Did you ever hear the term “steel shank” and picture those awesome old boots from gangster movies where you step down, and a knife pops out from the front? The initial idea that came to my mind was this but a steel shank in a boot is something different altogether.
Steel shanks, or any boot shanks, have a similar job. People often get confused about what they’re meant to do and how important they are.
So, I’ll explain what a shank is, what it does, why you might want one in your boot, and the disadvantages of steel shanks compared to a different material.
What is a Shoe Shank?
Many boots have a part called a shank. The shank in boots doesn’t always have to be created from steel, but steel shanks are usually used the most.
A boot shank is a tiny, tough strip made of hard materials like steel or nylon. It’s glued into the boot under the inner sole and above the outer sole.
It’s located exactly at the curve of the foot. Bootmakers include shanks to reduce flexibility in the middle of the boot when you stand or walk. This is a good example of what can occur if you don’t have a shank in your boot:
Some problems may happen if your boot bends in the middle, like in the picture above. The main problem often happens when the heel part starts to irritate the front of your heel (around the middle of your foot).
This might feel uncomfortable and even hurt the guys with flat feet. Even if your feet have good arches, too much bending in the middle of your feet can cause issues.
Workers, especially those who climb in their jobs, Can benefit a lot from having shanks in their boots. If you depend on the curve of the shoe to keep you stable and use the back part to secure your foot (motorbike riders do this as well), then a shank is needed.
Lots of People talk about it on the internet that a steel shank is not used for protection. But I think at least It will stop a nail from damaging the bottom of your shoe.
But the size of shanks of boots are around 3 inches long and half an inch wide, so it will not cover a lot of space. I wouldn’t walk on a bed of nails, even if I had boots with a strong steel bottom.
Are all Shanks made of metal?
Many boots use steel for the shanks, which is common, but some brands use other materials. It might surprise you that some of the world’s best boots don’t have steel in them at all.
Boot shanks can be made of leather, steel, nylon, wood, carbon fiber or composite. I’m sure there might be a couple of other materials that some brands use, but the ones I mentioned are the most common.
Many work boots use steel shanks because they’re affordable and easy to find. And many more stylish boots also use a metal shank. For example, the Thursday Captain has strong steel support inside to keep the arch of the foot strong.
TIDEWE Rubber Work Boot for Men with Steel Shank Waterproof Anti Slip Hunting Boot, Warm 6mm Neoprene Hunting Mud Boot
Made with 100% waterproof rubber and neoprene material, the TIDEWE boots keep your feet dry and comfortable while working. Shoes with rubber soles and a good grip are great for any type of workplace to avoid slipping and falling.
Some High-end brands such as Nick’s and White’s use a Leather Shank. It’s like a strong piece of leather that gets comfortable with the boot. Unlike steel, it doesn’t react to heat. This is very important for firefighters in the woods.
Allen Edmonds uses a wooden support inside, especially for their Higgins Mill boot. I’m not aware of any other brand that uses wood, so that’s pretty uncommon. But Allen Edmonds is also a very big brand.
When I looked inside my Ariat WorkHog boots, I found there was a nylon shank in the middle. This part is important to make sure the boots are safe from electricity.
Why Do You Require a Steel Shank in Your Boots?
In simple terms, I suggest choosing boots with a shank inside. This is often a sign of a good-quality boot. Wedge-sole boots have a special rule, different from others.
These boots don’t have a shank in them because the whole bottom is always touching the ground. This means shoe companies can include arch support in the sole, and they don’t need a steel shank.
1. Shanks Provide Help and Stability
The main job of a shank is to give your boots stability, support, and balance when you wear them. It will prevent the middle part of the boot from bending too much. This excessive bending could lead to discomfort and might make your boots unsuitable for wearing.
Shoes without shanks are good for just staying in one place. But, when you start to walk or hike, you might feel the shoe bending a lot in the middle part. This can create a feeling like someone is pinching the front of your heel.
2. Boosts the Strength of Your Shoes
When Boot soles decrease bending. So the bottom part and the top part will bend and fold less and Reducing folds and bends makes the boot last longer.
Boots with shanks are often built better and made with better materials. So, it’s tough to say if they last longer just because of the shank or because they’re better in every way. But having a steel shank doesn’t hurt.
3. Helps with Spreading Weight
Sometimes people forget about shanks, but they help you stay balanced and spread your weight properly. Wearing boots without the right support can make your feet tired after a while.
