I purchased two pairs of AXO RC-5's and the first one has lasted a year so far, no issues. I had to replace the lower rubbers cause I knocked out the insert in the center, I had a local boot shop repair it for $120. I agree, look in the phone book, any boot shop (leather shop) should be able to repair it and they are everywhere. I paid about $280 for my boots, so $120 was a deal and I had it repaired while using the others. But if the O'neals are elements, it might be cheaper to buy new ones then repair it cause it is usally pricey