Makes good sense Solotripper.  I had good luck as far as durability using the Salomons over the years.  The sole is a bit worn down now but they've held together well.  Last fall my brand new pair of Chota Lightweight portage boots failed on me.  The sole started coming apart at the toe on one of them towards the end of the 12 nighter.  I'm just leary now of boots and want quality.  I've been looking at Merrells because that's another brand I like.  I'm a bit of a boot snob because I go through a lot of them at work.  My new favorite brand is Vasque.  I'm on my third pair of their Breeze shoe.  Unfortunately they don't make anything for water.