In the construction industry a lot of guys use glue on plastic caps to protect the leather over steel toe boots. The steel toes dont give, so it is not uncommon to wear right through the leather in short order. I have also seen a DIY product that you can brush on for the same purpose. KGs boot guard or something like that, a Google search should find it... That said I'm a stubborn ******* and insist on steel toes. After tearing through many a toe I've gone over to Wesco Steel Toe Highliners, they are starting to look like hell but I havent worn through the full grain leather over the toe... yet... Either way they are far superior to any other boot Ive ever worn previously (I only buy US made in boots)...