I learnt to ride in a pair of old brown boots. This was because I was at
college and big scruffy boots, if not fashionable, were acceptable, and they
were cheap, rugged and never needed cleaning.
Anyway (back on topic) I like something that supports my ankle a bit, and
I like a good heel to hook onto the pedal. This is curious, because I
also two-wheel cycle a lot, and my cycling shoes have a very low-cut
ankle and have the ball of the foot over the pedal (as you should).
Therefore, I cannot offer any justification for my preference, and it
could very easilly be because that was what I learnt to ride wearing.
regards, Ian Smith