1. "I like #1 better, as long as they are full-grain leather" In response to Reply # 0 Fri Dec-16-16 03:40 PM by flipnile
I wouldn't buy a pair of shoes that aren't full-grain leather. That corrected leather stuff has a plastic coating that looks horrible when it starts to crack.
Also, have you thought about buying a goodyear welted boot with a re-craftable sole? Might cost a little more upfront, but if the uppers are good you can just replace the sole and rock on for a few more years.
Only suggestions I have are $300+. I'm looking for two pairs of dress boots myself... one brown one black. If I didn't have other priorities first, I'd get these: