Providers of inferior digital protection? (7)

I believe the answer is:

toecaps

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'digital protection?' is the definition.
(protection for the digits of the feet)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for toecaps that I've seen before include "Steel attachments to fronts of shoes" , "Feature of protective footwear" , "Shoe protectors" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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