Those are beginner Jack Boots!!

I don't know why parents insist on putting shoes/boots on kids who are learning to walk: shoes/boots hinder the normal developent of ankle strength and balance. Socks are fine if the weather is cold, shoes/boots are fine for sitting in a stroller, but please keep the shoes/boots off while learning to walk.

Not on THAT path.

My guess is the boots were on to look cute for a photograph.

Yeah I'm with Spuck. I'd be putting something on the feet of my child for a walk on an outdoor path like the one above. The last thing you want is for the child to be bitten by an insect or getting a bur in his foot.