Depending on how you feel about it (some people really don’t like the idea, and I understand that), second hand shoes can be a bargain. My every day shoes are a pair of Grenson double monks (£15) I’ve had for around 7 years and have resoled. My walking boots are a pair of Alt-berg (pretty sure they were unworn -£85), and I have pairs of Loake, Cheaney and Church’s, all of which were in very good condition and none of which cost more than £50.

People buy expensive things, and sometimes sell them because they don’t like the fit, or they were for one special occasion, and I pick up a bargain - set up alerts on eBay and you’ll know when they appear, or search more broadly in the hope that people haven’t listed them properly.

I know you’re specifically looking for boots in the US, but it might be a way of saving a considerable amount.