Dave,
I am terrible on boots, wear them out fast, between Oct 1 and May 1, i spend over 100 days in boots, sometimes 1/2, other times all day I require a boot to be non lace, 100% waterproof and comfortable on feet, and provided good traction on All terrain. I have NEVER had a pair last more than 2 full seasons. You can forget, leather or or cordura to provide water proof!!! That leaves rubber or Neoprene. I love the old Lacrossee for durability and waterproof, but they a real pain to get on and off due to the ankle tight fit.They hard to pull off and if you ever step over top in water, dang near have to cut off. Neoprene boots are 100% waterproof, light weight, but are not as resistant to briars, I bought a pair of the Lacrosse Alpha Snake boots, not for snakes but to be more resistant to being torn by briars, which we have plenty of. The pair i have now is on its 3rd season, they look rough, and the neoprene has pulled away from rubber forcing me to patch it, however i think they will make it thru turkey season May1. Then i will have to buy a new pair. They have served me better than any other boot i have owned so far and have met all my requirements. I would be willing to pay more for boots that would last longer, but have resigned myself to the fact that I can tear up the best of them