I was wondering if you could try a technique for me.

For high boots you need to have a 'bodysuit' that covers the feet and up to the knee.  I've found that the box method with 8 vertices works well for the ankle upward. UV map this portion.  Apply a bizarre texture of swooshes or swirls (black and white) that wil serve as a template for the design.  Retessilate the mesh using the texture as a template. Delete all unused faces. Smooth the mesh. And make a boot from that mesh.

 

I believe that's how some people are creating the body forming metal braces or armlets.  I just haven't had the time to experiment this technique.

 

By the way PhilC Designs has a boot template.  I've used some of the items from his clothing designer as well, but prefer to custom build my own meshes.  Also Gnomon Workshop has some useful tutorials as well as Digital Tutors.