I've been a Meindl fan for years, they've been ready to wear straight out the box but recently as I couldn't find the type I wanted I switched to the Hanwag Tatra, they're just as good and seem to be more waterproof but this could be as they're still newish. Goretex linings are great but I find they leak with age, so the less stitching in the uppers the better. I'm poor at maintaining my boots, I give them a brush under the tap and let them dry naturally, that's it. Don't forget the value of comfy socks and decent insoles (Supafeet Green/Trailblazer in my case). In winter I wear winter boots with firmer soles for crampons and ice/snow work and a warmer heat reflective insole. I get through a pair of normal boots about every 2 years, the goretex lining is usually gone by then and the grip on the soles has worn to such a state that they provide little grip on some surfaces. Time to get rid. I've resoled my winter boots and might do so again.
Everybody's feet are different and one boot may be great for one person and not another, if they don't fit you'll soon regret it.