Hi!<br><br>This is my first post. Before proceeding with the topic of boots, I wanted to thank Doug as well as the many experienced and insightful participants in the forums. The information provided on this site is characteristically excellent in both quality and helpfulness. I have really learned a lot. I hope I too can contribute back to this community. Thanks!<br><br> Now, on to the subject of boots. I have used to great satisfaction 2 pairs of all-leather, 9", lug-soled boots by Timberline (vintage 1985) and Browning (vintage 1993). Since they are almost overly well broken in - or as my wife describes them, "worn out trash" - I have replaced them with a pair of Cabela's Outfitter Series which are all leather, 9", 200 gm.Thinsulate insulation, waterproof leather, Gore-Tex lining, reportedly weighing about 3.9 pounds. They cost approximately $140. My pair is new, so I can only say that they seem very well designed and manufactured. However, my wife has a pair of the Outfitters that she has used for 4 years. She enthusiastically recommended them to me. We have used our boots in hunting, comping, and ranch work under a wide variety of conditions.<br><br>I would have been delighted with replacements by either of Timberline or Browning, but I could not find comparable boots. The Brownings have been extraordinarily comfortable, so they will still get at least light use. My only criticism is that I could never fully waterproof them. On the other hand, the Timberlines were quite waterproof.<br><br>Incidentally, I too find it hard to get a good fit in footwear, especially by mail order. Therefore, I normally order several pairs in different sizes (and sometimes in different designs as well) so that I have bracketed my probable best fit. Then I just return all but the best fitting pair. This method of selecting properly fitting footwear has worked well for me. However, I'm not so sure that vendors are as pleased with the technique as I am. <br><br>Onward in the quest for good boots.<br><br>John