What is a Shank? - (Boot Shank) - Why do boots need a shank?

A shank is a structural part of a boot (not to be confused with a prison shiv or the golfing term) and many boots have a shank including the Timberland boots we recently reviewed. Some boots do not have a shank like the dr. Martens that we also reviewed recently. In this video I talk about why boots need a shank and why boots might not need a shank and what a shank is.
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[@JagoffCitizen]

The popular prison weapon is so called because that is exactly what was originally used - the shanks from prison boots.

[@sputumtube]

Really? I always wondered where the term came from. Thanks.

[@coyotetrickster5758]

While it is easy to make this connection because it most certainly have been used as such. It is not clear if this is the actual origin. For instance there was also a term Shank, to send someone off without ceremony was used in the 1800s, could also be the origin, thus the action before the object. But also a shank is a straight piece of anything really, not just the part of a boot, which is of course something that could be improvised as a knife. I haven't found a direct connection in a few searches, and it seems to be a bit debated as to what is the origin.

[@coyotetrickster5758]

@Roderick storey The origin of the word is leg, crooked or limp, back to both Greek, and German. A close meaning word is Shiv, that is an improvised knife and to cut with a shiv is shiv or shivved, and the word origin of that is chive, the onion stalk. Another straight thing.

[@iampepsiboy]

@Alex Davila Shoutout to joshua bardwell 😄

[@greham]

So prisoners had better boots than us DocMartens-wearing hipsters?

[@BanAaron]

You should make a "cut in half shoe" display wall. Have all the shoes you've cut in half on display like a gallary

[@jefferyaung1404]

Aaron Barratt he actually did this!

[@BanAaron]

@@jefferyaung1404 did he make a video about it?

[@vinegardoppio6692]

@@BanAaron no but you can see it in lots of his videos

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

@@jefferyaung1404 really? How sad

[@spike5499]

@@Dragon-Slay3r why is that sad 💀

[@GrassBenji]

I can't thank you enough for explaining so much in the leather/boot world. I felt a little lost when trying to find out what actually makes a quality product that's worthy of its materials, I feel I understand what to look for a lot better now.

[@erick.mezart]

You should do like a top 5 boots you use, like a quick recommendation !

[@andrewmudgett5715]

My Current top 5 would be Fracap, Danner, Dr. Martens, Diemme & Hanwag.

[@andrewmudgett5715]

(Made In England Doc Martens ONLY btw lol;))

[@erick.mezart]

@@andrewmudgett5715 thanks !

[@andrewmudgett5715]

EAMS no problem!

[@999thenewman]

Rose Anvil could have a podiatrist chat guest for future videos to add real-world medical knowledge.

[@Sundog1985]

He should just skip the middle man and become a life guru.

[@AB-nb2ic]

Let's also get a chiropractor to explain how and why having a raised heel on your shoes messes up you posture and contributes to knee pain, lordosis (increased curve in your lower back) and kyphosis (slumped, rounded shoulders), and how "barefoot" style "zero drop" footwear can help fix these problems 👍

[@999thenewman]

@@AB-nb2ic Well sure. It's obvious though, that shifting mass forward adds stress to motion, stopping and most of all, balancing.

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@AB-nb2ic chiropracty is a quack profession and messes up ppl's backs, a lot of the motions offer temporary relief but perform long-term damage - thus ensuring repeat customers.

[@davidstjames_]

@@kaitlyn__L Not all Chiropractors are the same. I have encountered a couple who don't do anything and try to get you to go 3 times a week with very little or no benefit. I've also had a couple in my life who fix the problem in one or two visits and I don't need to return for another year or more, unless it's a new injury. A couple of times I've had to go several times to a good one for a month or more after a car accident. So, yes, there are some out there that don't help and can possibly hurt you, but there are others that are phenomenal and can help you quite a bit.

