The author ordered so many pairs of boots not because he really needed them, but out of sympathy and a desire to help Mr. Gessler, the bootmaker. Mr. Gessler made exceptional quality boots that lasted a long time and fit perfectly, but he was struggling financially because big firms, which advertised heavily, were taking away his customers. The author wanted to support Mr. Gessler financially by placing a large order even though he did not require so many pairs of boots himself.