I bought a pair of used boots...twice! wearing a pair to work and the others are steel shank climbers only, almost new but very stiff. 10 cents on the dollar for both.
Back in the 70's a then friend of mine was a USFS surveyor. He used "White's" boots which were made here locally in Spokane. At the time he and I lived about 80 miles away in my home town. He always had two pair, and had done this "for awhile." So he knew "what to expect" for boot wear year in/ year out.
One time I rode into Spokamentro with him to pick up his repaired boots and he bitched to them that he wasn't getting the wear he use to.
Shoe guy says "we can't get leather like we used to"
My friend: "What they CHANGE THE WAY THEY GROW COWS???!!"
Looks like they are still in business, cheapest thing they show "on sale" is 250 bucks
