Multipurpose boot

Abstract

The multipurpose boot is constructed in essentially the same manner as conventional racing boots, being formed of leather and including a relatively thick, abrasion resistant sole and steel toe guard. However, the boot is cut much lower than a conventional racing boot, extending only to just above the ankle. The boot top also includes a padded collar for greater comfort. No integral shin guard is provided due to the low cut, which provides for greater flexibility and comfort due to the removability of the separate shin guard when it is not required. The boot top also includes a series of fasteners, which may be used to attach the correspondingly equipped cuff of a pants leg to the boot.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to footwear, and more specifically to a specialized boot for use in the sports of freestyle riding, motocross, and/or BMX for bicyclists. The boot of the present invention is cut lower than conventional motocross boots and the like, and utilizes a separate shin guard rather than incorporating such a guard integrally therewith. This provides additional flexibility and ventilation, enabling the boot to be worn either as a racing boot or as casual wear by fans and others who do not actually participate in racing events.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Freestyle motorcycle riding and the motor sport of motocross in which motorcycles are raced over a rough and unimproved course, and its related sport of BMX in which bicyclists compete under similar conditions, have gained popularity over the years. These sports are very athletic pursuits, and are very demanding of participants. Motorcyclists and BMX participants use their feet to a considerable degree when racing over such harsh terrain, and thus must protect their feet as well as the rest of their bodies in the event of a fall or collision.

[0005] As a result of these needs, a great deal of specialized protective wear has been developed, with much of this protection mandated by various sanctioning groups. While details differ between motorcyclists and bicyclists, there are similarities, particularly in footwear. It is essential that footwear for use in motocross and BMX have relatively thick and tough soles, as the feet are used extensively for balance at low speeds, to fend off rocks and other obstructions, etc. Preferably, motocross and BMX boots include steel toe reinforcement for additional protection. The upper portions of such boots are generally formed of a relatively heavy and tough leather, perhaps with some plastic components as well. Many, if not most, such boots extend upwardly to cover at least the lower portion of the calf, and include a shin guard formed of hard plastic or other suitable material formed integrally with the upper portion of the boot.

[0006] The resulting boots serve their purpose reasonably well, i.e. protecting the rider's feet and lower legs and allowing the rider to use his or her feet for balance and maneuvering the cycle across rough terrain. However, such boots are not particularly comfortable, and do not provide the flexibility and light weight desired for wear when not actually racing. The relatively high upper portion, along with the integral shin guard generally provided, greatly reduce ventilation and ankle flexibility. Such flexibility is of course necessary when walking, but is also greatly appreciated by motorcyclists as well, as rear wheel braking and shifting are accomplished using foot action.

[0007] Complete protection for riders engaged in freestyle riding, motocross, and BMX racing is critical, and mandated by various sanctioning bodies, as noted further above. Riders must be protected literally from head to toe, in most events. One problem existing with conventional boots is the lack of positive securing of the upper portion of the boot to the lower leg cuffs of the pants of the rider. While this may not be critical in the case of very high boots, where there is considerable overlap between the upper portion of the boot and its shin guard and the lower portion of the pants leg, there can still be occasions where a gap may open between the lower leg of the pants and the top of the boot. This can clearly be hazardous in such extreme sports as freestyle riding, motocross and BMX.

[0008] The multipurpose boot of the present invention provides a solution to the problems noted above, by providing a boot with a lower top and separate shin guard. This greatly increases the ankle flexibility of the boot, allowing for greater comfort for casual wear by the non-racing fan, or by racers when not actually racing. Moreover, the relatively low top portion greatly increases ventilation to provide greatly improved comfort in comparison to conventional boots, particularly when the shin guard is removed. Finally, the addition of attachment means to the top of the boot to engage mating attachment means installed along the lower leg or ankle cuff of the pants, provides positive attachment of the lower portion of the pants to the top of the boot, thereby assuring that no gaps in coverage will occur in this area to provide complete protection for the rider.

