I was loyal to Red Wing until they discontinued the boot I liked. Leather boot with vibram (sp) sole that was replaceable. They had something close that they offered and told me they could change the soles to my liking. I passed on ripping the soles off a new pair $200 boots.
My latest pair are from Caterpillar. Pass on them; very comfortable but the 100% waterproof not so much. I don’t think a sponge could absorb anymore water.
I really thinking hard about trying hiking boots next, neighbor in the nursery business swears by Osolo boots; pricey.
I’m currently wearing Chaco Brios. A hybrid boot with a soft rubber soul and leather uppers.
Incredibly comfortable but I see the durability is not going to be there for the price I paid.
For straight walking moderate hiking boot and a step up from a shoe or sneaker however, I think you would be satisfied with them. I’m using them as a work shoe with a lot of squatting and its causing the front portion of the souls to separate from the leather.
The soul is very flexible and durable with a good lug pattern that isn’t too deep. I had to replace the useless laces with some KIWI nylon boot laces after about 3 months. Far more durable.
Chaco also makes two other boot designs that might interest you. American made.
http://www.chacos.com/US/en/mens-boots/
I had some Osolo’s. They were great until the day they weren’t.
We were getting ready to head out camping and I was standing in a shallow puddle. The soles had cracked and the boots were sucking up water like a sponge. Fortunately, I was close enough to home to stop and gab another pair of Lowa boots. Those I swear by.
For Winter, I just bought a new pair of Sorel Conquest boots. They are great.
I’ve got more shoes than my wife.
Tennis shoes-1
dress shoes-1
Hiking shoes-1
hiking boots-1
work boots-2
road bike shoes-1
mountain bike shoes-1
paddling shoes-1
sandals-1
down booties-1
winter boots-1
crocs for camp shoes-1