Editing Boot (section)

{{Short description|Type of footwear extending above the ankle joint}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Redirect|Boots|the company|Boots (company)}}
[[File:Michael Kors Bryn Bootie Ankleboot - Stiefelette mit Nieten 40F4BRHE6L Kalbsleder schwarz (2) (16612274402).jpg|thumb|A black leather ankle boot with studded embellishments]]
[[File:AGM Ancient Greek Pair of Terracotta Boots.jpg|thumb|[[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greek]] pair of terracotta boots. Early geometric period cremation burial of a woman, 900 BC, [[Ancient Agora Museum]], [[Athens]].]]
A '''boot''' is a type of [[footwear]]. Most boots mainly cover the [[foot]] and the [[ankle]], while some also cover some part of the lower calf. Some boots extend up the [[human leg|leg]], sometimes as far as the [[knee]] or even the [[hip]]. Most boots have a [[heel (shoe)|heel]] that is clearly distinguishable from the rest of the [[sole (shoe)|sole]], even if the two are made of one piece. Traditionally made of [[leather]] or [[Natural rubber|rubber]], modern boots are made from a variety of materials.

Boots are worn both for their functionality and for reasons of style and [[fashion]]. Functional concerns include: protection of the foot and leg from water, mud, pestilence ([[infectious disease]], [[insect bites and stings]], [[snake bite]]s), extreme temperatures, sharp or blunt hazards (e.g. work boots may provide [[steel-toe boot|steel toe]]s), physical [[abrasion (medical)|abrasion]], [[corrosive agents]], or [[ultraviolet radiation|damaging radiation]]; ankle support and traction for strenuous activities such as [[hiking]]; and durability in harsh conditions (e.g. the underside of [[combat boot]]s may be reinforced with [[hobnail]]s).

In some cases, the wearing of boots may be required by laws or regulations, such as the regulations in some jurisdictions requiring workers on construction sites to wear steel-toed safety boots. Some [[uniform]]s include boots as the regulated footwear. Boots are recommended as well for motorcycle riders. [[High-top]] [[athletic shoe]]s are generally not considered boots, even though they do cover the ankle, primarily due to the absence of a distinct heel.