Comment by eitally

Just to be clear: you are not wrong.

That said, the vast majority of boot purchasers don't wear them enough to need Viberg, etc, quality, and almost anything will last them until they get bored of the purchase.

What I am curious about, though -- let's say you take technical outdoor mountaineering boots -- if you say "high quality boots are north of $700", why is it that mountaineering boots (thick leather, goodyear welted Vibram sole with high density and durable midsole, brass rivets, etc) can still be had in the $300 range.

The reality is that you're still paying a premium for the brand with White's, Viberg, etc, and for labor cost in HCOL manufacturing areas. There isn't $500 worth of difference between a Viberg Gobi Hiker ($910) and a Danner Mountain Light ($440).

Viberg (made in Denmark): https://viberg.com/products/hiker-gobi-regency-calf Danner (made in USA) : https://www.danner.com/men/hike/mountain-light-ii-5-brown.ht...

Heck, I can even shave more off the price and get something basically the same (Alico, made in Italy, $325). https://www.alicousa.com/product-page/summit-full-grain. I have been wearing my pair of Summits for 15 years already.