I dont care if it uses topology, or subtools, ANYTHING helps!
i believe cedric seaut (probably spelled that wrong) has a tutorial up on 3dTotal’s store that covers a combat boot, as well as the rest of the character.
http://www.rashart.com/wip/shoe.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3zFSUlEqS0/UTBX97Nty2I/AAAAAAAABQA/UhjelavHdN0/s1600/Tutorial-desert.jpg
Basically rough out the overall shape, and then create a series of extractions based on the design of the boot (mask-based, topology brush, zspheres, panel loops, whatever). Some folds, stitches, and some noisemaker alphas can then go a long way.