When you walk on bumpy ground, your feet wiggle a lot. The shank helps you to move better and Stops the boot from having to bear too much weight at the same time.
The Negative Side of Boot Shanks
Not everything is perfect with boot shanks. There are a couple of disadvantages to getting boots with a steel shank. There are a few situations where a steel shank might be something you can’t accept.
1. Metal Shank can be detected in Metal Detectors
Metal Shank in shoes can trigger Security alarms at places like airports and government buildings. Making it tough to pass through security without issues. This situation can make you late for an important meeting or appointment, and nobody wants that.
If you often pass through metal detectors and need more stability and support for your feet’s arch. Then find boots with a fiberglass or composite shank.
2. Weight of Shank
Don’t stress about the extra weight of a shank unless you love hiking a lot and you’re going on a long trail where every ounce of weight matters. If you’re hiking, it’s better to choose boots with carbon-fiber support instead of steel.
3. Fire or Electrical Safety
Boots with an ASTM rating usually have a shank inside. This part is made from materials like nylon or composite that don’t react to things. Firefighting boots for the woods often use leather because it doesn’t trap heat like steel does.
Some brands design boots for a certain job if you buy them then you don’t have to worry about the shank. They usually use materials that are safe for that work.
There are how many types of Boot Shanks?
▶ Steel Shank for boots
The steel shank is a common kind of boot support. It’s a tough metal piece that goes through the sole of your boot, right under your foot. Steel shanks last a long time, are strong, and durable. This helps give extra support to your arch.
▶ Plastic Shank for boots
These are hard plastic shanks. They keep boots safe from damage and are not too expensive. They bend more easily than metal or wood shanks but may not last as long.
Plastic is often used for shoes with taller heels because it’s affordable and can be shaped easily. Even though they may not be as strong as pricier ones, they can still stay good for a few seasons
▶ Fiberglass for boots
Most boots have shanks made of plastic or steel, but High-end brands sometimes use a fiberglass rod for stiffness. Fiberglass is better than plastic because it’s stiffer, giving more flexibility.
Fiberglass is light, which helps you feel less tired during long training. But, keep in mind, it might not be as strong as steel shanks.
▶ Wood Shank for boots
Hardly anyone uses wooden shanks in boots nowadays, but there are some old-fashioned brands like Allen Edmonds that still do. Wooden shanks help the boot stay strong, but they’re light and won’t beep in metal detectors.
DC guys often choose Allen Edmonds shoes when they go through security. The wooden shank in these shoes is helpful in such situations. Wooden shanks are not as strong as other types.
It’s not common to break your shoe support, but if your boots get wet, it might make the inside part with wood support start to rot. You’d notice right away if the support in your shoe broke.
▶ Nylon Shanks for boots
This special design helps lessen the impact when you walk and keeps the path intact. Even if you walk quickly or on bumpy ground. When you want your shoes to be steady and bend easily, go for boots with nylon shanks.
Nylon shank is getting popular in dress boots, and you can also see it in casual boots for extra strength. The shank stops the sole of a shoe from bending too much. This might make lines or breaks that stay forever.
Are you Ready to use Boot Shank?
Usually, it’s good to have a shank in your boot. But I don’t think it matters a lot what material the Shank is made of. Most of the time, any type of shank will work well for what you do in your boots. There are a few small differences, but they don’t matter much for 99% of your activities.
Most boots with wedge soles don’t have a shank, and that’s okay. For example, the Red Wing Classic Moc Toe is a great boot even though it doesn’t have a shank. Wedge-sole boots touch the ground completely, so they don’t need a shank. If your boots have a heel, a boot shank helps them stay strong and comfy as time goes on.
FAQs
Q1. Why I should put a shoe shank in my boot?
Steel shanks make the middle of the boot stronger when you walk or stand, so it doesn’t bend too much. Boots with steel shanks usually give more support to your arch and stay strong for a longer time.
Q2. Why would someone use a shoe shank?
Most shoes don’t have shanks, but High-Quality dress shoes with heels should have. A shank in your shoe helps stop it from bending too much in the middle. This makes the shoes last longer and feel more comfy for a longer time.
Q3. Nylon shanks are good for boots?
Nylon shanks in boots are okay. Nylon and steel shanks are almost the same and they both do the same job.