[0009] A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,203 issued on Sep. 17, 1991 to Robert J. Kling, titled “Athletic Shoe With An Enhanced Mechanical Advantage,” describes a generally conventional athletic shoe having a fabric upper portion and relatively soft and thick rubberized sole. The Kling disclosure is primarily directed at a specific sole configuration which provides greater flexibility to the shoe. This teaches away from the strong and relatively inflexible sole required for shoes used in bicycle and motorcycle racing. Moreover, Kling does not provide other features conventional in BMX and motocross racing shoes, such as a steel toe guard or reinforcement, and leather upper construction. Finally, Kling does not provide a padded upper collar or any positive attachment means for securing the upper portion of the shoe to the cuff of a pants leg, as provided by the present multipurpose boot.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,960 issued on Jul. 11, 1995 to Willie C. Richardson, titled “Lightweight Athletic Shoe With Foot And Ankle Support Systems,” describes a shoe much like that of the Kling shoe described immediately above. Richardson provides removable lateral ankle supports, and a circumferential ankle strap, but does not disclose an abrasion resistant sole, steel toe reinforcement, leather upper portion, padded collar, or means for positively attaching the shoe to the cuff of a pants leg, all of which features are a part of the present multipurpose boot.

[0012] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/166,260 published on Nov. 14, 2002 to Bruno Borsoi, titled “Sports Boot,” describes a boot for winter sports in which the lace attachment loops are placed upon the inner surfaces of the opposed flaps to each side of the upper portion, rather than on the outer surfaces. The object is to better protect the laces, particularly where they pass through the attachment loops. No features conventionally provided in a motocross or BMX boot are provided by Borsoi in his boot, nor does he provide any means of securing the ankle cuff of a pants leg to the top of the boot. While Borsoi does provide a liner, the liner is relatively soft and flexible, and cannot serve the function of a shin guard.

[0013] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 173,971 issued on Feb. 1, 1955 to Maurice C. Smith III, titled “Rubber Ski Boot Or Similar Article,” illustrates a design having a generally conventional outward appearance, excepting a pair of straps extending from the heel and instep to the upper front of the boot. No padded upper collar, pants cuff securing means, or features conventional to a motocross or BMX boot, are apparent in the Smith III design.

[0014] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 349,807 issued on Aug. 23, 1994 to Tinker L. Hatfield et al., titled “Shoe Upper,” illustrates a design having an ankle wrapping strap of hook and loop fastening material, as well as a vertically disposed strap and buckle along one side of the ankle. Again, no padded upper collar, pants cuff securing means, or features conventional to a freestyle, motocross, or BMX boot, are apparent in the Hatfield et al. design.

[0015] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 356,664 issued on Mar. 28, 1995 to Fernando Cesaretti, titled “Boot With Side Pocket,” illustrates a design for a relatively high boot having a small pocket disposed above the ankle on one side thereof. None of the novel features particular to the present multipurpose boot invention are apparent in the Cesaretti design.

[0016] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 384,492 issued on Oct. 7, 1997 to Pamela A. Parker, titled “Boot,” illustrates a design for a boot having a relatively high top. No padded upper collar, steel toe reinforcement, or means for securing the upper portion of the boot to the ankle cuff of a pants leg, are apparent in the Parker boot design.

[0017] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 397,544 issued on Sep. 1, 1998 to Sinisa Egelja, titled “Article Of Footwear,” illustrates a design having a series of central lacing loops along the tongue and a strap which extends across the front of the ankle. The tongue extends relatively high in the front of the boot, with the thickness of the tongue and upper appearing to preclude the desired flexibility of the present multipurpose boot invention. No disclosure is apparent of features specifically required in freestyle, motocross, or BMX boots, nor is any ankle cuff attachment means shown.

[0018] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 404,190 issued on Jan. 19, 1999 to Michael Toschi, titled “Lace-Up Boot,” illustrates a design which closely resembles the design of the Parker '492 U.S. Design Patent discussed further above. The same points of distinction noted in that discussion, are seen to apply here as well.

[0019] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 404,542 issued on Jan. 26, 1999 to Thierry Donnadieu et al., titled “Upper For Sports Footwear,” illustrates a design apparently having a series of securing straps and buckles. The upper portion apparently provides a single overlapping wrap about the ankle. However, no steel toe reinforcement, abrasion resistant sole for freestyle riding or motocross and BMX use, padded upper collar, or means of attaching the upper portion of the boot to the ankle cuff of a pants leg, are illustrated in the Donnadieu et al. design.

