Hip Boots

Got a pair of hip boots at a yard sale, they don't leak. I noticed two flaps of material about have way down on each boot. I have no idea what they are for. Any idea's?

handles to pull them up with when half rolled down

Are there eyelets for laces? Snaps?

Both, 3 eyelets and 2 snaps, 1 male 1 female

Use those to strap around your calf to keep the boots from getting sucked off your feet in the muck.