You will weaken the nails if you use a cuticle softener like CND cuticle away. Its not necessary to use it if you know what you are doing.
There are two types of cuticles. Type A is powder like once soaked in water. Type B is clear film like. The toes will have both types of cuticles and youll need to remove both in order for the gels to not lift. Though gels tend to stick pretty well on the toes because the nail is thicker, which makes for a good base.
Soak the feet for a couple of minutes. Push back the cuticles. At this point, you should see type A cuticle come off the nail. Wash and scrub toes with soap and water to remove all traces of type A cuticle. Type B cuticle should now be evident. Remove with a cuticle nipper. Be careful here because you may be mistaking type b cuticle with the living skin, the eponychium. Sometimes these two can look the same because they become clear after you soak in water. Just remember that type B can only grow on top of the nail, and is not attached to skin. Now clean the nails with acetone to dry out all water traces. Any water or cuticle residue will cause lifting. Easy.