LearningCurveLeatherwork Report post Posted May 10, 2018 Hey y'all, Does anyone have any experience making boot protectors? I was going to take a swing at it for the first time and wondered if there were any tips or tricks as far as durability and fit goes. Couldn't seem to find anything in the forums. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted May 10, 2018 You mean to protect the toe form the black mark? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LearningCurveLeatherwork Report post Posted May 10, 2018 Yes! It protects your shoe or boot from getting scuffed by the shift lever. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted May 10, 2018 Honestly, the best way Ive found is to use white heat shrink around the shifter, but I suppose you could wrap it with veg tan and do a baseball stitch for a cover. Sounds fiddly to me, but it would look cool. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LearningCurveLeatherwork Report post Posted May 10, 2018 (edited) The heat shrink thing is interesting, I've never heard of anyone doing that before but its a great idea. However, something like these pictures is what I meant. Seems pretty straight forward, but I was just wondering if anyone that had experience with a handmade one had any advice. Obviously leather is probably not the most ideal material for this application, but it sure is cool Edited May 10, 2018 by LearningCurveLeatherwork Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted May 10, 2018 Ahhhhh that is cool. You could do a lot of cool stuff thigh that! My suggestion goes on the bike itself, not on the boot, but it could work. Another option would be to make a tongue that hung from the laces somehow so you wouldn't have to stand on the strap holding it on. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pintodeluxe Report post Posted May 10, 2018 I always wore those skuffs on the left boot with pride back when I rode. Cool idea though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fredk Report post Posted May 10, 2018 I think you're on you're own here I had to look them up. All my motorcycle boots had protectors sewn to the boot vamp. One on each boot, cos British motorcycles have the gear shift on the opposite side of Japanese motorcycles. On my boots it was just a thick piece of leather sewn on. Maybe it was about 2mm thick. Never wore out in several thousand miles of motorcycling Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LearningCurveLeatherwork Report post Posted May 10, 2018 1 hour ago, Pintodeluxe said: I always wore those skuffs on the left boot with pride back when I rode. Cool idea though. Ah yes, but there's a whole generation of hipsters that don't want to ruin their pretty shoes and drool over hand made goods Oh well, I never say no to an adventure. I guess we'll see how it turns out! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark842 Report post Posted May 11, 2018 6 hours ago, Pintodeluxe said: I always wore those skuffs on the left boot with pride back when I rode. Cool idea though. Yep! I have an old pair of riding boots in the closet that 40+ years on them and the scuff is nearly worn all the way thru. Kind of a badge of honor for all the miles on them...and me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmn Report post Posted May 11, 2018 (edited) No, it's not leather. But this works well for me. Not meaning to push the brand, just showing the concept. Could certainly make something similar, and custom fitted, out of leather. Regards Michael Edited May 11, 2018 by mmn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
plinkercases Report post Posted May 16, 2018 On 10/05/2018 at 2:17 PM, Pintodeluxe said: I always wore those skuffs on the left boot with pride back when I rode. Cool idea though. I agree here... but I also agree about seeing a need in the hipster market! Go for it and can't wait to see what happens... and you can even call them "Bespoke Boot Guards" and they will really drool. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark842 Report post Posted May 16, 2018 3 hours ago, plinkercases said: I agree here... but I also agree about seeing a need in the hipster market! Go for it and can't wait to see what happens... and you can even call them "Bespoke Boot Guards" and they will really drool. Maybe but most of what I would classify as hipsters around here don't even wear boots. They're riding around with flip flops and shorts and no helmet because they don't want to mess up their hair man-bun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
plinkercases Report post Posted May 16, 2018 6 hours ago, Mark842 said: Maybe but most of what I would classify as hipsters around here don't even wear boots. They're riding around with flip flops and shorts and no helmet because they don't want to mess up their hair man-bun. ya... I know... same in Toronto (except must have helmets by law) while on the other end of the scale here we have electric bike riders in pajamas, baseball caps under Styrofoam helmets, with a case of bear between their legs.... smoking with a bungy corded radio playing full blast.. and often a small dog in a box somehow attached.... They are an unregulated, un-insured, unlicensed threat to public safety on the road and sidewalks....but I digress... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
doorty Report post Posted May 27, 2018 (edited) Anyone know the name of that stretchy material sewn to the leather? On 5/10/2018 at 11:01 AM, LearningCurveLeatherwork said: By the way, in my quest for ultimate hipster, I came across these boot protectors, which I think could come in handy if you're wearing dress shoes for work, dancing, etc. But as a leatherworker, I think I'd prefer a leather-wrapped shifter. Edited May 27, 2018 by doorty Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fredk Report post Posted May 27, 2018 We just call it - 'elastic, the flat stuff'. aka 'Flat Woven Elastic' available by the yard in many widths in any haberdashery Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
doorty Report post Posted May 27, 2018 11 hours ago, fredk said: We just call it - 'elastic, the flat stuff'. aka 'Flat Woven Elastic' available by the yard in many widths in any haberdashery Thanks. Looks perfect for sewing to leather for a secure drink holder or flat pocket. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spacedog Report post Posted June 11, 2018 Neat idea. Let us know how it works out. Next you'll be doing motorcross. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
