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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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.!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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?

Congrats on the 50k subscribers, dude!

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

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

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

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

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!

thank you for all those explanations!

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

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.

Thanks for another great video.

Awesome video!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soo interesting 🧐!! Love your videos

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!

Nice subtle Glen Cambell reference.

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

I just learned something! Thanks

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

Great visual!

perfect explanation.

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!

Thanks! Was hard to visualize before seeing this video

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

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.

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

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

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

Very useful thanks.

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

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.

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.

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.

That thumbnail design is great

Great video

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

Your videos are very useful

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

The thumbnail is a thing of beauty.

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.

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

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

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.

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?😀

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

Mate would you mind doing some videos on sneakers? Love your channel btw

Loved the Glen Campbell joke!

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)

Good video .

Happy New Year

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

I could use some ideas on water proof boots and breathable. Thank you.

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.

So glad you made 50k by the new year

Very interesting

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!!

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

happy 2020!

can you do a danner arcadia review plz my man,thanks in advance if you do.regards a welsh fan.

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!

Does my new pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers have a shank? I believe they do based on my research. I’m just looking for confirmation. My back pain has nearly disappeared since I started wearing them. Anecdotal story, I realize. But it is what it is.

I’m curious can you do an demonstration on Solovair Boots there like Dr Martens there also from the UK though I believe there better quality.

Can a shank be added if the boots don’t have it? By the way I love you channel. Happy New Year. 🎊

Please do a blunnies vs. Redback cut down

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.

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

Red wings review ?

What is a steel triple-rib ladder shank? I see it is in some Thorogood structure boots. Wouldn't that conduct heat?

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.

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

Do anyone knows if there's any kind of soles you can buy that have a shank or a shank like? I just bought a pair of boots and I started to notice the lack of shank and would not want to have to trash them because of that...

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?????

Great now I have a video to send people who ask about me about this!

Could you do a review on thorogood boots?

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