A garment over the shoeSourced
Not region-specific · English meaning
Ankle covers served both protection and style
Historical spats buttoned around the ankle and covered the instep. Made from materials such as cloth or felt, they were intended to protect shoes and socks from mud or rain and also served as fashionable accessories. Footwear could have an additional removable outer layer.
The shoe could wear a cover of its own.
Summary / translation: Unbubly · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Spats (footwear) · Wikimedia contributors
Adapted, summarized and translated from the source. Adapted text is also available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reviewed: 2026-10-05