I'm the redneck/roughneck, bluecollar, hands-on, outdoor, get-my-hands-dirty guy in an extended white-collar family with the same situation. I just told them all to pitch in and get me a pair of boots I want. I said they are for working and hiking and such. But they are combat boots made to go with that relatively new Army Combat Uniform now worn by full-time National Guard guys I work around. They say the boots are great so I want a pair. Gee, that same look at me every year and I know at least someone in the family is thinking "he is such a redneck!"