Unfortunately a lot of the boots today are made in China and LaCrosse is a good example. The new boots don't last as long as the old ones. I switched to Muck Woody Max for my rubber boots and they are much more comfortable, warmer and are lighter. they go on and off much easier but the down side is they are about 50% more expensive. I haven't noticed the Danner boots to have degraded but do know that some of their line is now made in China. the Rocky boots used to be great and many were made and marketed in Nelsonville OH. The factory store is still there or at least was 3 years ago. Their boots are all China made and aren't anywhere as good as when they were made here.