You’re right about comfort. I scandalized a lot of my troops by wearing them for my APFT. Around ‘95 the Army began authorizing black ballistic nylon “jungle boots” that were essentialy the same design with a panama tread and a padded collar. The OD green boots remained authorized while serviceable. Lots of us who liked them went and bought up several pairs. I still have a pair made by Altima which are pretty well worn. At some point manufacturers replaced the aluminum “punji plate” with kevlar. There are a lot of cheap Chinese made knock-offs out there, but I don’t think there are any quality manufacturers still producing them.
My condolences on ETS for Ranger.