What Is a Hobnail Boot?

Hobnail boots are rugged footwear mainly used for crossing rough terrain and marching. They gained particular notoriety during the second World War.

Hobnail

A hobnail is a short nail with a rounded head.

Features

Hobnail boots have hobnails inserted into them, with the rounded heads exposed. This is normally done on the sole of the boot.

Function

The hobnails on a boot provide traction on uneven or mushy terrain.

History

Hobnail boots became well-known during and after World War II because they were the preferred boot used by the German army.

Benefits

Hobnail boots were also popular with climbers and mountaineers who used them to provide traction in loose rock, ice and snow.

Considerations

Hobnail boots are still used today by mountaineers, but are no longer as popular as they once were because there are lighter boots available and because of their negative association with Nazis.

References

• Tera.org: Mountaineering: Hobnail Boots