It’s raining in Western Kentucky which reminded me this morning that my current Muck branded chore boots have sprung a leak. I’m looking to replace them, however, I find the Muck brand overpriced and don’t last given the price point. I’ve had these 2 years and find them dry rotted and cracked where they bend.

Any recommendations on a more value priced alternative? I like the shorter mid-height boots versus the taller ones. Thanks!

Bean Boots with the steel shank have always been my field hunting boots. When they wear out, you can send them back to LL Bean for a rehab.

I have a pair of LaCrosse rubber hunting/chore boots that have served me well for at least a decade. No cracking or deterioration, despite living in the garage with its drastic temperature swings.

Duck Boots, thought these were a KY requirement, at least on Horse Farms in the Bluegrass region.

Wore mine all winter, snow, rain, cold they were great.

Link Duck Boots

Wellington-height Muck boots work for me. A tad warm for all day wear in the Summer, but absolutely waterproof, comfy and quick on and off.

A pair lives on the landing in the mudroom year around and get slipped on pretty much daily.

My muck boots disintegrated after sitting in the sun in the bed of the truck one day. All of the glue failed and they just fell apart.

I replaced them with Le Chameau boots and couldn’t be happier. Much more comfortable than Muck. Everything about them feels more well-constructed. They’re more breathable, fit better, and are lighter and more flexible. I got neoprene-lined for hunting in the colder months but you might can get away with the slightly cheaper jersey-lined.

They are not cheaper than Muck but they are worth the price.

Otherwise look to LL Bean. I have 3 pairs of Bean duck boots but might look at wellingtons for a slip on chore boot.

A very good option is Bean Boots with NicWax on the leather upper. Comfortable, and waterproof. When the lower wears out, you send them in, and for $45, they will put a new lower on them.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/sho...97?page=llbean-boots

When I was on the volunteer fire department we used Servus brand boots. They held up very well to hard use

Back before I ended up with full neoprene waders, I had a pair of Boggs Boots. They were pretty decent. Comfort was okay and they would keep you good and dry.

Grundens Deck Boss boots are pretty sweet also, but considerably more. They will be my next pair of waterproof boots. They are wicked comfortable and waterproof as they can get.

https://grundens.com/products/...7G_nxu8aAuVLEALw_wcB

I'll second the recommendation on Boggs. I've got an insulated set with neoprene uppers that have served me well for 4 years now and show no signs of degrading.

XtraTuff seems to be the Alaskan standard, but I've yet to try a pair.

My wife is a livestock farmer. She lives in her Bogg boots about 9 months of the year. Switched to them after her second and replacement 3rd pair of Muck boots fell apart in a month of work.

I own a pair that I use during the winter or wet months. Mine get nowhere the abuse my wife's do.