Quote: I have generally found that its the soft padded material between the shoe upper and hard sole that 'rots' and falls apart - especially if they go near water (especially salt water). My leather boots with single material soles have always held up the best, but they are heavier to hike in...
Spot on. I prefer to buy my boots without this internal padding but sadly it getting harder to find boots without. Funnily enough, the old Scarpa's are one of these with out.