Daily Debate: What Are Your Favorite Boots In The Zelda Series?

With apologies to Nancy Sinatra, these boots were made for walkin’ but that’s not all they do! The famous footwear of Hyrule’s greatest hero is the stuff of legends. Whether Link’s hovering through the terror of the Shadow Temple, defying gravity with electromagnetism in the Goron Mines, or simply knocking books from library shelves with the speed of Pegasus, trusty boots are essential to our hero’s journey.

Players have enjoyed a range of functions from Link’s boots over the span of the Zelda franchise. Breath of the Wild dramatically increased the variety and function of the Hylian’s collection of kicks, however, there are the series mainstays, the ones longtime fans will recognize with nostalgia.

The Iron Boots, which Nintendo has used masterfully in puzzles, make appearances in Ocarina of Time, The Wind Waker, and Twilight Princess, granting Link the ability to smash switches, fly through the air toward magnets, and even walk the watery abyss of Hyrule’s most dangerous waters. The Hover Boots are another traditional type, although they only appear in Ocarina of Time. These allow Link to float across otherwise impossible gaps, gaining access to valuable items and to advance deep into the Shadow Temple. Just don’t linger too long in the air!

The most prolific specialty footwear is the Pegasus Boots, which have appeared in seven of the mainline games (A Link to the Past, Link’s Awakening, Four Swords, Four Swords Adventures, The Minish Cap, Phantom Hourglass, and A Link Between Worlds). Not only do they grant Link the ability to zip around Hyrule, they also arm the hero with one of his most legendary moves: the Dash Attack.

While nostalgia leaves a heavy footprint, it’s clear that Nintendo stepped up its shoe game in Breath of the Wild, giving players greater freedom of choice. While not dealing strictly in boots, the 2017 title offers a variety of footwear (greaves, boots, sandals, and more) that grant everything from stealth and protection from the elements, to increased speed, damage, and defense. Honestly, some of my favorite pairs grant no special abilities at all; they just look great. We’ll count all of these in our discussion of “best boots” too.

Tell us what you think! What are your favorite boots in the Zelda series? Let us know in the comments below.

Comments
Sorted Under: Breath of the Wild, Daily Debate, Games, Ocarina of Time, Original Content, Twilight Princess
Tagged With: No tags were found for this entry.