It depends on what you need the boots to do. If you can get away with a work boot, I suggest Thorogood. Got mine as seconds for $70 almost 7 years ago. They've been to the Sierras and all over the northeast, been on lots of job sites, and seen me through 6 years of school. They're still on the original sole. I didn't do a good job of caring for the leather and the leather is cracked in spots, but I expect they'll last another 2 years.

Forgot to mention, comfiest shoes I've ever worn!