EDIT: Edited after wearing them for a few months. Additional info added at the bottom. I've worked in a construction field for the better part of a decade. Steel/safety-toed boots are a requirement, complete with "If the steel is showing, the boot is no longer safe for work." So, I've been using boot protectors of one style or another for a long time. These ones have won the day, even compared to other "boot bumper" types. The things they got right: A proper glue - The rubber cement they included in the pack is a good, solid glue. Other companies have included a weak version or a different kind (some include something that resembles super glue and that doesn't work AT ALL.) A glue brush - This is the first and only time I've seen a package of these with a brush to help you spread/apply the glue. It helps A LOT. An alcohol wipe - I've gotten in the habit of cleaning the toes off with alcohol anyways, but this is the first time I've seen a company package a wipe with the boot guards. It helps to get all the little bits of dust and crud out from the leather and the guards. Good instructions - Putting these on isn't rocket science, especially if you've done a few pairs, but these instructions were clear and concise. Things that could have been better: The sandpaper - The square they give you is tiny. It's sufficient, but a bit fiddly to use. The packaging - Its your basic clamshell/vacuum shell style packaging. A bit annoying to get into. For me, these are a sure winner. I'll snag another set when this pair of boots finally dies! A few tips to help apply them: Don't apply these to new boots/shoes, especially if they're oil-tanned (most work boots are). They won't stick worth a darn, thanks to the oil. You've got to let the boots air/wear a bit and get some of the oil out. You could also scrub the boot tip really good, but I just wear them for about a week and then apply. Be SURE to let the cement set up for a bit before putting them on. Otherwise, the rubber will lift up and you'll have to argue with them. Wait for them to get tacky! Make sure the boots are clean! Scrub off any dirt, grease, etc. before you begin. A stiff brush is a good solution. I take a couple of rubber bands and snap them around the toes of the boots, holding the tops of the guards down when I let them set up, but that's just a habit of mine. May or may not be needed or helpful for you. And make sure to WAIT the full time before using the boots. Honestly, I've never had a problem just waiting 8-10 hours, but no point in taking chances, right? tl;dr - Get these, they're awesome. EDIT 03/28/20104: After having these on my boots for the last four months or so, I've only had one complaint: The glue doesn't seem to hold on very well. I've had to reglue them twice. Perhaps that's why they give you so much glue in the package, since I've been able to just reuse the same glue tube. Other than that, they're still holding up great! The rubber is barely scuffed, and the toes of my boots are still nice and protected!
