I've purchased and worn Bates boots for many years, however, I will now be looking for a new all-purpose boot.<br /><br />My last pair only lasted for 6 months until the fabric about 2&#34; above the heel started to tear.  I wear them everyday, but really haven't done any difficult or long hiking in this particular pair of boots.<br /><br />They are made in China, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised by the lack of quality.  The least Bates could do is to decrease the price of their boot to accommodate the degradation in quality.