I'm a bit partial to Meindl boots (not all of Cabelas' boots are Meindl), but regardless of the brand, they will eventually need to be re-soled. I will have Air Bobs put on my Meindls next time. I went through the rear corner of the original heel pretty fast due to a bad, shuffling walk. The nice lady at the re-sole place said she would put some on that wouldn't wear so fast. She sure did!!! I sound like a 300lb woman walking in high heels on a wooden floor
Feels like I'm walking on wooden blocks, too. Oh well, they have lasted very well and I may have to have to have them replaced way before they start wearing out.
I've never had a pair of Meindl boots that leaked, and one pair was 14 years when I retired them. As mentioned above, if they leak, take them back for new ones.