[0020] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 424,797 issued on May 16, 2000 to Denis Norton et al., titled “Shoe Upper,” illustrates a design having a small number of external lace attachment loops, with most of the upper components being stitched together. As in the other footwear known to the present inventor and discussed further above, the Norton et al. design does not appear to include most of the specific features critical to a freestyle, motocross, or BMX boot, nor is any means apparent for attaching the upper portion of the boot to the ankle cuff of a pants leg.

[0021] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 433,788 issued on Nov. 21, 2000 to Eddie Ragland, titled “Sports Boot,” illustrates a design apparently comprising a conventional tall, lace-up boot, but having a number of decorative design elements thereon. None of the elements depicted appear to be of features critical to use as a freestyle, motocross, or BMX boot, however, nor is there any indication of any means for attaching the upper portion of the boot positively to the ankle cuff of a pants leg, as provided by the present multipurpose boot invention.

[0022] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 447,322 issued on Sep. 4, 2001 to Horace Auberry, titled “Boot,” illustrates a design which closely resembles a U.S. military combat boot. Accordingly, no disclosure is apparent of any of the specialized features critical to a freestyle, motocross, or BMX type boot, or of any of the novel features provided by the present multipurpose boot.

[0023] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 447,619 issued on Sep. 11, 2001 to James R. Carey et al., titled “Boot Upper With Detachable Holster,” illustrates another design resembling a conventional military combat boot, with the exception of a handgun holster strapped to one side of the boot. Again, no disclosure is apparent of any of the specialized features critical to a freestyle, motocross, or BMX type boot, or of any of the novel features provided by the present multipurpose boot.

[0024] Finally, European Patent Publication No. 986,969 published on Mar. 22, 2000, titled “Boot Particularly For Motorcycling,” describes a high top boot with an integral shin guard extending from a lateral flap, which wraps over the front of the shin when the boot is secured. The present boot differs considerably, in that (1) it is cut considerably lower; (2) does not include a shin guard integrally therewith; and (3) includes means for positively securing the top of the boot to the ankle cuff of a pants leg.

[0025] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a multipurpose boot solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The present invention comprises a multipurpose boot which provides greater versatility and flexibility of use than conventional specialized boots for freestyle, motocross, and BMX racing use. The present multipurpose boot is cut considerably lower than conventional motocross boots and eliminates the integral shin guard commonly provided with such conventional boots, thus providing considerably greater ankle flexibility. This is particularly important in motocross, where shifting and rear wheel braking are accomplished with the feet, and where the feet are used extensively for maneuvering and balance at low speeds. In BMX riding, the feet are of course used to power the bicycle, as well as being used for balance and maneuvering. All of these activities are greatly enhanced when a boot having good ankle flexibility is worn.

[0027] Another advantage of the low top of the present boot is the greater ventilation provided by eliminating the high top which would otherwise cover the lower leg and shin. Protecting this area with a separate shin guard and pants legs greatly improves airflow to this area for greater comfort for the rider. The present multipurpose boot also includes a padded upper collar for greater comfort, and incorporates a series of fasteners which may be used to engage mating fasteners provided about the ankle cuff of the pants being worn, thus providing positive attachment of the pants cuffs to the boot tops. This is particularly helpful in preventing dirt and debris from entering the top of the boot.

[0028] The present multipurpose boot is thus quite useful in various two wheeled racing sports and activities, but also provides good comfort for casual wear when not racing, or for wear by a racing fan who wishes to “look the part.” Before the development of the present multipurpose boot, the only alternative to wearing hot, uncomfortable, and expensive racing boots, was to wear athletic shoes of some sort. The present boots may be worn with racing or seasonal apparel, as desired, and complete the outfit otherwise provided by available pants, shirts, jackets, etc.

[0029] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a multipurpose boot which may be used for freestyle riding, motocross racing, and/or BMX racing, as well as for casual wear when not engaged in racing or riding.

[0030] It is another object of the invention to provide a multipurpose boot having a relatively low top extending just above the ankle, and including a padded collar at the top of the boot.

[0031] It is a further object of the invention to provide a multipurpose boot having a series of fasteners disposed about the upper portion of the boot, for positively securing the boot to the ankle cuff of a pants leg.

