Aye Up Rickyd,
Here is my two pen'th:
This is based on my experience since leaving operational service but still deploying 3+ times a week into mostly woodland over the past 6 years. I cover between 5 and 15 miles each outing, mostly across country (not on tracks/paths) and I carry a ruck load of 15+kgs each trip. Some of my routes involve negotiating a lot of (sometimes deep) bramble which really tests a boot upper, plus knarly woods which test ankle support and wet areas testing the proofing.
Danner - leather outer, GTX membrane - GREY lining, Vibram sole - nice when new - but the leather (buffalo scrotum or something) became very 'sloppy' when saturated and didn't feel a good fit. Poor response from Danner when I came to replace them too. Another feature to beware of on Danners (if they still do it) is the wierd heel block (sloping not vertical on the leading edge) which were on a pair of Arcadias I had - not good on sloping muddy or rocky terrain I found.
Hanwag Special Forces - brown leather outer, GTX membrane, cambrelle lining, Vibram sole, speed lace eyelets - great ankle support, tough protective upper, grippy sole, lining still going strong after two years hard use - only complaint is that the brown surface of the outer showed black through very, very quickly when scuffed and the raised rand has come away slightly on the inside of one boot where the foot flexes. The ball bearing speed lace system is good to slacken the lace but slips back as you tie them unless you mess with it.
Aigle Hunter - fabric & reversed leather outer, GTX membrane, cambrelle lining, vibram sole - mega comfy and great ankle support (high leg). Outer has endured as much punishment as the Hanwag SF yet looks in far better condition. The Aigle has a nice touch where the raised rand comes right up the front of the boot and curves over a little way onto the toe (think bushcrafting/kneeling) - BUT the GTX membrane lasted only one season and the lace eyelets wear the laces! (I wonder why they've stopped making them?!!).
Altberg - ask the infantry - ARS. (Better qualify that - Army Rumour Service).
(Breathable!) membrane lined boots -depending on the outer fabric, your boot maintenance and your hygiene regimes - could be a waste of (that extra) money. Plaster waterproofing on leather or don't clean mud off fabric and the breath-ability may be compromised so pointless. Fail to keep toe nails trimmed and you might wear the lining and membrane out before the sole
Membrane lined boots can become very hot if you are on the move a lot and carrying weight - perhaps consider a leather lined boot (mega comfy) and a separate boot liner like Seelskinz for use when you know/think they are necessary.
Membrane linings eventually give out, some sooner than others.
Re keeping a pair of boots for 15 years!!!
Yes, you might be able to replace the soles but will you still get the same arch and ankle support; instep protection etc from the uppers?
Consider - boot leather is only skin - it will degrade and be aware - a boot will wear on the inside too and when it does - welcome to blister country if you can't sort the lining/membrane!
And not forgetting the hygiene issue - consider how often a boot gets wet from
the inside not just the outer.
I would like mine to last five years max but on current experience I'm reckoning with 3.
Its probably worth pointing out that over that same period I have also used and worn out a pair of Muckboot Toray wellies and currently have a pair of Muckboots with a vibram sole on the go - both very useful alternatives to a lace boot when ground conditions get really silly.
My next pair? - Hanwag SF leather lined. (When I have the money!)
Hope this gives you food for thought.
PS - nobody read anything into the Danner boot image - the raised trouser leg is just for the boot demo purpose!
