Feb 6, 2012 - 11:39 AM
It's difficult to find boots with a leather lining because there's better ways of making a boot and has been for 30 years. Your Swiss boots were called "Raichle" and they are part of Mammut another Swiss company, they have not been sold to a Chinese company but some models could well be manufactured there.
Manufacturers stopped using leather as a liner as knit nylons and other membranes require less breaking in, less aftercare and are more durable.
I think you ought to listen to the guys in the outdoor stores, it sounds like they're giving you good advice.