Skinheads and punks had adopted the Dr. Martens- styled work boot as a staple part of their attire.
There are profession-specific boots like those made for steel and chemical workers for protection from molten steel and chemical exposure respectively and insulated boots made for those who have to walk in frigid conditions like that prevailing in the Arctic.
“Waders” are thigh-high boots, sometimes extending to the waist, worn by fishermen.
Boots were initially designed to be tough, working shoes.