[Dire88]

I destroyed my Oakley boots, went through 2 pair in one deployment. Ended up going back to the issue Altamas for the remainder. All of them ended up tearing the inside heels out.

After graduating to civilianhood, I picked up a pair of Ariat Workhogs. I decided to forgo laces, as I am coming in and out all the time and hate dealing with them. Best money I ever spent. I've had knee, hip, and back issues ever since joining the Army, and they've been near non-existent since buying these.

I've worn them hunting in the cold with pouring rain with no problems, including dragging a deer out about a mile. Gotten them covered in mud, a quick rinse in the sink, a brush, and out to dinner with them. Honestly, I don't think I've worn another pair of shoes in months.

 

[Dire88]

After seeing this above and knowing how comfortable my younger son said his Ariat "Ramblers" are, I bought (ordered online) me some Ariats. I didn't get the "Workhogs" model though as I didn't want the steel toe nor the "Rambler" model as his Ramblers doesn't have a stiff upper. Instead I got the "Ariat Men's Sierra Wide Square Toe St Boot". Hopefully they will be as comfortable as you and my son say Ariats are. GI1

Mine aren't steel/composite toed. They have like 4 models though.

My suggestion for break in is to take out the insert for a week or two, then once it feels comfortable, put them back in. First pair of boots I broke in this way, and first without a blister too.

 

[Dire88]

These are mine. Amazon has a 14 but D. I have a 10.5 EE. I had to put a 36" culvert in at the bottom of my pasture and after placing rip rap and sealing one end up with whatever wire fencing I could scrounge up, I had spent an hour and a half in the creek with no leaks in my boots.

http://www.amazon.com/Ariat-Workhog...1419743730&sr=1-1&keywords=ariat+workhogs+h2o

These are the ones I bought from country outfitter (they usually have sales right now). Amazon has an easy return policy if you really don't want stereotype.