[0032] Still another object of the invention is to provide a pair of pants configured for wear with multipurpose boots, and having a series of mating fasteners disposed about the ankle cuffs thereof for positive attachment to the upper portions of the boots.

[0033] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0034] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is an exploded, left side, perspective view of a left foot multipurpose boot and lower cuff of a pant leg attaching thereto, according to the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 2 is an exploded, right side, perspective view of a left foot boot of a slightly different embodiment than that shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a different type of fastener.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a left side, perspective view of the multipurpose boot of FIG. 1, shown with a mating ankle cuff of a pant leg attached thereto.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a left side, perspective view of a left foot motocross racing boot of the prior art, illustrating its relatively high top and integral shin guard.

[0039] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] The present invention comprises a multipurpose boot, configured to provide versatility as a boot for use in motocross, BMX, and freestyle riding competitions and activities. The present multipurpose boot also includes fasteners for securing the upper periphery of the boot to the ankle cuff of a pair of pants, thereby providing positive means for securing the pants cuff to the boot in order to preclude a gap forming therebetween, and also preventing or greatly reducing the entry of dirt, debris, etc. into the cuff of the pants leg and/or the upper portion of the boot.

[0041] FIG. 1 of the drawings provides a left side, perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a multipurpose left boot 10a and removably attachable ankle cuff 12a for a pair of pants 14a (shown in FIG. 3). The left boot 10a will be understood to be the left one of a mirror image pair of boots, as is conventional in footwear. The opposite right side boot is not shown in FIG. 1, for clarity in the drawing.

[0042] The boot 10a of FIG. 1 includes a relatively thick and durable sole 16a having a toe end 18a and an opposite heel end 20a. The sole 16a is preferably formed of a relatively thick sheet of resilient material (rubber, neoprene, etc.) having a relatively high durometer, i.e., being relatively hard, in order to provide good wear characteristics and to resist abrasion. A steel toe guard 22a is also affixed to the toe end 18a of the sole 16a, for further wear resistance for the boot 10a.

[0043] An upper portion 24a extends upwardly from the sole 16a, with the upper portion 24a including at least an instep portion 26a and an ankle portion 28a. The boot upper portions 24a are preferably constructed of a relatively thick and heavy leather, and may be coated or protected with a plastic material (e.g., polyurethane, etc.), if so desired. The upper portion 24a of the boot 10a preferably includes some form of frontal opening 30a therein, e.g. the overlapping flap construction illustrated in FIG. 1. Other closure configurations may be used as desired.

[0044] The present multipurpose boot 10a also includes some means of adjustably securing the boot about the foot of the person wearing the boot 10a, e.g. the first or lower and second or upper lateral strap and buckle fastener assemblies, respectively 32a and 34a, extending respectively over or across the instep area 26a and across the front 36a of the ankle portion 28a of the boot 10a. Other alternative fastening or closure means may be provided with the present multipurpose boot if so desired, but the dual strap 32a and 34a arrangement has been found to work well, and precludes the hazard of lace loops which can become entangled in various mechanisms and/or be pulled loose.

[0045] The ankle portion 28a of the boot 10a has an upper periphery 38a extending to and terminating at a height just above the ankle of the wearer, when the boot 10a is being worn. This is considerably shorter than the conventional motocross, freestyle, or even BMX boot, with those conventional boots extending a considerable height up the lower leg and including an integral shin guard, particularly in the case of motocross boots.

[0046] The relatively low cut of the present multipurpose boot 10a provides numerous advantages over the relatively high boots used conventionally in motocross and similar sports and activities. The present low cut multipurpose boot 10a provides considerably greater ankle flexibility for the rider, as ankle flex is not limited by additional, relatively stiff material in the upper portion of a taller boot. Moreover, the present boot 10a clearly cannot incorporate a shin guard integrally therewith, due to the upper periphery 38a terminating at the lower end of the shin of the wearer. The use of a separate shin guard permits greater flexibility between the separate shin guard and the present multipurpose boot 10a.

[0047] In order to prevent abrasion of the ankles of the person wearing the present multipurpose boots 10a due to the upper peripheral edge 38a of the ankle portion 28a chafing the ankle as the ankle is flexed, the present boot 10a incorporates a padded upper collar 40a disposed about the upper periphery 38a of the ankle portion 28a. The padded collar 40a extends from within the ankle portion 28a, just below the upper periphery 38a thereof, to just above the upper periphery 38a of the ankle portion 28a. This provides the comfort desired for the wearer, and avoids chafing the ankle, lower shin, and/or Achilles tendon area of the ankle of the wearer.

