Also, get a boot that is goodyearwelt constructed. This basically means they can be resoled.

Would highly recommend heading over to r/goodyearwelt for inspiration and a huge number of knowledgeable people on all things quality boots.

Sizing is everything. Get your partner measured on the brannock device as a starting point. Mens boots typically run up to a size larger than sneakers.

My second point on sizing is that as a result of people not measuring their feet properly you find a tonne of boots worn only a handful of times on eBay for a fraction of the price.

Picked up some Red Wing Blacksmiths that had been worn less than five times for $155 when they retail for $395 here in the UK.