I have a really good story about my 5 year old Ariat Performer Pro's (the top of the line boot in 1996 when I bought them). I had them in the front seat floor of my car, and I was bringing home left over cream of broccoli soup in a crock pot from a Christmas party when I was cut off and had to slam on my breaks. The soup sloshed right out of the crock pot, filling my Ariat boots. I poured out the soup and rinsed the boot out, stuffed them with newspaper and let them dry. They were as good as new after drying. I have (twice) had to walk through waist deep water when my special (stupid) gelding wouldn't go through a stream, and when my tempermental (witch) mare balked at a very large puddle.
Carolyn