While the Carets Determination Safety Boot uses a thick and robust 2.0-2.2mm nubuck leather, it is not impervious to damage. And with many work sites disallowing the use of boots with exposed safety toes, it's a good idea to protect the toe leather, and repair it as soon as it's damaged. This will significantly extend the life of your boots.

The product we recommend for this is Tuff Toe, a polyurethane adhesive with abrasion, chemical, and water-resistant abilities. It has been specially designed to provide long-term protection for your work boots, hiking boots, shoes and any other footwear that needs protecting.

Application

Carets Add-On

Let Carets apply Tuff Toe for you! Choose this option if you're ordering a pair of boots, and you want us to apply Tuff Toe before shipping it to you.

If you’re ordering brand-new from the Main Store, we’ll need about an extra week to transfer your boots to the Outlet Store for Tuff Toe application.

If you’re ordering from the Outlet Store, we only need a few extra days to apply the Tuff Toe and let it cure.

Carets Mail-In

Let Carets apply Tuff Toe for you! Choose this option if you already have a pair of boots, and you want to mail them in to us for Tuff Toe application.

For USA addresses: We can provide shipping labels at cost. You can also use your own labels. 

For Non-USA addresses: We cannot provide shipping labels, so you must use your own label to send your boots in. Please share the tracking number with us.

DIY (Do It Yourself)

You can also Do It Yourself (DIY) using the video instructions below. 

The one thing we would change about their process is this: instead of placing the bottom tape at the welt, we suggest taping where the tread begins. While the Goodyear Welt (GYW) construction that we use for the Determination Boot has a lot of advantages, nothing is without tradeoffs. One of the weak points for GYW boots is the front of the sole stack. When this area is kicked repeatedly, the sole layers can begin to separate.

By placing the bottom tape where the tread begins, you can apply Tuff Toe to cover the welt, midsole, and outsole, sealing them together, protecting them from damage and separation.

We also suggest placing tape where the tread begins in the back of the boots. This way, if you have Tuff Toe left over, you can also apply some in the back, to protect the sole stack there.

Can it be Matte, NOT Shiny?

We understand that the glossiness of Tuff Toe can be distracting. We have 3 possible solutions to this.

First, there is a technique of simply using your fingers to dull the shine while the Tuff Toe is still curing, about 30-45 minutes after application. See the video below.

Second, there is another product, KG Boot Guard, with a more matte appearance. However, it does not last as long as Tuff Toe. Here is a video of them being tested: https://youtube.com/shorts/saC7FMJrZ38?si=a-EE1Jq53esMmVXA

Third, you can simply get the Tuff Toe dirty and grimy, and this will dull the shine.