Can You Take the Steel Toe out of Boots? (Step By Step Guide)

I am sure there is no one who does not possess a steel-toe boot in their shoe collection. Steel toes not only attract eyes but also provide safeguard from many dangerous situations while working. 

But there are certain serious problems that steel toes can cause and you should be aware of them. And knowing them might urge you to take those steel toes out from your boots. 

YES, you can take the steel toe caps out of your boots by using pliers, hammer, shoe glue and razor blades. Use the razor to make an insertion at the point where the sole meets the uppers and then stretch the part to make the steel toe caps visible. Now using the pliers take out steel toe caps and glue the torn parts of the boots.

Therefore, if you want to take the steel toe caps out of your boots, this article will help you in doing so very easily in the right way.

So, here are some reasons behind the problems that arise due to wearing of steel toe boots: 

How to Take the Steel toe out of your Boots? 

Now, when you know the seriousness behind the damages that your steel toe boots can cause, you might think it right to take them off from your boots. 

Won’t you? 

So, I am here to help you out with some quick and easy tips to take those stubborn steel toes out from your favorite pair of boots. 

Let’s get started: 

First of all let’s see what things we need: 

Coming to the procedure: 

STEP 1: 

The very first thing you need to do is to put the boots on a high surface, for example a bench and organize all the items that are needed. 

STEP 2: 

Take the blade and make a 4 inch incision at the point where the sole and leather touch. This step is known as the slicing of the boot. 

STEP 3: 

Now very carefully pull all the pieces apart, without disturbing the other parts. 

STEP 4: 

When you have pulled the pieces apart, the steel toe should now be visible from the incision made by you. Take hold of the pliers and use it to grip the bottom of the steel toes tightly. Try to pull the steel toes out. If it does not come out easily, twist the handle of the pliers back and forth or rotate it slightly to pull the steel toes. Your steel toes should come off now out of your boots. 

STEP 5: 

Voyla! You are done! 

Now the question is how will you fix the torn area of the boots? 

Firstly, take the hammer and bang out dents by feeling the inner side of the toe for any protrusions inward. Then, start striking at the protrusions with the hammer by starting at least 6 inches away from it. Now comes the use of the glue which you will have to use for putting the two torn parts of the boots together. Once they are glued together, dry them under a dryer or in the sun. 

Alternatives to taking out the steel toe caps from the boots:

In case you do not want to remove the steel toe caps from the boots thinking of the protection it offers, there are ways you can follow to make those hard steel toes comfortable on your feet.

• • • You can wear them with thick socks. (Discover the right socks for steel toe boots)
    • You can get boots that fit better because if they are too narrow, they will hurt your toes more.
    • Try to lace up your boots so that it offers a snug fit.

What to do if your steel toe hurts?

If your steel toe caps hurt your toes, there are ways to make the discomfort go in the following ways:

• • • Try removing the insole only on the toe area. This will give you more room in the toe box area and your toes won’t get rubbed against the steel toe caps.
    • Try wearing your boots with tongue pads. Cut the strips and insert them inside the edge of the steel toe caps.
    • You can only use rubber toe caps as well.
    • Apply Vaseline in thick layers before wearing your boots. this will not create friction when your toes rub against the steel toe walls.

Common Foot Problems Caused due to Steel Toe Boots

1.) Chafing: 

Because of the steel plates integrated in the instep area, steel toe boots are not at all flexible. 

In fact, 

It makes you almost unable to move your toes, which ultimately leads to chafing. 

Actually, 

The main problem arises when you buy a wrong sized shoe. 

It then starts cutting your toes because the steel plates being too tightly hugged to your feet. 

If you choose the wrong size for the boots, it adds to the disaster. The toe remains crammed inside the boots during your entire shift, and the steel in the toe cap causes abrasion that makes each step that you take even more painful. 

2.) Sore Legs: 

What if your legs are continuously tied to heavy iron chains? 

You will obviously experience a load in your feet. 

This is exactly what happens when you wear a steel toe. 

Steel toes are generally made of thick materials and heavy steel. So, when you wear them for a prolonged period of time, you experience sore in your legs especially when you open it after a long day of work. 

3.) Ailments from Wearing a Tight Steel Toe: 

Now, you have to be very cautious while selecting the perfect shoe size. 

Are you thinking to buy the one which fits tight to your feet? 

Are you nuts? 

Do you actually think that your shoe will loosen over time and make way for your feet to feel comfortable in it? 

I tell you… 

Steel toes being made of heavy metals do not stretch easily. 

Therefore, you are sure to face the following conditions with your tight shoes: 

4.) Ailments from Wearing a Loose Steel toe: 

Likewise, 

Wearing a loose steel toe won’t leave you out of pain. 

When you wear a loose shoe, your one side of the feet tends to get constantly rubbed against the hard surface of the steel plates, which ultimately results in blisters and chaffing. (Check how to prevent blisters while wearing steel toe boots)

Thank god, you have insoles for that and make sure you insert one to avoid the consequences. 

5.) Repetitive Strain Injury:

It is the problem that occurs when you continue to ignore the troubles happening because of your steel toe boots. The problems that remain restricted to your feet can quickly spread to your knee, spine, neck, and hip. 

Some answers you might seek for: 

1.) Is it a good idea to remove the steel toes? 

Though it is very easy to do, but you might end up damaging your boots if the process is not carried out correctly. Why not buy a separate pair of boot without a steel toe and keep your steel toe boots safe for special usage. 

2.) Is it more suitable to replace the steel toes with the ones that do not hurt? 

Yes, you can obviously do that but why not buy a new pair instead of disturbing the good sturdy boot that you have now. 

3.) When is it perfect to take the steel toe out of boots? 

Look, steel toes offer protection to your feet while at work. Once you are done wearing your steel toes for work for over an year, you might use them at home or as casual wear. This is the time when you can think of taking out the steel toes from the boots to make them regular boots. 

4.) Could wearing steel toe boots lead to amputation? 

While steel toes protect you from injuries, they might even cut off your toes in severe cases like falling of heavy load and the steel toe penetrating deep into the skin which ultimately would lead to amputation. But, it’s only in rare cases. 

Now it’s time for a Good Bye: 

I hope, 

This article provided you with all sorts of information related to the troubles and problems that might arise from wearing a steel toe boot and the easy ways to take them off from your boots. 

Now it’s your turn to follow the tips and write us back through the comment section below your concerns and experiences. 

I would love to hear from you and add on to our posts.