The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word PATTEN
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The straight part
We know that "footwear" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case footwear = patten.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PATTEN mean?
PATTEN noun- Any of various types of footwear with thick soles, often used to elevate the foot, especially wooden clogs.
- One of various wooden attachments used to lift a shoe above wet or muddy ground.
- A circular wooden plank attached to a horse's foot to prevent it from sinking into a bog while plowing.
- An ice skate.
- An iron hoop attached to a person's boot in cases of hip-joint disease.
- The base of a pillar.
- To go about wearing pattens.
- The plate used to hold the host during the Eucharist.
- Any shallow dish found in an archaeological site.