blakey

From Blakey, a brand name of cast-iron shoe protectors invented in 1880 by John Blakey.

blakey (plural blakeys)

1. A metal stud or plate fixed to the sole or heel of a shoe to prevent excessive wear.

   Synonym: seg

   • 1943, Raymond Postgate, Somebody at the Door, page 78:

     She wouldn't actually bring the shoes herself, but she would drive down with any complaints or remarks. I was expected to know instantly […] which pair she meant out of a sackful, and be able to suggest rubber heels, or a blakey, or whatever she would like.

• hobnail

• Kabyle, bleaky