I don't really prefer a certain brand but I just make sure they are GoreTex and WaterProof. Those are a MUST for me. I hunt whitetail in the MidWest so it gets pretty cold. Plus I predator hunt in the dead of winter so I need a good reliable pair of boots.

I got lucky and received a boot voucher from my employer (tugboat/welding company) for a discounted pair of RedWing boots so I went and checked them out. I have had the same pair for three years with no complaints at all. They're leather, 5 inch, steel toe, goretex and waterproof. I have only had to get them resoled once over the three year period too. They come with a lifetime warranty on the stitching and free laces for life of your boot. Don't get me wrong, I still paid $300 with the $200 discount but they are great comfortable boots that I actually don't mind wearing to work and out in the woods. hope this helped ya out