Xtratuf Men's 6 Inch Leather Lace-Up Ankle Deck Boots - Waterproof Work Boots for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Activities

I was hesitant to buy this due to the low quantity of positive reviews but was drawn to the overall style of the shoe. I'm from Alaska, and after reading the reviews, I decided to go ahead and buy it. Around here Xtratuff is a solid staple, with different shoes and boots for various occassions. I didn't see long-term hiking anywhere in the description for this one. Honestly surprised it looked like it did!This shoe is actually pretty comfortable with steady traction. It keeps your feet dry when you have to walk in a bit of mud, which washes off easy. It's a great town shoe, and I've actually gotten a few compliments since the short time I've had them.Bought these for a 25 day trip to AK in July 2022. Wore them every day in snow, slush, mud and water. Hiked on rocks, cement, gravel and dirt.Love the design, style, comfort & waterproofing......what I expected from XT.After about a week and a half, rubber trim band around sole started to come unglued from bottom up. Then rubber started shredding. Got worse, the more I wore them.I should have heeded the numerous other reviews I read though, commenting on diminished fit, finish and durability, as quality was severely lacking in trim around the soles. Clearly NOT the quality build of the old "Made in America" XT's, I saw all over AK.Spoke with several wearers in AK and they remarked that the XT product these days is definitely NOT what it used to be.Bought XTs based on guide friend's recommendation (he lives in Fairbanks) becuse he has been guiding for over 20 years and has multiple pairs of XT boots.Hoping this is only a one-off but I fear the poor quality is due to outsourcing of labor and materials. Seems like another US company selling out quality for larger profits, at the expense of the people who matter most: their customer.XT got back to me quickly and is sending a new pair & I'm hoping the new pair will truly be XTRATUF!Just eh , not worth the price ,