It was a rude awakening earlier this year when I stepped into a puddle of water in my GorTex® lined boots and my foot got wet. It was the start of the end. The uppers were actually sewn into the soles so the shoes might have been saved, but the waterproof membrane had already been breached. Then just leave it to me to jump right on the situation. I made them last as long as I could. They weren't flopping yet, but were coming undone on both sides from the instep to damn near the toe.
Someone suggested I could get more use out of them if I duct tapped the sole to the upper once the last threads let go. Only I've done that before. What does a poor boy do? He put cardboard in his shoe. The duct tape wears through quickly. You need to carry a roll.
The deciding factor was when I realized that my recent back problems were attributable to the shoes. So, to make long story short; I got myself a fine pair of new boots. Not cheap either, that don't make no sense. That last pair gave good service for a decade. I'm not sure these will last as long wearing them everyday for work, but I won't be gong back for another pair in a couple of years, and it was the only pair that advertised a waterproof membrane, though without a brand name, rather than the simple unqualified claim of "Waterproof."
I do have some pictures for you. I do have something more to say. Please be patient.
