I love Mongolian boots. There are several reasons why the toes are turned up. It is easier to walk in the grassland and ride horses. The toe makes ambiguous footprints so no one can tell what direction anyone is going. There is the Buddhist reason that this type of boot covers less ground and fewer bugs and worms will be accidentally killed with each step. The upturned toe is comfortable (according to Mongolians) and there is less chance of tripping over the bottom of your deel. It also keeps your feet from getting caught in the stirrups. There are no left or right feet. They are made the same and as you wear them they form to your feet.