I've been mostly wearing either my Red Wing Iron Rangers, or my African Rangers from Jim Green in South Africa. I like serious boots and shoes I can confidently wear in the woods, and I don't associate with people who worry about fashion. Good boots are worth the break-in period.
Yeah, my duty boots are 5.11 usually although I've had some different brands over the years. I've heard of and seen those Red Wing boots and they look pretty good although I've never had a pair for some reason.
That reason could certainly be because you're on the wrong continent. I've heard of R. M. Williams, good boots supposedly, but it makes no sense to import them. I'm frankly astonished the South African boots are feasible here.
Well, Red Wing boots and shoes are available here so that's not the issue at all, I just haven't bought any as I tend to stick to what I know. https://redwingshoes.com.au/