It seems like most boots won't be very good after 10 years of even modest use, let alone daily wear. That said, the Merrill boots are generally very good. I have also had good luck with some of the older line of Vasque boots. I'm currently using EMS Tempo GTX boots, which are fairly breathable, reasonably waterproof (Goretex membrane), and have a good Vibram sole with a moderately aggressive tread.

Fit is very important. The EMS boots and Vasque boots fit my shape foot well, but, they might not work for you. Find a shop that has several quality brands, and go try some. Make sure that you are wearing the sock/liner combination you expect to wear in the field. Walk around the shop with a loaded backpack for a while and get a feel for them. Good shops will let you do that, and will have a ramp or two around so you can see if your foot slips going up or downhill. That's very important.

In the northeast, Eastern Mountain Sports has some of their salespeople trained to just fit boots properly, and they really focus on matching you up right. They actually steared me to a less expensive model, that fit me better than the one I initially was considering. Find a reputable outfitter like that where you live, and let them help you. Boots are one of the few things that I won't buy online, for just that reason.

Even the most scenic hiking trail can turn ugly in bad boots.