[@madMARTYNmarsh1981]

The metal shank in my old Army boots saved my foot. I stood on a piece of wood that had an 8 inch nail sticking out of it, I didn't see that nail. The shank stopped it going right through my foot. I wouldn't have wanted to deal with that while trying to attack a Tali out post!

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

wow thanks for sharing and for your service.

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

@@abdullahal-shimri3091 this! Thank you

[@MattHuarez-yh9zj]

Awesome, what province?

[@Ditchthemap]

Great video. I want to add that even some of the better light weight hiking shoes include a shank. Some running shoes have plastic shanks to increase rigidity. I have a flat foot and pronate. Even though I only weigh 125lb the stiffness a shank provides provides the support my foot needs. Initially a shoe with a shank will appear to be "hard feeling" and not comfortable but for someone like me over time they are more supportive and more comfortable.!

[@Gilarax]

They are also important in mountaineering as they keep your bot from flexing out of your crampons. They also protect your arch from rocks.

[@DaDudeManHeyDude]

Came to say this

[@philipbenson8388]

Mountaineering boots actually do not use a shank, they use a lasting board that runs from the back of the heel to the toes and usually also include either carbon fiber or fiberglass insole for extreme rigidity and performance. I don't believe any mountaineering boots use shanks.

[@Billy123bobzzz]

That is the best demonstration of what a shank does in a boot. Well Done!

[@Amy-cr5pd]

This video was so helpful to me. I had plantar fasciitis in 2016 and got it again recently. I now understand the cause was my shoes that had some heel elevation (or even a soft wedge) but no rigid shank to support the arch. The Plantar Fascia is strong in tension, but not in bending or shear or torsion. It is like a tough strap that connects the front of the arch to the back and stops it from flattening. Structurally speaking, barefoot is best, because it puts the heel and ball in contact with the ground. (Not talking about working in rough environments obviously!). But if a shoe puts the foot heel up on any sort of shoe heel (even 1/2") it needs a rigid shaft. I always thought "arch support" meant that contoured lump that they put inside shoes under where your arch goes. I now understand it means the shaft to support the open expanse between your heel and ball of foot, that would otherwise allow the plantar to bend. Thank you very much!

[@Joseph_yy]

Could you make a video about wedge sole boots? I like it’s sneaker vibe yet still being a boot but I don’t quite know why it’s designed that way and the pros and cons about it,thanks!

[@dahak972]

Yen the smiling dinosaur yeah, I’m curious about them as well. Can they ad a shank later on if I want a lug re-sole?

[@AshleyBlackwater]

Honestly afaik it's mainly an aethstetic thing. Along with the side benefit of not necessarily needing a shank as mentioned in the video. Maybe they offer better performance in situations where more contact with the ground is a good thing (maybe gripping slippery surfaces, or better impact adsorption for example)

[@AshleyBlackwater]

@@dahak972 Best way to find out would be to ask your local cobbler tbh. Although it's better to buy a boot with the features you want in the first place

[@TSE_WOODY]

@@AshleyBlackwater Apparently wedge soles are better for prolonged periods of standing ie standing in front of a lathe all day in comparison to a heeled boot more for ladders, shovels etc but worth hearing from someone more experienced.

[@brendar727]

This video was so useful and now I get why you need a shank since most of my boots would do that weird sag.

[@callunas]

So glad I found your channel! I just bingewatched all your videos. They're super informative and unique to any other leather/boot channel. You said you have lots of experience hiking. What hiking boots do you recommend?

[@picapicas]

Congrats on the 50k subscribers, dude!

[@matthewdylla6090]

Any impression or chance of going through a red wing boot?

[@TEFLONDONTRUMP2024]

Yes I wear them for work and shred through most boots in a year or less been on my red wings for 3+ now w/o sole replacement

[@mary9983]

Yes plz! I started wearing a pair for industrial work. Now I work healthcare. Both consisted of a lot of walking. My red wings are more comfortable than any sneaker/athletic shoe. They look kinda goofy under my scrubs, but after standing for 10 hrs my feet don't hurt (and I have some odd shaped feet to boot).

