Do they still put "horse shoes" on boots anymore?

[golok]

In the "old" days, some men like to have steel "horse shoes" fixed on the exterior heels of their leather shoes.

The klick-klack noise of these shoes was fashionable then. One of the reasons for fixing such devices on the shoes was to prevent the rapid of wear and tear of the heels.

These days, such things seem to be a rarity. I have a pair of half-boots that have these steel "studs" of sorts. They make a lot of noise when one is walking on the road or cemented floors.

But I like the noise - rhythmic sounds that is! Some things from the old days are still worth keeping around.

 

[smokinbasser]

Do you mean taps . I haven't seen them for a long time, there were also toe taps for that additional loss of traction. Neat sound but they would let you slip and let you bust your butt occasionally. My guess it they were litigated out of business but I am probably just pessimistic.

 

[grommit]

For the ultimate in lack of traction and long wear, make the taps out of Talonite scraps!!! Greater wear, less friction!!

 

[glockman99]

I'm dating myself alittle, but I remember having those steel "horseshoes" installed on (the 2 inch tall heels) of a pair of "Beatle Boots" that I wore back in the 7th grade..

 

[Point44]

I remember during my scouts days we used to put 'em on our shoes so that our marching would sound cooler..click clack...how stupid...it was bloody slippery...

 

[Cougar Allen]

When I was in second grade a boy discovered he could make sparks scuffing his feet on the playground pavement. We all thought that was very cool and started putting taps on our shoes as fast as we could get them -- but after a few days the principal found out what was going on and banned them from the school. She said they wore out the floors.

 

[smokinbasser]

They were great for night bike runs. Cruise along at 70 or 75 and stick the taps in contact with the pavement and throwing a giant shower of sparks sure did discourage tailgating me.Boy did they wear out fast though.

 

[rad148]

Yep, early to mid 60's, were called "taps" even in Hawaii. Was the cool thing to do. 3-6 guys striding down the hallway with taps on really caused people to look, definatley not stealth. Think they went out with Nehru Jackets. Style is a fluid circle though, will probably see them again before I die. (hopefully not the Nehru Jackets though, can't believe I actually had two, one blue, one red...aaaargh)
Tks for reminding me of them...what a silly boy I was.
Rad

 

[K Williams]

Originally posted by smokinbasser
They were great for night bike runs. Cruise along at 70 or 75 and stick the taps in contact with the pavement and throwing a giant shower of sparks sure did discourage tailgating me.Boy did they wear out fast though.

Yeah now it's done with with both legs hanging of one side of the bike. It looks like you're hanging on for dear life. Skitching is something I'll never try on my bike. Get the "Biker Boys" DVD or "12 O'Clock" For some footage of skitching. The 12 O'Clock video also has some footage of skitching gone bad(a bad bike accident...).

http://motovideo.safeshopper.com/117/658.htm?858
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...ref=sr_1_1/104-6009404-0490307?v=glance&s=dvd

 

[draftaman]

About ten years ago I worked in a shoe repair shop and we installed metal taps as well as rubber ones. The metal taps are very slick on smooth surfaces such as waxed floors or marble. the rubber ones do pretty good but if I remember correctly, to install taps,we charged around 5 bucks(for rubber) and new heels cost about nine bucks.