Impossible to quantify “hard use”, but they’ve seen some miles. I’m only 145lbs. and the tread is nearly gone, surprising for me. Guess I worked 'em out?

Here’s the pair I bought, thinking on buying another:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WHTSJF4?psc=1

They’re still tough, nothing unraveling, zippers still tough, original laces, sole not peeling anywhere, not in the slightest. Only reason they need replacing is that the left heel kinda kicked out sideways. Noticed it made my leg slightly sore today, and slight problems become big problems in the boondocks.

Should I throw more money at something tougher? Is 4-years acceptable bang for the buck? These fit so perfectly I’m afraid to gamble on another brand. LOL, unless Sketchers comes out with combat boots!

One other note if you have a recommendation: I need the high tops. Between snakes, thorns, etc., I want tall boots.

EDIT: ONE other note if you have an alternative: They’re weird in that they’re warm enough into the 30s(F), cool enough to march in the 90s(F). Not sure what I’d be looking for to get that, no idea how it works.

    • Mark with a Z
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      1423 hours ago

      A lil above $16 per year is insanely cheap. My current shoes are on their fourth year and not falling apart anytime soon, but I can’t expect to beat that value. If the boots are good on your feet and last 4 years of hard use, $65 is a miracle bargain.

      • @shalafi@lemmy.worldOP
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        522 hours ago

        This thread is telling me how miserly I am. :) I avoid buying new stuff, most of my shoes come from the thrift for $7-$15 bucks, so $65 seems steep.

        But damn, I use these things and I’ve only once got a solid pair of used combat boots. ($10, very new, waterproof, or nearly so, total steal. They’re just a tad tight for walking miles and miles, and super hot.)

        • @Wanderer@lemm.ee
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          212 hours ago

          You have a lot of reasons to by them and it’s absolutely a good purchase. A man needs shoes so get them.

          It’s not a treat in anyway, but “treat” yourself and enjoy the purchase without concern. I’ve spent that much on beer in a night and forgotten it because I was pissed. Don’t feel bad about this.

        • @wirelesswire@lemmy.zip
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          921 hours ago

          Don’t skimp out on things that separate you from the ground. Shoes, chairs, beds, etc. Those things can affect your posture and bad ones can put you in pain, and you’ll likely be spending a lot of time in them, so it’s worthwhile to spend extra on quality ones. I’d say getting 4 years out of a pair of boots is a steal.

          On the subject of boots, I bought a pair of Wolverine leather work boots for about $120 back in the early '00s, and wore them for 10+ years, albeit only during the colder months and casually. The only thing that wore out on them were the insoles.

          • @shalafi@lemmy.worldOP
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            019 hours ago

            Saw some Wolverines on Amazon, haven’t had a pair in 20 years, but I’d think about it.

    • @InvisibleShoe@lemmy.world
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      23 hours ago

      This. Ive been going through 1 pair of $200AUD boots roughly every 18 months. Just bought a new pair for around $250.