A good pair of 'loafers' at $138 is reasonable. Good work boots are expensive. At Hudsons Bay, the Swim brand loafer is $159 and Hush Puppies $150.
A workman's cap toe boot is $200 (but on sale for less). A Rockport waterproof is &170 (sale $120). Really good boots are higher.

Seems to me the complaints here are nonsense.