[@diomedes39]

@@mary9983 what boots do you wear? I work healthcare too and wear barefoot shoes atm

[@mary9983]

@@diomedes39 lol I still have the same pair! www.redwingshoes.com/work/mens/waterproof/King-Toe-ADC-04402.html

[@AMM0394]

The more traction the boot videos get HAHA pun intended? Happy new year brother, keep up the great content!

[@Tempuraoreos]

Thanks for the demonstration and explanation. I’m pretty sure I had an old pair of worn out boots that didn’t have a shank in them. later on when I walked in them I felt a really uncomfortable type of pressure in the middle of my feet. Now I know what to look for in buying new boots

[@Barnabas94]

Nice subtle Glen Cambell reference.

[@Amyjo_lovesmusic]

Very informative, thanks! I was sad that there was no Toaster in the video then he made an appearance. I am not a cat person at all but I have to say that Toaster is an exception.

[@kocronashi]

Thanks for doing the visual demonstration, it really helped me to understand!

[@tonycobb4562]

I do believe that the Thorogood wedge sole boots use a a fiberglass shank. I do a free the are less necessary based on your illustrations. Great info! Love the videos!

[@asammahina]

That thumbnail design is great

[@jasminea4035]

Discovered you channel because I love boots from work to fashion. I'm not sure if you have much of a fashion audience but I would be interested in seeing a breakdown of higher end boots like Stuart Weitzman to see if it's all branding or if the quality is worth the price. I've heard brands like Louis Vuitton are notorious for designing shoes without regard for feet. I hope your channel is successful so I can see you rip up some ridiculously priced shoes!

[@Antoto96]

I agree for work having a shank is essential which is why I couldn’t wear sneakers at my job where I manage inventory and stock boxes. I have flat feet and sneakers always give me pain in my arch. People would ask me how I can wear nice boots (dress boots but the sole was a danite) at work. I tell them I never once came home with sore feet whenever I work any of my boots, even the dress boots because of the shank. However, when ever I go out wearing docs isn’t so bad as it’s more a sneaker that looks like a boot. It’s flexible and has less of a utilitarian look which fits more for casual wear.

[@caleblatreille8224]

would love to see you cut open a pair of the firefighter boots you always talk about. i know they're super expensive but would be really informative since you frequently use them as a reference point

[@gavinjones5226]

Like most things, not all shanks are created equal. I had one pair of motorcycle boots with a steel shank, which would regularly bend with use. Really uncomfortable! Also very tricky to bend back, unless you have lasts available.

[@RexWort]

As a boot guy This is the channel I was looking for

[@marcolson4493]

OUTSTANDING, well said, excellent video. Thank you. My self; For work and city walking, I love wedge sole boots. They are good on snow,and icy walks and steps.

[@DirtyPlumbus]

If you own a motorcycle and your boots don't have a shank you don't know what a comfortable ride is.

[@gboy028]

Agreed

[@ToriKo_]

@Dixie Wrecked what’s your favorite boot?

[@DirtyPlumbus]

@@ToriKo_ I don't necessarily have a favorite. I try to pick the best reasonably price boot based on it's intended main use. My current kick around/riding boots are Ariats.

[@AB-nb2ic]

Nonsense. This entirely depends on your riding position and style, your particular footpegs, and how much weight you put into your arch when you ride. There are way too many variables for such a broad statement to be accurate

[@meirawinter1283]

Same goes for horse riding

[@Chris-hi6ut]

Do a leather jacket vid please. Comparing a high quality one and a cheap one.

[@Jenglotto]

I've learnt a ton from your videos. Looking forward to more content! Keep up the awesome work man

[@Verzyvers]

Red wings review ?

[@FlaskTheTapir]

The thumbnail is a thing of beauty.

[@RoseAnvil]

Gotta love those Toy Story references!

