Hobnails

Hobnails are studs or nails with a broad, rounded head, originally used to protect the soles of shoes and boots from wear. They were typically made of iron and hammered into the leather sole, with the broad head providing a durable, protruding surface that would wear down instead of the leather. This design was particularly common in the late medieval and early modern periods, especially for the footwear of laborers, soldiers, and travelers, as it significantly extended the life of shoes in rough conditions.

The sound produced by hobnails on hard surfaces, such as stone or wooden floors, is often described as a distinctive clinking or clattering. This sound became associated with the presence of people wearing such footwear, and in historical contexts, it could signal the approach of a group or an individual. The term "hobnail" itself likely derives from "hob," an old word for a roughly shaped nail, and "nail."

While hobnail boots were once ubiquitous, their use declined with the advent of more durable rubber and synthetic materials for shoe soles. However, they are still manufactured today, primarily for historical reenactment, specialized workwear, or as a stylistic choice. The distinctive look and the historical association with hard work and durability continue to hold a certain appeal.