re: Whats up with work boots with laces and tassels behind the laces?

It's called a kiltie- and there's a purpose.

When you have laces on boots like this that are supposed to be worn by people actually doing work, the laces will pick up damp muddy muck and garbage that's abrasive and could wear through the leather at that point. So, they put that little extra part there to protect the boot and make sure they last.