Boots used to represent ruling power and were worn and associated with the military. Emperors and kings wore them as the majority of the population were barefoot. Leather was expensive, so it signified that you were high up or wealthy. Boots were also worn by the military by the highest ranking officers and the higher the boot the higher you were. As the years went on boots were a must for woman and became very popular- mostly for the more wealthy. The boot became a necessity for woman in order to retain modesty. The boots prevented exposing the female ankle protecting her modesty.