Editing Boot (section)

===Practical uses===
[[File:S3 safety footwear.jpg|thumb|A pair of [[International Organization for Standardization|ISO]] 20345:2004 compliant S3 [[Steel-toe boot|steel-toe]]d safety boots designed for construction workers]]
[[Image:Aa hobnailedboots 01.jpg|thumb|A pair of hobnailed boots]]
[[File:Fashion boot terminology.png|thumb|left|Fashion boot terminology]]
[[File:A-12 OXCART Flight Suit Boots - Flickr - The Central Intelligence Agency.jpg|thumb|A pair of A-12 [[OXCART]] flight suit boots]]
Boots which are designed for walking through snow, shallow water and mud may be made of a single closely stitched design (using leather, rubber, canvas, or similar material) to prevent the entry of water, snow, mud or dirt through gaps between the laces and tongue found in other types of shoes. Waterproof [[gumboot]]s are made in different lengths of uppers. In extreme cases, thigh-boots called [[waders (footwear)|waders]], worn by [[Fisherman|anglers]], extend to the hip. Such boots may also be insulated for warmth. With the exception of [[gum boots]], boots sold in general retail stores may be considered "water resistant", as they are not usually fully waterproof, compared to advanced material boots, such as [[Gore-Tex]], used regularly by fishers or hikers.

Speciality boots have been made to protect steelworkers' feet and calves if they accidentally step in puddles of molten metal, to protect workers from a variety of chemical exposure, to protect workers from construction site hazards and to protect feet from extreme cold (e.g., with insulated or inflatable boots for use in Antarctica). Most work boots are "lace ups" made from leather. Formerly they were usually shod with [[hobnail (footwear)|hobnails]] and heel- and toe-plates, but now can usually be seen with a thick rubber sole, and often with steel toecaps.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://drewsboots.com/content/making-sure-your-work-boots-make-grade |title=Making Sure Your Work Boots Make the Grade |work=Drew's Boots |access-date=November 11, 2018}}</ref> While gumboots are often used in workplaces, such as underground mines, studies have shown that workers prefer "lace up" boots mainly due to their support and better fit.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collection|first=Thomas George|title=What are the most comfortable men's boots?|url=https://tgcollection.com.au/blogs/tgc-blog/most-comfortable-mens-boots|access-date=2021-07-19|website=Thomas George Collection|language=en}}</ref>

Boots are mostly worn with [[sock]]s to prevent chafes and [[blister]]s, to absorb [[sweat]], to improve the foot's grip inside the boot, or to insulate the foot from the cold. Before socks became widely available, [[footwraps]] were worn instead.

Specialty boots have been designed for many different types of [[sport]]s, particularly [[equestrianism|riding]], [[skiing]], [[snowboarding]], [[Ice skating|ice-skating]], and sporting in wet/damp conditions.