Casey, the instructions said to do that 'if applicable', whatever that means. They are for sure oddly worded instructions. Maybe some feel it is easier to close the zippers and velcro from the front? I dunno....
In any event, those cable boot straps; even when rubber coated I found they fray on rocks and then you've got sharp cable wire ends stabbing you when handling the boot strap. BTDT with other brands, including the Swazi I currently have. I have yet to find any boot strap that is durable or doesn't have the wire end issue. My Seeping Indian pair has a nylon boot strap, which I tighten around my ankle instead of wrapping beneath my foot arch. It doesn't work as well, but at least it doesn't ball up with wet snow or quickly wear through as it does when used as designed.
