I used stash scraps of DK wt. cotton/linen blend (I think) so decreased hook to D except when slip stitching to change colors. That came out too tight so I used an F hook on just those rows.
I added two sc rows down top of boot front to simulate lace flaps, then laced yarn through as evenly as I could for ties. That should make the boot fit a little adjustable.

I used forms cut from the cardboard backing of a tablet to keep the foot flat. Hope that’s not cheating. Very cute result and quick to make.