[0048] The present multipurpose boots 10a include an additional feature which provides further utility, i.e. a series of pants cuff fasteners 42a disposed about the ankle portion 28a, adjacent the upper periphery 38a thereof. These pants cuff fasteners 42a may each comprise one half of a complementary or mating snap fastener pair, or other suitable temporary or separable fastener means, as desired. The provision of a series of fasteners, e.g. the pants cuff snap fasteners 42a, adjacent the upper periphery 38a of the boot 10a enables the lower leg or ankle cuff 12a of a pair of pants 14a (shown in FIG. 3) to be removably secured to the ankle portion 28a of the boot 10a, by providing a corresponding series of mating boot top fastener components 44a about the ankle cuff 12a of the pants 14a.

[0049] This provides positive attachment means between the pants cuff 12a and the boot 10a, thereby assuring that the pants cuff 12a cannot ride up the shin or calf of the wearer and expose the leg of the wearer to the elements, e.g. brush, gravel, etc., commonly encountered in motocross, freestyle, and BMX riding. While shin guards provide substantial protection against such elements, they are not a complete solution to the problem. The relatively short boot 10a of the present invention is somewhat more susceptible to allowing a gap to open between the top of the boot and the ankle cuff of the pants. However, the positive attachment of the ankle cuff 12a of the pants to the ankle portion 28a of the boot 10a provides a solution to this problem and precludes the entry of foreign matter into the pants cuff 12a or boot 10a.

[0050] FIG. 2 provides a right side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a left boot of the present multipurpose boot, designates as boot 10b, and its associated ankle cuff 12b of a pair of pants which may be worn with the present multipurpose boots. The boot 10b of FIG. 2 is essentially the same as the boot 10a of FIG. 1, including a sole 16b having heel and toe ends 18b and 20b, a toe guard 22b, an upper portion 24b including at least an instep portion 26b and ankle portion 28b with a front opening 30b, first and second securing straps 32b and 34b extending respectively over the instep 26b and across the front 36b of the ankle portion 28b, and an upper periphery 38b with a padded collar 40b.

[0051] However, rather than utilizing snap fasteners, as in the boot embodiment 10a of FIGS. 1 and 3, the multipurpose boot 10b of FIG. 2 includes a series of hook and loop fastening material first portions 42b (e.g. Velcro®) disposed about the upper portion of the ankle portion 28b. The mating ankle cuff 12b of the pants includes a corresponding series of mating hook and loop fastener components 44b therein, enabling the ankle cuff 12b of the pants to be positively secured over the outside of the upper ankle portion 28b of the boot 10b. As in the case of the boot 10a of FIGS. 1 and 3, any practicable number of mating fastener components 42b and 44b may be used, and/or different fastener means may be employed, so long as the fastener means used provides for the positive, yet quickly removable, attachment of the pants cuff to the upper portion of the underlying boot.

[0052] FIG. 3 provides an illustration of the lower portion of a pair of pants 14a which may be used with the present multipurpose boot 10a. The pants 14a are essentially conventional for use in motocross and similar sports and activities, with the exception of their boot top fastening means affixed to each distal ankle cuff. While FIG. 3 illustrates only the left leg 46a of the pants 14a, it will be understood that the pair of pants 14a forms a laterally symmetrical unit, with a left leg 46a and an opposite right leg. The illustration of FIG. 3 shows the pants cuff 12a secured to the top of the boot 10a by means of the snap fasteners 44a installed about the ankle cuff 12a, with the mating and underlying fasteners 42a of the boot 10a (shown in FIG. 1) being concealed in FIG. 3 by the overlying pants ankle cuff 12a. This assembly provides positive attachment means for the pants ankle cuff to the top of the boot, thereby assuring that the lower leg will remain protected at all times and that no significant amount of dirt debris, etc. can enter between the pants cuff and boot.

