A boot is a type of shoe that covers the foot and supports the heel and ankle. Most boots have a small heel separated from the rest of the shoe, coming together as two individual pieces and stitched or glued together. Boots are traditionally made of leather, as seen in all types of cowboy boots. Other materials are now being used in today's modern day styles.

Boots are designed to protect the foot from water, snow, mud and dirt. Some boots have steel toes to protect the foot and toes from blunt force or chemical exposure, while others are made of rubber and used to protect the foot and leg from water, such as waders, worn by anglers when fishing. Most boots are insulated to protect from the elements and extremely cold temperatures.

Shoemaking has been in practice for at least 3500 years according to documented history, with St. Crispin the patron saint of shoemaking. October 25th is St. Crispin Day or the Shoemaker's Holiday in France, where stores would close for the day in celebration. Following the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo in 1815 by Arthur Wellsley, the first Duke of Wellington, the Wellington boot was born and became immediately popular.http://www.shoeinfonet.com/about%20shoes/history/history%20western%20boots/history%20western%20boots.htm

Boots worn for fashion come in all varieties in today's society, depending on the individual looking to make the purchase. Lengths can range from ankle boots to one that goes up the calf, to a boot that stops at the knee or for the daring, thigh high boots might be the way to go.

There are decisions that can be made with the heel of the boot as well. One can choose from a chunk heel, a wedge, tapered, spike, stiletto or even go the platform route. Any and every color under the rainbow is a potential possibility if one takes the time and effort to look around for what it is that is being sought after.

Boots had their peak of popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. Their popularity waned as the 20th century came to a close, but now are enjoying a revival of sorts. The thigh high boot in particular has suddenly become all the rage again in fashion shows, and even in tough economic times, retail sales for boots continue to buck that trend and are increasing.http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Retail-Sales-Up-21-Between-Jan-And-Feb-Clothing-And-Footwear-Peform-Well-While-Food-Sales-Fall/Article/201003415582102?chooseNews=videoshttp://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/06/brief_history_of_thigh-high_bo.html

Of course, boots also have a special place in the hearts of certain groups of individuals. Those who have fetishes for boots, shoes or feet revere the boots that come out on the market, and for individuals such as this, they never fall out of fashion. A major influence in creating the buzz of popularity of boots back in the 1960s was singer Nancy Sinatra, daughter of the legendary Frank Sinatra with her song "These Boots Were Made for Walking", which has been covered by a variety of performers.

• Hip Boots
• Knee-high Boots
• Thigh-high Boots
• Wedge Boots
• Ankle Boots

• Chelsea Boots
• Cowboy Boots
• Go-go Boots
• Hessian Boots
• Mukluks (dry-snow boots)
• Rigger Boots
• Wellington Boots
• Gieka Boots

• Football Boots
• Hiking Boots
• Motorcycle Boots
• Ski Boots
• Snow Boots
• Waders
• Cowboy Boots
• Motocross Boots

• Rain Boots
• Wellington Boots
• Combat Boots
• Firefighting Boots
• Rigger Boots
• Steel-toe Boots

• Ugg Boots
• Chukka Boots
• Doc Martens
• Nevados
• Northwest Territory (company)
• Rocky Outdoor Gear
• Sorel
• Tony Lama