Yaktrax Boot Protector (Black)

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!

These are identical to other on Amazon for twice the cost. For 5 bucks delivered (!), this Yaktrax boot protector kit is extremely nice. Packaging is retail. The two toe protectors are injection molded urethane which is extremely durable compared to rubber or leather. The contact cement that the kit comes with sticks to rubber, vinyl, and the urethane protectors very, very well. The kit comes with a tube of cement, an applicator brush, a square inch of quality sandpaper, and an alcohol pad.The only drawbacks I can think of are 1) the application required about 20 minutes of set time before it was safe to remove all pressure from the urethane protector and the boot without any edge lift. This was a challenge as I did not take the time to tape everything together for even pressure around the toe of the boot and I just used finger pressure which was fatiguing. A little bit of creativity would solve this. 2) I put these on hard-toed boots; soft-toed boots may present a challenge and I would suggest stuffing the toe generously with paper or a sock(s) to keep the toe firmly opposed to the pressure required to set the cement.Anyhow, for the money, I'm very satisfied. The cement bonded very well, the product seems to be of high quality, and they look decent too.

I was pleased that the amount of glue included in the package was enough to apply the protectors to my roller derby skates without feeling like I was skimping. They have adhered well and are holding up reasonably well. My league skates almost exclusively outside, so the cement surfaces take a much higher toll on these than a wood, sport court, or even polished concrete would. I could see myself ordering and using these again, as they are easily replaceable and have a cleaner appearance than tuff toe epoxy.

There’s a lot of complaints on this product that the glue sucks and they come off within hours.I will tell you, it’s not the glue it’s the rubber. The rubber feels like it has some sort of coating or additive that keeps anything from being able to bond to it.I scuffed the leather on the boot with the sandpaper and installed as directed with the supplied glue.The glue supplied is garbage. They came off instantly.I then used Shoe Goo, which is a very strong glue for… shoes. This glue also wouldn’t adhere to the rubber well and they fell off within a day.I then sanded the actual piece of rubber, and used JB Weld plastic epoxy. This lasted a couple days longer but still, it’s not adhering to the rubber.JB Weld boasts being able to adhere to coated plastics.Whatever this rubber is made out of, keeps anything from adhering to it.If they were actually able to be glued, these would be great.

These fit great on my boots and definitely help protect the toe area of the boot. They come with all necessary to put these on your boots. (Sandpaper, brush and glue)

The product is great but there's not enough glue to do even one protector and glue is almost dried up. I had to purchase more glue to finish the job. I have purchased twice before and already one side has come unglued on each boot. Glue must have came on a slow boat from China.

Package was opened and taped back up. Glue was dried up. Product didn’t stay on for more then a day.

Glues on well and stops wear on the nose of the boot.