[@sb_ghost2075]

The video I never knew I needed. Thanks! Happy 2020 * * * *

[@sheldoncooper8291]

Great visual demonstration. Thanks for your work on this channel.

[@MrScrappydue]

I never knew that. I thought a shank was to help when you stepped on a nail. That’s the only reason I thought it was there. Thank you

[@user-np1ho9pz1q]

Hey man. Thank you for another great video. Love your approach. I finally become to fully understand the construction of a boot. Also looking forward for cut in half goodyear welted or blake stitched boot, because other youtubers explain these poorly. Meermin or used Allen Edmonds would be good. Take care.

[@JavierBonillaC]

Very good video. I rarely learn something in just one video.

[@JanessaMUA]

Happy new year! Never knew this about shanks. Cool!

[@Originalxlander]

How many here thought the steel shank was a bigger piece of metal meant to prevent spikes from coming through your sole. Isha people think the plan stops protrusions like pallets spikes, or caltrops. Yes that is also a common misconception that OSHA puts out there. Was recently done to me by an OSHA rep. They put the idea it there by asking. Do you have a steel shank in this bits to stop sharp objects from coming through? Yep he got me for a second. Just thought I would put that it there for anyone else that they inadvertently confused like me. Some people literally believe this means the whole under sole bed if the shoe has a complete step correct to keep nails and the like out. At least i believe the shank and penetration plate are two different things.

[@mdj.6179]

There are different levels of shank flexibility. Take trying to hike in lineman boots for instance...

[@thewinterwhite]

Happy New Year, Rose Anvil. Glad to see you made 50k subscribers by the new year. Congratulations.

[@marissamalone621]

I'd love to see you review the Slip-resistant work boot line dr. Martens has. I've been wanting the chelseas because im in fast food and my feet always hurt, so I need something with more support. I think boots with a shank would be good for me, and the line provides several other features that would be good for my work and general casual shoes

[@1968gadgetyo]

Try Keen's PTC (Dress) Oxford. Not a boot. Have met or exceeds ASTM F1677-96 Mark II non-slip testing standards. Have a TPU stability shank. I work in a hospital lab and part time in Mac's. This pair of shoes fits both work environment.

[@belovedmountain]

I'm here to learn. Thanks for info! I've been pulling all my old RedWings out and cutting them apart for the leather! Very interesting!

[@ClintGrantham]

Loved the Glen Campbell joke!

[@NoLieIm51]

Great videos you’re so informative and easy going. I truly enjoy every part of your videos

[@rustyshackleford5111]

Hey @RoseAnvil you should make a cut in half video on the Red Wing Moc toe 1907s very cool and iconic boot

[@michaellk2254]

New title: guy laughing at his own jokes while playing with leather and squishing boots

[@AlexA-vd7li]

...making fake tests to feed his Doc's hate and have some hype. :)

[@2slow2v]

Alex Justas they suck😭

[@LioMurdest]

You forgot the "For 5 minutes straight"

[@TSE_WOODY]

@@AlexA-vd7li i mean, its the same for boots without a shank that aren't docs? whats your point lmao

[@AlexA-vd7li]

@@TSE_WOODY The test is totally stupid that's the point. ;) A lot of shoes doesn't have a shank inside and shouldn't. Hipster from the video shows something that isn't connected with the reality and makes a verdict: Shank is a must-have. Well, if I'll need to roll (without any pressure control, of course, hype is only what is needed) a steel cylinder throught the half-cut of my boot, I'll prefer that one that have a shank. :) And, that hipster should screw a steel plate to each pair of his shoes (starting with sneakers), because most of them don't have a shank and as we already know, "no shank = baaad".

[@diegorivera985]

I would love to see you take apart new Rock platform shoes, I have a pair and watching your videos plus their price tag being around 300 euro makes me wonder how they’d compare to other shoes you’ve taken apart

[@praetorianle1988]

How about testing Magnum, or some other patrol boots? I used them and a Turkish brand YDS when I have to walk in rough terrain in mud, rain, snow. I am interested to see their construction.

