When you’re throwing down some major dough on a sturdy pair of combat boots, what’s going to be the ROI on those suckers? The major consensus online is that it comes down three things: quality, maintenance and what you put them through.

Obviously, like anything else, if you buy a military boot constructed with quality materials like full-grain leathers, 3M Thinsulate, Gore-Tex and Cambrelle nylon, it will last. Some lower-grade boots might appear to be a better deal in the short-term (like the ones at Army-Navy surplus stores), but they are typically slapdash.

Looking at buying a less expensive pair is like selling your “sole.” When you do the deal, you’re trading in quality, comfort and reliability for something that will not only fail you when you need it the most, but you’ll end up wasting money in the long run when you have to buy a new pair in a year.

A good, high-quality pair of boots is smart investment indeed. Would you go to Payless to buy your boots? We think not.

Most people who take good care of high-quality boots could, in theory, make them last a lifetime. How can you make your pair last longer? Tend to your boots’ needs. Keep them clean, dry and polished or brushed. If you’re not sure how to exactly do that, consult the brand’s website such as Danner, which has an excellent boot care guide.