A
boot is a type of
footwear and a specific type of
shoe. Most boots mainly cover the
foot and the
ankle, while some also cover some part of the lower calf. Some boots extend up the
leg, sometimes as far as the
knee or even the
hip. Most boots have a
heel that is clearly distinguishable from the rest of the
sole, even if the two are made of one piece. Traditionally made of leather or rubber, modern boots are made from a variety of materials. Boots are worn both for their functionality – protecting the foot and leg from water, extreme cold, mud or hazards (e.g., chemicals) or providing additional ankle support for strenuous activities with added traction requirements (e.g., hiking) – and for reasons of style and
fashion.