Wow, didn’t know the russians lagged behind in footwear technology...
Well, maybe it was like a U.S. helmet, useful for numerous things. IT could double as a tourniquet, bandage or scarf. In the modern LGBTQXYZ U.S. military, it could also be used as a babushka.
It probably works like taping your ankles in addition to warmth. Less foot fatigue.