Depending on how you feel about it (some people really don’t like the idea, and I understand that), second hand shoes can be a bargain. My every day shoes are a pair of Grenson double monks (£15) I’ve had for around 7 years and have resoled. My walking boots are a pair of Alt-berg (pretty sure they were unworn -£85), and I have pairs of Loake, Cheaney and Church’s, all of which were in very good condition and none of which cost more than £50.

People buy expensive things, and sometimes sell them because they don’t like the fit, or they were for one special occasion, and I pick up a bargain - set up alerts on eBay and you’ll know when they appear, or search more broadly in the hope that people haven’t listed them properly.

I know you’re specifically looking for boots in the US, but it might be a way of saving a considerable amount.

Let people know where you are and they may be able to recommend shops where salespeople are well trained and who keep quality stock, there are still a few of these around (in the UK at least).

They’re heavy duty. If you’re using it every day in bad weather, then no, they won’t be bifl, but they will last reasonably well. Most Barbour stuff isn’t UK made any more, but there are loads of 50yo bags that the shooting & fishing community use that are in fine condition. Might be worth looking at specialists who make the bags themselves, rather than brands who outsource it, such as Chapman bags in Carlisle, UK, or someone closer to you in the Netherlands, rather than a brand that outsources to far flung countries.

Or, for that purpose, these?

Fox Umbrellas.

‘Waterproof’ is a term that has to be qualified. Usually it means that there is a plastic bag incorporated into the boot, which will break down over time with wear. Leather boots, good quality, with minimal stitching will stay water-resistant for much longer than busy fabric mixed boots. Rubber leather mixes can be very waterproof and durable. Look for the build quality before worrying about whether they are ‘waterproof’.