Even boots made in the USA aren't the greatest. I have a pair of $300 Red Wing boots that I gave to the dog to chew on after less than a year. I am on my 3rd pair of $100. Timberland Pro's in less than a year, at least that company will replace prematurely worn out boots if you send the old ones back. I'm starting to think $30.00 Brahma's from Walmart are a better value, at least you know up front you are buying Chinese crap that will only last 6 months. I wear Muck boots during the winter, they are 100% waterproof and durable and easy to put on/off. The only boot I can recommend is the US Army issue Belleville black leather ICWB Gore-tex boots. For less than $50 you get a leather boot that is constructed of only 3 pieces of leather and has a gore-tex membrane, removeable lining, and a sole that should last 100,000 miles. The only drawback is that they are heavy and not very comfortable. The good is that they don't leak and they don't wear out. I have a pair of cloth Montrail hiking boots which are good quality for hiking and daily activities but they won't stand up to abuse like leather.