A type of legwear worn over the shoes and lower pantlegs to prevent rain, snow, or mud from getting in one's shoes. Gaiters can range in height from ankle-high to thighhigh. Gaiters sometimes have a strap that fits over the bottom of the shoe. Not to be confused with legwear garter or garter straps, which are bands or straps that keep legwear up. For the legwear worn over shoes for fashion, see spats (footwear).