It comes down to what you want too.
I mentioned in another thread, but minimalist footwear and a ball of foot to heel gait is going to be healthier for your foot long-term with proper muscle build up. I prefer lighter boots, but without the proper training/muscle buildup, carrying a load hiking is going to go better with bulkier boots. I tend to prefer lighter boots, like M77 (not the highest traction either), if I go that route. Also gaiters work well too as they are light and disposable. Outdoor Research has some, surplus has gaiters, etc
From my experience and research, the best made polyurethane will go 3-10 years depend on use, gait, etcetera.
The recommended Nick's can go longer as it can be resoled by most cobblers. Nick's can resole it, and rebuild it via keeping the ankle portion of leather and replacing all the other leather.
Haix is the only polyurethane footwear company I know that will resole some of their footwear, and they are European by the way.
A machine that bonds polyurethane costs millions of dollars, thus you won't find many shops repairing them. Some may try and glue a vibram on. I know one shop that does it with doc martens and redbacks in Oregon.
As well as Fleet Farms offers, AFBoots is a company formed by former Timberland employees when they shut down most US manufacturing. They mostly deal in repairs, but will put out batches of boots (very slow). They use Thorogood's million dollar soling machines for their boots.
Usually in the price of $100-$200, but you can pay $100 fee to have them start boots on the spot. Great leather, but I know one of the founders passed away in the past year, and their supply is slower than usual.
Their boots tend to use Thinsulate well, and while heavier, sure beats breaking out the Mickey Mouse boots.
US surplus is going to be more modern for surplus (still dated for consumer), and from my own research, most the companies receive a fair share of complaints.
