Speakin' of moccasins...

[GunClick Rick]

I bet it was for collecting peyote buttons.

[FEATHERS]

I believe the toe tab moccasins came after horses were aquired,hard to keep a running horse away from over hanging cactus.Feathers

[Dr. Bob]

I live in Missouri and there are lots of prickly pear cactus in the Ozarks!     Personal experience! 

[GunClick Rick]

Wish i could find that video i saw,the wearer was walking a trail and this little prickly cactus button was in the middle of the trail,he slapped his foot forward which caused the toe piece to flip down and catch the thorns and pull the cactus up,he then flicked his foot forward and the cactus went flying away..Now off the trail.