Agreed - I don't go cheap on footwear . The soles on my winter boots cracked open during the last big snow, leaving my foot cold and wet. I was pissed at first, then I realized I'd owned them for 21 years, and really put some hard miles on them. Now I can't find any that I expect to last as long, regardless of price.
ETA: crap. After posting this, it donned on me that I may not have 21 years left on this side of the soil. Maybe I should buy some cheap boots!