@Crnabuckhunter I've used le chameau leather lined for 20+ years, along with a number of other rubber boots. 300+ days per year for a long time between bird hunting and running my dogs. I've also used several models of lacrosse boots, mucks, and am familiar with a few other brands as well. Let me know if you have specific questions and I can try to help, as I think "best" is going to depend on what you are doing in them, the problems you've had, etc.
I intially wore lacrosse burly boots. At some point they started wearing out really fast, I was only getting 6 months before they'd crack and before I wore thru the neoprene liner in the heels. Met the sales manager for le chameau's US distributor at the time at a trade show and he gave me great deal on a pair of the chasseur boots, so figured I'd give them a try. Back when I was out a lot more I would get about 2 years out of a pair before I wore cracks in them, which was about 4x the life I'd get from any other boot. At 4x the price, that made sense to me. I get out less now, so they are lasting me about 5 years per pair, that's still using them 100+ days per year. My current pair is 6 years old I think, and they have just started a minor leak in the zipper gusset. The only really consistent problem Ive had is the wire zipper pulls break really fast---just thread the zip with 3mm cord, its better and more functional than the original. The midsole is realtively soft, and I dont love the slightly higher heel, but traction is decent and I think they are much better in steeper terrain compared to most other rubber knee boots. I have never worn thru the sole cleats the way I did with the airbob soles.
They arent insulated at all so they are better for warm weather. The leather lining also feels way less clammy, and your foot doesnt roll inside the boot on steepr side hills the way most other rubber boots do. The zipper is nice to get a better ankle fit. The leather lining is A+ and a huge part of what makes them good.
re sizing---not sure whats available vs not in the US, but le chameau makes widths AND they make different calf circumferences. At least they did last time I bought a pair.
I have deer hunted the last few years in lacrosse alpha agility. They are neoprene so warmer, which was what I was looking for. the alpha agility have a much better sole and midsole than the old lacrosse boots for my use (someone on this site disagreed with me on that recently--that's been my experience, but sounds like its not universal). I got 2 seasons out of a pair, so not terrible compared to the past. At 4x the price of lacrosse, I will likely buy another pair of le chameaus if I get another pup in a year or two, but until then not worth the $$$ for me.
I did also recently run into a guy who'd brought a new scandinavian boot brand to the US. That was Arxus, his website was arxususa.com . I didnt try any, but they appeared well made along the lines of le chameau--apparently the company was started by someone who had worked with le chameau for a long time. Could also be worth checking out as another option especially if you have fit issues.
