I have some muck boots knock offs I got from academy sports that have held up just as good as any of the mucks I’ve owned for half the cost. Don’t remember the name and they out in the shop right now. They don’t have them on the website.
I bought some Red Wings chukkas a year or so ago and yes the break-in period was horrible. For the first couple weeks they actually recommend only wearing the boots for half the day and then switching to a different pair. However after the break-in period the boots felt wonderful. It’s not for everyone but now I know what to expect when I get a second pair.
Yeah if you buy a pair of real boots, break in might last 6 months under hard use. Poorly made boots still break in but they loosen up and start to poorly fit.
Good boots are made of leather. Leather is a natural product that shapes and wears over time. Yeah you can pay to have a form made of your feet and have custom boots made but otherwise you have to break a pair of boots in.
Insulated Xtratufs (with the steel toe) were the go-to boots for field work at our geotech/environmental office in Alaska. I had some leather waterproof Red Wings at first, but the Xtratufs performed so much better for our type of work in dirt/mud/wetlands/snow, etc. Easy on and off, real waterproofness, very comfortable, and warm (with thick socks, all day in –25F). Mine were from when they were US made. Unfortunately, they got chewed up by a dog.
Back many years ago when I still ice fished, LaCrosse Icemans kept my feet toasty. Still have them but haven’t worn them for years. I just looked them up and they are still sold. $171. Mine were about $50 back then.
Me all wore Durango harness boots before I got too fat to take them off .
You know, my python boot was too tight
Couldn’t get it off last night
Weeks went by, now it’s July
I finally got it off
And my girlfriend cried……
Stinkfoot …
You Got It!
I had seen Danner a few times when I was researching boots. I’d gone with a pair of Zamberlan Baffin boots, because Amazon had a blowout sale on an “open box” pair (it was just a partially damaged box), saving 50%. Otherwise I’d have selected the Danner.
For more casual hiking shoes, ecco is a great brand. I have their Xpedition II low. Lightweight and very rugged Yak leather. Also a pair of their upgraded Track II (now Track 25, PHOTO), which solved the old sole decaying problem and refined the interior.
They make some pricey shoes.
I’ve got Red wings and altai. Wanna try Nick’s /White’s boots too. Also matterhorn boots. As a principle I try to get welted boots and 8in minimum height….
I’ve had the same pair of black Doc Martens for years. I don’t end up wearing them that much though.
For hiking my current boots are the Chiruca (spanish brand) Canada Force.
Very comfortable, and waterproof.
Only gripe is that they are not (unless I’m wrong) re-soleable. So the boots held up perfectly (3 yrs+) but the soles are well worn.
European countries sure seem to have the inside line when it comes to making fine hiking boots.
I try to stick to two manufacturers: Lowa in Meindl. Although purely emotionally bought this year Scarpa. They simply met my requirements: cut - in one piece (minimum seams), thick leather, welt, bronze fittings. Well, they got on their feet well, not like Lowa, but still comfortable.
I’ve owned 2 pairs of Thorogoods, They are really comfortable and provide good support but still flexible enough to crouch down when needed. I had to ditch the last pair as a week spent working on equipment at a chicken slaughter house ruined them for me. 
got these off of Craig’s List for $20.
Salomon Contagrip.
resembles this web image:
i would not recommend them at full price
or even 1/2 price. but, for $20, go for it.
Wolverine steel toed (heavy but surprisingly comfortable!) and Hoka One One Kaha GTX for hiking
Only carbon fiber boots for me.
