Steel toe caps have been popular for decades, whether as a practical work accessory or as a fashion statement. Buying steel toe caps can be expensive, so making them will definitely save money. However, it is time-consuming and will take some patience. Hand-made steel toe caps are semipopular with Punks and Goths for their edgier look, but they may not be as effective for the workplace, depending on what kind of work is involved.

Measure the length of the boot or shoe by stretching a tape measure from the tip of your toe to roughly the center of the the top of the foot. Next, measure the width on the widest part of the sole. Write these measurements down.

Cut out a piece of scrap leather the size of your length and width measurements, rounding off the corners and making it fit around the boot. Make sure the toe tap will fit nicely in the center. Turn the tap the wrong side up (the part that doesn't have the text) and glue around the edges, then make a diagonal cross.

Place the tap in the center of where the scrap leather will be secured and leave to dry. Once the toe taps are secure and dry, glue around the edges of the scrap leather, make another diagonal cross and place over the boot or shoe carefully, pressing down firmly at each edge with your fingertips. Wipe away the excess glue with a cotton swab before it dries. Allow the remaining glue to dry; wait about four hours to be sure.

Use a large, sharp wedge needle (also know as a glover's needle) and thick thread to complete the project with a running or overcast stitch around the overlaid leather.