Question:
I am not sure about Chippewa, but most localities have a
requirement for full assessment/valuation of real property. This
presents a golden opportunity for the municipal politicians to
exercise their right of "eminent domain" and take ownership of
the complete shoe/boot manufacturing operation, paying the full
currently accessed valuation. If the corporation balks, and pays
off a judge to obtain a higher purchase price, then the
municipality can file for back taxes, interest, and penalties
based on the new "more accurate" valuation, most likely more than
offsetting the new higher "fair" price.
Answer:
I'm semi-retired now and walk/run ~60 miles a week, 52 weeks
a year (not counting yard work, going to the store...). I
can wear out any shoe that isn't made from solid steel :)
The longest wearing shoes I've ever had were Knapp's with
the 2-shot sole (got those in the late 80's?) and Sears
DieHards. The DieHards have a sole which is very similar to
the old Knapp 2-shot and feel really nice. I bought a pair
of DieHards on sale about the time I was beginning to worry
about the old CAT's giving out (just before I got them
resoled). Broke them in and tucked them off to the side
waiting for the CAT's to give up. Well I still wear the old
CAT's and they are comfy, but a little thin in the soles. I
dug out the DieHards I had set aside recently and figured I
would wear them on occasion. BIG MISTAKE setting them aside.
The bottom/soles have rotted out and they are worthless now
without getting them resoled. Wear wise they are new for all
practical purposes. So if you try/get any DieHards, don't
let them sit around. They will be shot in ~6 years whether
you wear them or not.
If you get into a Sears store look them over. You can get
them on sale for a reasonable price if you watch their ads.
It would be easy for you to wear them out before the sole
rot became a problem. "DieHard 6 in. Nubuck Boot -Tan" See:
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mens&pid=067B0008000
It looks like they are on sale right now for $69.99. They
sell them for even less though if you bide your time.
If comfort and safety are important to you, you might want to check out
Wilkuro safety toes. They are an overshoe that slips on over almost any
type of shoe. They have a steel toe embedded in it that has been
certified by many organizations such as ANSI and SATRA.
Check them out:
http:\\www.wilkuro.com
Be careful not to buy some other knockoffs. This company has been in
business for decades.
