Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Boots"

To sign boots, form both hands into flat "B" handshapes with your palms facing down and your fingers pointing forward. Bring your hands together in front of your body so the sides of your index fingers and thumbs tap against each other twice. The motion is identical to the sign for shoes, but uses flat hands instead of fists.

Examples Using "Boots" in a Sentence

1

I need to buy new winter boots.

Sign 'need', 'buy', 'new', 'winter', and then use the double-tapping 'B' handshape motion for 'boots'.

2

Please take off your muddy boots.

Sign 'please', 'take-off' (miming removing footwear), 'mud', and finish with the sign for 'boots'.

3

Those black boots are beautiful.

Point to the boots to establish the subject, sign 'black', 'boots', and finish with the sign for 'beautiful'.

How to Sign "Boots"
To sign boots, form both hands into flat "B" handshapes with your palms facing down and your fingers pointing forward. Bring your hands together in front of your body so the sides of your index fingers and thumbs tap against each other twice. The motion is identical to the sign for shoes, but uses flat hands instead of fists.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for boots is a classic example of an initialized sign in American Sign Language. It borrows the foundational movement and location from the sign for shoes—where two hands tap together to represent a pair of footwear—but incorporates the "B" handshape from the manual alphabet to specifically represent the English word "boots". The flat "B" hands also visually suggest a larger, taller, and more rigid piece of footwear than the compact fists used for standard shoes.
Signing Tips
When practicing the sign for boots, focus on keeping your fingers perfectly straight and pressed together in the classic "B" handshape. Your thumbs can be tucked slightly or resting alongside your index fingers. The double tap should be crisp, controlled, and deliberate, bouncing off slightly after each touch. Since this sign is so closely related to shoes, a great memory trick is to associate the flat, taller "B" hands with the taller, bulkier shape of a boot compared to a standard shoe.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent mistake beginners make is accidentally curling their fingers into "S" handshapes (closed fists) instead of keeping them flat in "B" handshapes. Doing this changes the meaning entirely from boots to shoes. Another common error is turning the palms to face inward toward each other rather than keeping them facing down toward the floor. Make sure your palms stay completely parallel to the ground to ensure your sign is accurate.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Boots" in a Sentence
1

I need to buy new winter boots.

Sign 'need', 'buy', 'new', 'winter', and then use the double-tapping 'B' handshape motion for 'boots'.

2

Please take off your muddy boots.

Sign 'please', 'take-off' (miming removing footwear), 'mud', and finish with the sign for 'boots'.

3

Those black boots are beautiful.

Point to the boots to establish the subject, sign 'black', 'boots', and finish with the sign for 'beautiful'.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the signs for 'shoes' and 'boots'?

The only difference is the handshape! The sign for 'shoes' uses closed 'S' handshapes (fists), while 'boots' uses flat 'B' handshapes. The tapping motion and palm orientation remain exactly the same.

Do I tap my hands together once or twice?

You should tap your hands together twice. In ASL, nouns typically have a double or repeated motion, while verbs often have a single, continuous motion.

Can I use this sign for any type of boot?

Yes, this is the general sign for boots, whether they are winter boots, rain boots, or cowboy boots. You can add descriptive signs before or after to specify the exact style or purpose of the boots.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!