What is a safety shank?

The work boot steel shank is a narrow piece of rectangular, thin, flat, and molded steel that a shoemaker tuck inside a boot for an added layer of protection for the wearer. The primary purpose of a steel shank in boots is to protect the wearer’s feet.

What is the purpose of a shank in a shoe?

The shank is an internal part of the supportive structure, between the insole and outsole, that provides a rigidness and stability to the shoe.

Do boots need a shank?

They serve several functions: they protect the foot from sharp objects, give the boot enough stiffness so it flexes at the ball of the foot even when loaded, and provides stability on rough terrain.

What is a lineman shank?

Shank Support Linemen are rarely off their feet, and these steel shanks sandwiched between the outsoles and insoles can help support the way their weight is distributed under them. This can help reduce fatigue and improve comfort.

Do running shoes have a shank?

Shank. A shank stiffens the shoe under the arch which makes the middle portion of the shoe more resistant to torsion and flexion. Most running shoes except the lightest and most flexible, incorporate a shank. Some shoes wrap the shank up the medial (or arch side) of the shoe so that it functions also as a medial post.

What does it mean if boots have a steel shank?

The steel shank is the most common type of boot shank. It is a hard metal that runs through your boot’s sole, right under your foot. Steel shanks are durable, strong, and long-lasting, which means they can provide more arch support. There’s no more important part of a boot than its sole.