I know a girl who works as a lab tech in Canada. She's had her knee high New Rocks for about ten years(I think it's that long. She had to special order the patent flames on them since they didn't used to offer that design on all of their boots.), now and they still look great(she posted a more recent pic of them last year).

I wear mine through deep puddles, rain, mud. The sole is high enough that the uppers never touch either mud or water. I need to polish my boots again. I haven't done it in a while since I'm waiting get some polishing cream instead of wax polish. I take care of my boots, even the 'cheaper' brands that I have they are all taken out and given a good polish. Usually takes a good few hours these days.

The only thing is, they are heavy! If you're not used to wearing a heavy boot you can easily mistep. If you plan on wearing them through snow on a regular basis I would suggest looking up tips for proper care of the leather.

This may be helpful, as well! ^_^ I love the author's motto:Good ain't cheap & cheap ain't good!

Heyyy, I think I might get myself the white ones.

Thanks for the links Wolfie - will definitely be checking those out. Need to go out and find me some boots now. I wouldn't mind them being higher but I have a hard time finding boots that fit my fat calves (I lucked out on the one pair I have).

Yeah, I'd probably have to be careful walking with heavy boots, that's for sure. I have shoes that are pretty heavy and sometimes it's hard to walk in them!

Snow...well...they say the reactor sole is suited for it...but it depends. Snowy, crunchy snow is fine. Ice is not. Like with pretty much all other shoes, on compacted ice, you will slide ; _ ; But I've never had a problem in snow in my New Rocks.

Rain etc, also all fine. And as Wolfie said, you can overstep in them. I used to scuff the bottoms a bit because I wasn't used to the weight, but I don't do it at all now. I'm sure if my current pair do need replacing at some point, the transition to a new pair will be smooth.

Mine are coming up to 5 years now. The patches have extended their life, but I can see more signs of wear. I wouldn't be surprised if I need to buy a new pair next year, but being as I wear these boots so much, it doesn't suprise me at all. Makes me a tad sad though, I've grown rather attached to them and I'm not sure I'll be able to let go easily! I'll probably buy the same type again...they're just me.

It goes without saying that plates will probably break if you're going to be daft enough to kick hard objects with them ie: trees. They are made for decoration and while they are very strong and sturdy, they weren't made for felling timber. But if they do break, New Rock will replace them for you. They sent me an entire set for free after a heel plate snapped. I think it was a fluke though because the other plates have been fine. I may never need the other plates, but I'll keep hold of them anyway.

I'm really contemplating purchasing myself a pair.
However, I'm wondering whether I should buy a used pair in my size.
Would that be a safe option?

You might not get the genuine article if the seller is less than scrupulous. If you like them anyway, what the hell, go for it (nice big wash inside first with a strong disinfectant/anti-batcterial.)

I know this thread is growing dust, but...

I'm getting a pair for ChristopherRobinmas

And I am oh so happy I could fart blue fire and rocket into the atmosphere.