I switch around all of the time . I work construction and am very hard on my boots . Bought brand new red wings in Aug.(200 bucks at red wing store) and the second day I was in mud and water right up to the tops all day . The insides feel good and are still comfy but the outsides are already showing a great deal of distress and probably wont last until spring . I am constantly cleaning and oiling them but I also constantly have them wet and muddy or wet and salty . I really like the feel of the red wings , light , warm and comfy but I really was hoping to get more than 8 or so mos out of them .