[@Prisoner-jf8vi]

Best explanation for a shank I have every seen. If it's possible can you do a video on some Danner boots.

[@p.s1034]

That thorogood, is this a preview of what is to be cut? Good info, thanks for the vid. Maybe though could talk about the different materials of shanks and which one you prefer for their uses

[@kubrah779]

The decade has just ended. The year is 2020. Success has increased following. Toaster has kept his channel toasting and info has kept the public informed but one thing (& one minor thing) still remains..... the D on the Dupont sign is still not fixed!! Triggered, Doh!!

[@em-rg3xf]

Redwing moc toe don't have a shank because they are a full wedge sole. But if a redwing moc toe gets a resole with vibram lug sole, do they fit a shank?????

[@ArmyGreensTanBoots]

That is a good question...

[@Sam-ch8no]

hey could you do a cross section of gripfast boots? they're a special brand with screws in the sole of the boot ide really like to know if they're worth buying or not

[@Zombub]

I second that

[@MatthewHiltner]

Third-ed

[@brunonjezic6208]

One more here

[@andrewmudgett5715]

Fifthed

[@geoffgeoff143]

I know nothing about boots. This helped. Be good to get a run down on all the parts and what they're called.

[@WilleasFogg]

Just in case anyone hasn't requested you cut up some Grensons already - would love to see you cut a pair of Grenson 'Fred' boots in half. Especially the model that comes with the 'commando' sole. I have a pair, and love them, but would be great to know what you think of the welt, shank and so forth.

[@Convair_F-106]

I'd love to see a hunting or hiking video, where you maybe can talk about your gear and choices and your experience.

[@grahamesmith7663]

Although shanks work well, it becomes a pain when you have to take your boots/shoes off air airports. Timber shanks Are at the risk of breaking so I’m wonder if carbon fibre shanks might be a solution. Anyway, I love you channel and what I am learning from it. Well done

[@Nae641]

Wow, wow, wow I am officially out of my dr. martens Obsession thanks and I will show this my friend who works and walks a lot in his Martens. Also I bought my dr. Martens because of my hip pain so I am pissed because I spent 180 euro on them to support that injury!

[@audigit]

I have high arches and a wide toe area. I can feel it over time. I buy insoles and they help a lot. Thanks

[@yuri_lhr]

Congrats for your 50k subs!! You made it before 2020!

[@mtreadwell01]

I just learned something! Thanks

[@quinosonic82]

what do you think is heavier... a rubber heeled sole with a metal shank or a rubber wedge sole?

[@richardgreen7225]

If you spend time on a ladder, you will really notice the difference of boots with or without a shank in the sole.

[@cooltrice]

Awesome video!!

[@philipbenson8388]

A lot of quality hiking boots (like those from Zamberlan) do not employ shanks because they are made using a lasted construction, meaning they employ a durable, flexible lasting board that makes a shank obsolete while offering superior performance and durability. You can see in this video how low-quality the boots featuerd in the video are (very minimal midsoles and what appear to be just foam between the outsole and the footbed) when compared to a high-quality lasted boot.

[@markco4911]

perfect explanation.

[@leifdeleeuw]

Loved the Glen Campbell appearance. Huge fan! Made my day.

[@user-wp5fe8ec6l]

Would love to see comparisons of dedicated climbing arborist boots with often massive shanks for standing on spikes all day

[@philipbenson8388]

Zamberlan has an excellent logger boot and is introducing an arborist shoe next year.

[@johndally7994]

Thanks for another great video.

[@Massimilianop]

Once again, great video! And since you brought it up....how about a wedge sole moc toe boot cut in half?

[@ticatacatic]

I was so confused about the thumbnail, like why was there a snake? But now I get it. That's. That's really good. Good. Woody would be proud.

[@HappyGnoux]

thank you for all those explanations!

[@12Radius]

Steel shank are great! Good boots seem to have them and last longer. Thanks!