[0053] FIG. 4 provides an illustration of a conventional left boot of the prior art. The conventional prior art motocross boot B of FIG. 4 includes many of the features of the present multipurpose boot, but has a relatively high top portion T, which extends a considerable distance up the leg of the wearer, covering most of the calf in the back and most of the shin in the front. The boot B of FIG. 4 includes an integral shin guard G, and with the height of the boot top T, relatively stiff materials used, and the integral shin guard G, results in a relatively stiff and inflexible boot B which is not suitable for casual wear.

[0054] In conclusion, the present multipurpose boot provides superior versatility and comfort in comparison to boots of the prior art used for competition and freestyle motocross and BMX sports. The present boot, with its relatively low cut, provides much greater ankle flexibility in comparison to higher boots of the prior art, which greatly improves the control and response of the rider. The lower cut also greatly improves ventilation and airflow to the lower leg of the rider, resulting in greater comfort. The provision of a padded collar around the top of the boot also provides further comfort for the wearer of the present boot. The relatively low height of the present boot precludes the inclusion of a shin guard integrally therewith. This allows the rider to wear the shin guard as a separate component, which again greatly improves ankle flexibility for the rider.

[0055] The present multipurpose boot also includes a series of ankle cuff fasteners about its upper edge or top, for removable attachment to the correspondingly equipped ankle cuff of a pair of pants. This provides better sealing of the gap between the top of the boot and the cuff of the pants, thereby greatly reducing or preventing the entry of dirt and debris into the top of the boot and the pants cuff.

[0056] The present multipurpose boot, with its considerably greater flexibility and comfort than conventional motocross boots, permits the present boot to be worn as casual wear, as well as for use during racing events and activities. The present boot, with its racer-like appearance, combines well with other racing apparel for wear by the racer or fan alike. The present multipurpose boot thus provides versatile footwear for all around wear, either on or off the track as desired.

[0057] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A multipurpose boot configured both as a racing boot and as a boot for casual wear, comprising:

a thick, abrasion resistant sole having a toe end and a heel end opposite said toe end;

a steel toe guard affixed to the toe end of said sole;

an upper portion having at least an instep portion and an ankle portion, and extending upwardly from said sole, the ankle portion having a front opening and an upper periphery adapted for extending to just above the ankle when being worn;

a padded upper collar disposed about the upper periphery of the ankle portion;

a plurality of pants cuff fasteners disposed upon the ankle portion, adjacent to the upper periphery thereof;

a first lateral strap and buckle fastener extending across the instep of said upper portion; and

a second lateral strap and buckle fastener extending across the front opening of said ankle portion;

said sole is formed of a thick sheet of resilient material having a high durometer; and

said upper portion is formed of at least one heavy sheet of coated leather.

2. (Canceled)

3. The multipurpose boot according to claim 1, further including:

pants having legs, each of said legs having a distal ankle cuff; and

a plurality of boot top fasteners disposed upon each said ankle cuff, and removably securing to said pants cuff fasteners of said boot.

4. The multipurpose boot according to claim 3, wherein said pants cuff fasteners and said boot top fasteners are selected from the group consisting of mating snap fasteners and mating hook and loop material.

5-12. (Canceled)

13. A pair of multipurpose boots in combination with pants attachable thereto, comprising:

a pair of boots, each having a sole with a toe end and a heel end opposite said toe end;

each of said boots further having an upper portion with at least an instep portion and an ankle portion, and extending upwardly from said sole, the ankle portion of each of said boots having a front opening and an upper periphery adapted for extending to just above the ankle when being worn;

a plurality of pants cuff fasteners disposed upon the ankle portion, adjacent to the upper periphery thereof;

a pair of pants having legs, each of said legs having a distal ankle cuff;

a plurality of boot top fasteners disposed upon each said ankle cuff of said pants, and removably securing to said pants cuff fasteners of a corresponding one of said boots;

a steel toe guard affixed to the toe end of said sole of each of said boots;

a padded upper collar disposed about the upper periphery of the ankle portion of each of said boots;

a first lateral strap and buckle fastener extending across the instep of said upper portion of each of said boots; and

a second lateral strap and buckle fastener extending across the front opening of the ankle portion of each of said boots;

said pants cuff fasteners and said boot top fasteners are selected from the group consisting of snaps and hook and loop material;

said sole of each of said boots is formed of a thick sheet of resilient material having a high durometer; and

said upper portion of each of said boots is formed of at least one heavy sheet of coated leather