I put my faith in Doc Martens because the last pair I bought (In 2002, as an impressionable semi-goth youth, with my first paycheck) lasted six years of me wearing (and beating the shit out of) them for five to seven days a week, every week. They are still extremely comfortable and the leather is lovely but the soles are completely worn out and there is a big split in one. I could have had them resoled but I am a lady who likes shoes and buying new things.
Also I purchased cherry red 10-holes, originally hand-made in England in 2001 (and Quality Control checked by Sue, they proudly proclaim), which are quite a bit more expensive than the basic black 8-hole boot.
Please remember as well that I am Australian, and our money is supposedly worthless.