one can still find 'hobnailed boots' and other similar shoes in our times [very old army boots, soccer kleats with metal spikes, mountain climbing boots with spikes] -would one be allowed to wear these bazman hazeh ? did the gzeirah persist and can we apply it to different kinds of shoes with 'nails' or spikes protruding or only their specific shoes ? Thank you.

yh, ny

Dear YH,

Although the Rambam (Hilchos Shabbos 19:2) did bring this Halachah, the Hagahos

Maimoniyos (ibid) says that Sandal Mesumars are allowed as they are not common. The same

would apply to the shoes you mentioned; they may be worn on Shabbos.

Rabbi Yisroel Pesach Feinhandler

Rabbi of Avney Yashpe Synagogue

author of Beloved Companions, Beloved Children,

Priority In Prayer & Avney Yashpe

Marriage & Educational Counselor

e-mail: feinhan@aquanet.co.il

Fax: 972-2-537-2658