an extra layer of material sewn onto the upper of a lineman boot covering the inside of the ball, to protect from abrasion against utility poles during climbing
Lineman patches are usually lasted and outseamed at the bottom, and are either sewn to the side of the upper or lay against it with eyelets to lace over the eyelets of the quarter.
Some lineman patches extend part or all of the way over the toe, like a toe cap, taking a kid of half-wingtip shape.