I've had Rancourts, Aldens, Red wings, but out of all the boots I've had only my Vibergs and Whites will outlast me. Truly handmade to last.

Where are you going? I'd suggest actually visiting the places you want to buy from and then you're actually not buying stuff for the sake of buying stuff.

If you're going to be in the Pacific northwest, I'd make a point of trying to find whites or nicks boots and trying them on. If you're in the northeast and around cities like New York, Boston, or Washington DC then I'd suggest visiting an Alden shoes store and trying those on. Thursdays are not bifl.

Our oxo gooseneck has been making us pots every day for 5 years now without fail. Seems like a simple and indestructible piece of equipment, not sure what would break on it.