Gaiters

Protective attires are garments to protect users from probable hazards that adverse weather conditions cause. They are popular across the globe owing to their aptitude to shield the human body from external threats, including poisonous animals. The demand for durable and comfortable gaiters continues to augment among people that are too much into outdoor activities.

Gaiters are attires that one wears on the lower pants leg over the shoes. They are popular as protective clothing for your feet. Initially, they were made of leather and canvas, but in the modern world, makers make them from plasticized fabrics such as polyester. They protect your body from animals when moving on the land, water, snow or air. The design of boot gaiters depends on their use. For instance, athletes use the short-ankle gaiter to avert mud from collecting on the shoes, while hikers use the breathable type to reach the high peak of a mountain. People actively involved in outdoor activities require them to ensure the safety of their footwear and the lower sections of the legs.

History of gaiters

They gained popularity in the 1700s when the European troops substituted the woollen stockings with long linen gaiters. The military garments were made to be the mid-calf length for ease of field activities. Hence, during World War I and World War II, troops wore gaiters during warfare. The antique variety came from cotton and had kneecaps. The fashion of wearing these garments come from the era in which collars and high hats were highly valued. This footwear was widely popular among men and women and was integrated into boots and shoes by the end of the 20th century.

Hiking gaiters

These are the most common form of garments for hiking purposes. The majority of them cover the shoelaces and are often have a calf-high length. Shorter types are available, which only offer protection to the ankles. Hiking gaiters have two stirrups that hold the garment down by passing through the heel, and the other fastens the garment outside the leg by wrapping around the calf. They have press studs or zip. Further, these types are of breathable materials as the hiking process includes tough activities. They have a rubber band at the bottom, which offers a watertight closure around the shoes.

Walking gaiters

They are common for doing day-to-day activities such as walking to work on a pathway. These types of garments are waterproof and lightweight materials for ease of movement. Walking gaiters are often low-cut for ease of packability. Notably, they are great for cross-country trekking. Though humans have no control over nature, the garments ensure that mud does not restrict you from doing outdoor activities. In addition, walking gaiters safeguard your calf and feet. With multiple layers of waterproof covering, walking gaiters provide sufficient protection to the walking garments and the lower part of the legs.

Ankle and full-length gaiters

Ankle gaiter only offers protection to the top of footwear slightly beneath the trouser. They are essential when you are in the field during the dry seasons. They offer protection from debris and stones when walking. These come from neoprene and softshell, which offer a tighter fitting. The majority of trekking gaiters have lace hooks to fasten them at the front of the shoe. Trail running gaiters are elasticated at the ankle. Meanwhile, a mid-height gaiter protects from debris and rain. On the other hand, full-length gaiters offer protection to the lower part of the body from the knees to the toes.