History of the Boot

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History of Harley-Davidson

Boots which are designed for protection from the elements may be made of a single closely-stitched piece (of leather, rubber, etc) to prevent the entry of water, mud or dirt through the gaps left between the laces and the tongue in other types of shoes. Simple waterproof gumboots are made in different length of uppers and, in extreme cases, thigh-boots called "waders" used by anglers end at waist-level of the wearer.

Other types of boots are sturdy in nature, meant for protection in wilderness or industrial settings. Specialty boots have been made to temporarily protect steelworkers if they get caught in pools of molten metal; to protect chemical workers from a wide variety of chemical exposure; and there are insulated, inflatable, boots designed for walking in the Antarctic continent. However most work boots are "laceups" made from leather and shod with hobnails and heel-and toe-plates. Such work boots (like the popular Dr. Martens) were adopted by skinheads and punks as part of their typical dress, and have migrated from there to more mainstream fashion, including women's wear.

Fashionable boots for women may have all the variations seen in other fashion footwear: tapered or spike heels, platform soles, pointed toes, zipper closures and the like.

Generally the boots became rare towards the end of the 20th century. Now they are again frequent and particularly types with a long bootleg are common in everyone's armoire, including men and women.

Specialty boots have been designed for many different types of sport, particularly rugby, football and soccer, riding, skiing and snowboarding, skating, and sporting in wet conditions.

Boots have their own devotees among shoe fetishists and foot fetishists.

Tall boots, such as those designed for military dress and horseback riding may have a tab, loop or handle at the top known as a bootstrap, allowing one to use fingers or a tool to provide better leverage in getting the boots on. A German legend about a boy lifting himself by his bootstraps into the air, allowing him to fly, has led to the word's metaphorical use in many different contexts; see bootstrapping and booting.