I always thought that the really long, overly extended, and pointed toed cowboy boots that Mexicans wear were ridiculous and could never figure out why.
I read an article by a sociologist, though, that made sense. As a fashion statement, if you wear boots (or shoes, for that matter) that have a normal length toe and are rounded or squared at the tip, then you're a laborer, field hand, etc. If you wear boots or shoes with a long pointy tip then you're a boss and don't do manual labor because those boots/shoes aren't practical for that. So, the longer and pointier the tip gives the perception of a higher social station.