[@amskater123]

What would be a better shank. A nylon shank or fiberglass shank?

[@rpier8357]

I'm still waiting for your address to send you those Red Wings. If you don't want them, that's cool.

[@TEFLONDONTRUMP2024]

He's gonna need a carbide blade and a torch to cut through those

[@tchalla222]

PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON BLUNDSTONES1!!!!!!!!

[@trapbistro]

Thanks! Was hard to visualize before seeing this video

[@skyflier8955]

I really wish I could see the insides of all of my boots now.

[@jefferysant1770]

You should Dissect a Tim's work boot

[@georgiaf8291]

Would you ever make a video about Blundstone boots? They've been my go to boots for years, but I'd love to get an educated opinion on their construction and general quality.

[@noravelez7584]

Soo interesting 🧐!! Love your videos

[@nicolle2126]

i know that this is a channel for boots but would love to see you cut up shoe styles targeted towards women like stilettos and stuff. Like sometimes I just want to be able to wear kitten heels and office shoes that are made well and have lots of support for pain points like the arches of the feet

[@tottysaavedra617]

Toasties gang! 😾😼

[@susannemulholland4804]

Great video

[@20yearolddoomer39]

Could you review corcoran 10" original jump boots there awesome boots

[@thewinterwhite]

Seconded! Corcoran's were so good to me.

[@20yearolddoomer39]

@@thewinterwhite really hope he reviews jump boots now that would be cool

[@raythepizzaguy9721]

Steel shanks started being used in US military boots during the Vietnam War when Vietcong soldiers laid traps called "punji pits" that would be bamboo or wooden spikes that were hidden in pits under foliage, and would go right through the boot and foot of any soldier that stepped on them. Although it didn't protect their ankles, the steel shank would allow a soldier's foot to survive the debilitating trap.

[@offtemp5733]

Steel shanks were used by the us military and folks for alot longer than that. What you are thinking of is the steel sheet metal plate that was used in the jungle boots of the vietnam war. The steel puncture plate and steel shank are two completely different things

[@Happyfamily932]

Great visual!

[@andeedwa]

Nice video! But where is Toaster?!?

[@Jay_Mac1775]

0:12 Westin looks like capt price during the gulag mission in MW2

[@jonathangolding6232]

Thanks now I understand why I get that pain in my foot, I thought it was just long day and I'd have to live with it, now I know the cure?😀

[@SiMahDan]

As the leather shoe/boot "Brek-in" and use of Mink or Neatsfoot oil soften the leather, the shank becomes more important. (IMHO).

[@Beery1962]

The only reasons anyone ever needs a shank in their boot is if they are mountaineers, if they're climbing ladders all day, or if the arch of the boot is made from thin leather and is likely to collapse from regular use. Otherwise, a shank is overkill. These days, boot soles are made with a lot of structural integrity, and the arch is never going to collapse from daily wear, for the simple reason that there's no significant pressure on the shank: in everyday use, the heel and the ball of the foot are where all the pressure goes, 'cos that's where the bones are.

[@notaspy_3604]

Always wondered why it was so important.

[@jacobyoung4657]

Cut up a pair of irish setter 83834 mesabi boots they are 108 on amazon. I bought mine from the redwing store and in my opinion they are amazing amazing boots for the price. (I payed 140)

[@paulgrainger1363]

Have you ever reviewed Keen Targees? I’m on my 4th pair and I think they’re great, but I’d enjoy to see one on your bench.

[@gravitystorm61158]

A boot without a shank makes a foot with a bruise on the arch when used for digging.

[@polyspiker]

Red wing time! And some 500 dollar boots time! Lol! Love the videos and I love my boots.

[@dainjarouz]

You should’ve put your foot in there and shown the Bowing/support with an actual foot in the boot. Also, are you selling the lone boot you don’t cut in half? Because I’d buy it lol

[@uselesslyopinionated8447]

I have had a cheap boot with out a shank sole slit in half while shoveling