Sure, at some point the upper's so worn out that you have to replace the whole boot. They don't last forever, just a lot longer, especially when properly mainta

Sure, at some point the upper's so worn out that you have to replace the whole boot. They don't last forever, just a lot longer, especially when properly maintained. A while back I actually sat down and worked out the amortization for my last pair of boots, including replacement insoles, outsoles, laces, and the setting kit and grommets I needed when the factory parts started failing. (To be clear: this was steel parts wearing out before leather ones did. That's a damn good boot.) I don't have the figures to hand right now, but as I recall, adjusted for inflation, it worked out to around $60 a year in 2017 dollars. On reflection, I should've counted in mink oil and polish too, which might bring it closer to $65. Granted that it's a touch Ship of Theseus, with an occasional maintenance requirement besides, and you need to be OK with the fact that your boots will look the same for as long as you wear them. But that's still not a lot to pay for good footwear, and a well-polished toebox has a timeless style all its own.