NO $50 boot is worth owning! The cheapest boots I would buy are Corcoran Paratroop II's
http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/t...ry.ctx=corcoran&backto=/agcatalog/results.tam, (OMG! they were $100 back when I bought them!!) These boots served me well when I was younger, I went through a couple pairs.
My favorite boot is a custom Wesco with full leather lining. They will make made to measure boots for just $30 more, this is essential for people like me who have oddly shaped feet, and the boots will last longer if they fit right. looking for something black?
http://www.boot.com/bwcombat.htm. I don't like the silicone leather though, it doesn't breathe well. I do like the lower heel, you can have Wesco's made any way you want. Although as you stated if you're going to outgrow them then it's kind of a waste of money.
As far as waterproof, I believe the best way to do this is use Obenauf's
http://www.obenaufs.com/product_inf...id=11&osCsid=d47d7b5d125f29eb5d060f87755791e5 on quality leather boots. Obenauf's is THE best leather preserver and waterproofer out there IMO, and I've used just about everything. silicone tanned leather and silicone based waterproofers don't breathe, so if your foot gets wet it doesn't dry, also they will rot the boots form the inside out since it stays damp. Mink oil will simply rot the stitching on your boots if you use it allot (had a sole separate on a good pair of loggers). other beeswax-based waterproofers like snoseal aslo contain mink oil. Gore-Tex? I hate the stuff for footwear, doesn't breathe well, if your feet get cold in them they stay cold, and the material will wear away if its built into the boot, and they will "spring a leek", I've had this happen a couple of times, usually happens right on top of the big toe. This goes for any boots that are lined with cambrelle or whatever too, if you use them hard it will wear through, plain leather or leather lined is the only thing I wear. I've got a gallon of Obenauf's and use it so regularly it soaks through to the inside of the boot.
I would stay away form surplus boots, I've had allot of them and they vary greatly in quality, even the USGI ones, they are also often oddly sized (especially the ones from other countries) and if there used it’s a great way to get athletes foot (that’s what happened to me, ahhh how I fondly remember my first foot fungus) I've heard Danners are good but don’t have personal experience with them.
I've worked construction, tree removal, landscaping, etc. in all types of weather, In Washington state and Minnesota, hopefully this will lend some credibility to my suggestions. I learned a long time ago the importance of good boots, PLEASE DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR BOOTS!!! You WILL regret it!!! If you can't afford them work some extra hours and save up.
