I bought these boots last year and have not worn them very much. I bought them on sale and it seemed as though maybe a previous owner had coated the leather with something and returned them (just a guess), because the leather felt a bit different from my older pair. Anyhow they are normally a very high quality boot, but there is a big problem with the material that covers the toe (the same material covers the heel). It’s a rubbery material that is peeling off. Is there some kind of gunk I can put over the toe that won’t look horrible that will protect the toe? Should I peel off the existing material first, and then coat it? Here’s a photo: Ragged boot
You could try some Shoe Goo or similar stuff. Hardware stores and big box stores and so on usually carry it, or some version of it.
I’ve had mixed results: very good on some shoes, poor to useless on others. If you’re careful how you put it on it probably won’t look horrible. I’m usually putting it on work boots and am not careful, I often wind up with visible blobs.
Peel or cut off any old material that’s loose, but I’d leave on anything that isn’t loose.
I’d be tempted to use “Flex Seal”. Yeah, I know, but there’s a version that can be brushed on and is available in black. Might be good.
What is your dog’s name?
If they are indeed a “high quality” boot you may be able to return them.
I had some Merrells (which are mid-range) that developed a problem with the sole separating; this after over a year of hard use on stoney mountain trails. They were replaced, with no question.
The OP said they bought them used.
That’s Tuxedo, a Mini Aussie. He’s four and my best friend.
It’s, “Das Boot,” and you have to put it in dry dock.
(I’ll let myself out.
Tuxedo is what I look like on a good day! Which don’t come too often.)
Thanks for all the ideas. I bought the boots on sale but not officially “used.” I was hypothesizing that someone else had returned them. Anyhow, your ideas are great. I think I will try some Shoe Goo, Tuff Toe, or something similar.
Former cobbler checking in - that does look like one of the products that can be painted onto the toes for additional protection. I’d recommend you remove the loose stuff and “clean up” the area. You will want to remove any dirt or grease that might be there, but also not leave a soap residue. If I were doing it I’d use isopropyl alcohol and let the surface dry completely before applying anything else.
Oh. I actually wasn’t asking you. That was a back-handed joke about the dog hair stuck to the Ragged Boot.
Oh well.
Please! you’re a cordwainer. Say it loud and say it proud, with a little bit of sole. 
Correction: Cat hair. 
And…?
What is the cat’s name??
My guess is “Boot Chewer”. Probably wrong.
“Puss” … cause “boots”
The cats definitely did not chew the boot! They are innocent of all charges!
ETA: Maybe I should name them Gato Encarcelado