Change in quality? Or just a fluke?

I got a pair of these boots from my son-in-law 8 years ago and loved them. I wore those boots out. After enjoying these boots soo much, I thought another pair were the logical choice. My initial thought when receiving the new pair was "well...these LOOK similar to my old ones." They felt a bit cheaper. Not as quality construction. Yet, they may be better, so I gave them a chance. I wear these boots 5 days a week as a security officer. Nothing overly strenuous, an inside job for the most part. After wearing the boots for a couple months, I noticed a crack starting on my left boot, in the crease where my toes bend back. I added boot polish, thinking maybe it was dried out or some issue was there. The crack has gotten worse and I am now seeing the same problem starting on the other boot. I dont know if this was a one off or a fluke, yet it changes my desire to buy 5.11 boots in the future.

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