I love my Lowa Tibet GTXs, I have had them for close to 10 years. They are heavy and still relatively stiff, perfect for heavy pack outs and scrabbling over gnarly terrain. I also wear them hiking in E. TN and hunting flat land here.
I sent them back to Germany last year, they replaced the rubber rand, sole, insoles and did a look over to fix any stitches, etc. Cost me $125 plus shipping to Connecticut. They then shipped them to Germany and ship them back to me. They are literally better than new. Imagine having a leather boot that has conformed to you for almost a decade and now you have new rands/soles.
Point is simple; pay a premium for a quality boot with excellent customer service and be willing to resole them as needed for $125+ inflation and you will have a lifetime boot.
Also, if you get a quality leather boot make sure to clean them as needed and apply a good wax to ensure the waterproof stay effective. I prefer Kenetrek boot wax. Add a good pair of gators and your waterproof up past your calfs.
I sent them back to Germany last year, they replaced the rubber rand, sole, insoles and did a look over to fix any stitches, etc. Cost me $125 plus shipping to Connecticut. They then shipped them to Germany and ship them back to me. They are literally better than new. Imagine having a leather boot that has conformed to you for almost a decade and now you have new rands/soles.
Point is simple; pay a premium for a quality boot with excellent customer service and be willing to resole them as needed for $125+ inflation and you will have a lifetime boot.
Also, if you get a quality leather boot make sure to clean them as needed and apply a good wax to ensure the waterproof stay effective. I prefer Kenetrek boot wax. Add a good pair of gators and your waterproof up past your calfs.
