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.