re: How poorly made are these jungle boots?

I will tell ya, ETA Fix Link Go Ruck MACV-1 boots and shoes like the MACV-1 are unbelievably light and comfortable. No kidding, the MACV-1 weigh less than half of what I was used to in terms of boots.

They have more expensive "heritage" lines, but I took some mid-top MACV-1s ($99) to England, and they were unbelievably awesome. 10-15 miles a day, most comfortable footwear I put on. With GoRuck socks, of course. Darn Tough socks I tested gave me a blister I had to drain of blood, but that was the socks, not the boots.

If you want to go cheaper (maybe), you can try Palladium, although a lot of the line is fashion oriented. Some is still IL Army worthy, but then there is weirdness like no eyelets which makes them harder to lace and unlace.

GoRuck. You can beat them to hell, the tread sticks around. Just be wary on tile that is wet, the sole is designed to be in dirt or on concrete, not smooth surfaces.