This feels like it wasn't quite worded well.

But yeah, when Deckers bought the Ugg brand name the quality went down. Similar to Dunlop Volleys which are now crappy quality too. I don't buy either now.

Might as well get any other brands version of the same thing - the quality is unlikely to be any worse. Hell, my kid opted for fluffy crocs instead even though they are yet to truly know the word bogan...

So what are the good Australian boot/shoe brands now?

I'm not a fashion guru. I'd argue there isn't any good Australian brand.

Maybe R.M.Williams boots if your wallet is tolerant to something way overpriced.

But they seem to be targeting the exec crowd who want dress-boots-with-aussie-country-cred while this exact marketing ploy is causing the loss of that credibility.

Again with the brand abuse. But the brand wants to exude quality, even if it is way over priced for what you get, so that's something.