Also to add to this theory, the rich man that had the expensive boots was never going to wear them out, cheap or expensive, they sat in the cupboard never used for their intended purpose,

My last work boots I bought from Walmart (about 100 bucks I think) and they have been worn everyday around the yard doing everything from cementing to digging holes and cutting down trees, 5 years and going strong, did replace the laces once, also they have saved my toes more than once.