my shoes and boots,saves me money,Thor’s boots look great,wish I had a pair.
late to this convo i know but i use full metal horse shoe shaped ones yes cuz i ride but also deal with a lot of dirt and rocks the heel guards achual help dig in better to the ground and help with traction for me at least
I have tried them and definitely agree they are not worth the effort and make walking more difficult.
Totally!
No thanks on the savers
They sell stuff for sneakers too called sole savers, which are just stickers for the bottom to keep them clean and from wear but destroy any chance of traction or being able to use them for intended purpose
Great vid
Totally. I feel the same way! Thanks for watching!
What are yall thinking about sole savers
I think they are great. I ran through 6 resoles of my first boot and if I were to do it again, I would totally get sole savers to help extend the life of the boot
I haven't used heel caps but I've seen people use them! I might try them eventually
If you have to! I would only do it as a last resort
I know people who put heel savers on brand new heels! And I think to myself "ouch".
My cobbler put them on. I didn't ask for it but he thought it was going to save my wear n tear. They hurt my walk (I'm young n healthy) and didn't save the life of my boot heel. A BIG NO to these!
Steel ones wear best as long you don't walk on tile. I Used these on my Ariat ironsides until I could modify some heel caps to fit. Apparently it's a non standard thickness
I remember a pair of boots I had one time, an older gentleman gave them to me, they were really nice, real snakeskin, I think they were Dingo boots, but those boots had those heel savers on them and he told me he stopped wearing them because of those. I tried them and I saw nothing wrong with them, I tried the heel savers again a few years ago, they were really awkward. So, I was thinking about trying them out again, but of course what you're saying is your opinion, I might like them and yet I might not, we'll see. Also, I can't remember if you made a video on this or not, what is your take on silver toe tips and caps?
Hey man im new to your channel and had a question.. what's a good booT stretcher?
We have customers use them all the time. I personally, don’t like them. You have to make sure you get the good rubber ones. Some will sell the plastic ones which are junk.
I had a cobbler put on heel savers (actually not by my request) and it has made it harder for me to wear my first pair of boots
Great video buddy!
I just checked the heels on my Nomi snip to boots, I'm gonna need more than just heels savers. I wore the right heel all the way outward and wobbly(vice versa on the left heel).
I wore them all the way through 3 leather stacks on the block.😕
to those who wear metal heal guards for the noise, just wear spurs
If I wanted to walk making sounds like a tap dancer, I’d wear tap shoes. I’d rather clop around in my clod hopping boots making clod hopping noises...just because I can lol
haha that's the spirit!
I use the metal ones,i am finding it difficult to get heel tops for my boots as they are smaller Cuban heels so there is a slant if any one knows where i can get some.
Can you make a video about Sole Savers please
Not a fan of heel savers. My cobbler charges $25 to replace a pair of heel caps,and that suits me just peachy.
I am for and against it. Wearing the heels down shows character. But you put on when new to add life and prolong the heel.
I honestly thought it was the clackers
Some folks do only wear them for the noise
@@JeremiahCraig yeah I’m not a huge fan of the idea
Amazing pair of Frye Ropers and yes the savers look like they would throw of your step and gait pretty bad lol. It’s so economical to just get Soles replaced man just do it. Mrs. Reagan said it best “just say no”…!!!!
No to rubber ones. I am a civil war reenactor and during the civil war, they used metal heel savers.
I respect using them for historical reasons 100%!
Here we go!! Yeah not a fan of these at all. Great review
Getting those early comments!! Neil's trick worked?!
@@JeremiahCraig I'll have to make sure I am on top of my commenting game from now on!
I use those savers on the tip of my boots because I drag them too much.
Yea, you installed that one boot saver waaaaay offf that’s why it felt bad and the other was fine. It’s like a new set… they feel like you’re dragging the new heel at first. Till it’s worn down
I use plastic heel guards on my dress shoes. Since I am usually sitting in my office, they don't trouble me that much and they do prolong the life of the heel. I tried steel heel guards BRIEFLY and yanked them off after a day. They're just plain dangerous on any kind of slippery hard tile floor, and not much safer on concrete. As far as putting these on my boots, NOPE. I'll pay for new heels. My cobbler has to eat too.
Slippy noisy boots, no thanks. I'll just stick to getting new heel caps when needed.
I agree!!
I hate them. They are uncomfortble like you said it throws off the way it feels as you walk. Slippery af, the rubber heel cap helps minimize slipping and with those things you might as well be ice skating. It feels off balance for sure.
I would say these savers should go on at an angle…. To the side that is being wore out not centered at the back heel..????
Yeah they’re useless, they will basically get caught on the sidewalk, you’ll feel the awkwardness while walking. They always fall off within a week to two weeks, useless.
I hear that. I'm not a fan either
I have a pair of reproduction military boots with hobnails all over the soles.
Walking in the woods? Great. Walking into a place with tile floors? Multi-directional skating, at all times, and very loud.
That being said, I just found a card of brass heel savers that my great grandpa had in his house. These might work out well for a pair of boots I have sitting around, since they won't make the entire sole surface slippery.
Also found his shining brush and a couple of cans of kiwi, same color as my work boots. I'm gonna use it.
I've worn metal taps on my boots for 50 years! You put them on fresh heels. I guess being a tin horn you would have problems and your application on the video was wrong. I guess that's the difference in being a working cowboy and a city slicker!
They're unnecessary no matter who you are imo. Watch some more of my videos before you assume who I am friend. Cheers!
@@JeremiahCraig I'm 71 years old and on dirt, mud and bull dogging before you were born they have served me well. I think I have some insight on getting the most out of your gear. My horse has shoes and he can negotiate different situations because he has learned by experience and common sense from the rider on potential dangerous surfaces. I've got boots that are decades old that I still wear everyday with the same plates. Women have put metal on high heels for years some may have fallen but I can't recall any in my times. I'm not trying to get in a verbal tug of war but there are other sides to the coin. Obviously my life experiences are different from yours and that's ok. We agree to disagree my young friend....best wishes and a long life!
are you kidding me? I can't believe you made a vid about heel savers. If anything, you should of made a vid about the many boot companies that use shitty heel composites, and there are MANY! I would urge your viewers to take your advice with a grain of salt
I make videos about it all! Everyone should take everything with a grain of salt 👍
Time wounds all heels.
cobblers don't like heel savers because they extend the life of the heel...no brainer.
Healthy skepticism. I love it!
Those useless pieces of plastic wear out so fast, that they're just a waste of money. The plastic is slippery. It's better to just wear your boots with the rubber heel cap, then replace it.
like your video but I think you are better off being a country song singer 😂
please don't mention india.