Good plastics offer downhill like support without being uncomfortable. The inners are removable, so dry out quickly. And they are encased in waterproof shells. There are a few down-sides to plastics. They are still expensive.
Good plastics are always more expensive than their leather counterparts.
We would advocate buying the best boots for the job and your feet, irrespective of any hang-ups over looks or tradition. Less sensitive feel . We know that nothing detracts more from ones enjoyment of the outdoors than ill-fitting boots. A good retailer will not just sell you boots but will ensure the best possible fit through a range of techniques based on a combination of experience and the most up to date fitting and modification technology. In addition to modifying boots using various stretching techniques the volume of fit can be adjusted using different insoles.