Quoted By:
Redbacks, Mongrels, both made in Australia, Norwegian M-77 by Alfa made in Europe, and Allegiance Footwear made in USA are best forms I've seen where they only make so many models so you are less likely to get a hydrolysis affected product sitting on a manufacturing shelf in Asia for months or years. Allegiance Footwear is done by the original makers of Timberland before they closed US factory. They make the upper and have it lasted by Thorogood since the direct attach machines cost millions.
I think this is the best compromise for an every day utility versus a trail runner. I personally use the Norwegian M-77 by Alfa.
If I go lower and lighter, I just wear sneakers. Still testing moccasin companies like Footskins. There's also companies in US that make very low volume rubber vibrant shoes instead of eva foam. Sodhoppers uses a tire shavings adhesive outsole to mend the outsole. Softstar shoes in Oregon. Native Earth in California also has a lot of options for leather shoes with custom outsoles. Also trying out Xero but don't believe it is as durable.
Lastly have a pair of crocs that have many miles. Sunlight can cause some models to shrink if you leave them out but mine have survived years and a varmint trying to eat at them.
Figure out what tool you need in the categories I put above before the model.
Insulation, traction, durability, every day utility. I go light to build muscle and avoid injury until I need size up for warmth, backpacking, or extreme traction. But for 70% of it, letting my feet do the work in light shoes is the best for body health and injury free. I live in Pacific NW and use boat shoes (nylon upper with rubber sole, no foam, and breathing holes) with a wool insole I got for 5-10 usd for most of my days.