Yes, but this ends up being misleading because it fails to account for advances in manufacturing technology. It's far cheaper to make shoes today than it was in 1976 because manufacturing is far more automated and vastly more outsourced. You should see a price well below the inflation rate because the costs of manufacturing are decreasing over time.

I think the argument was that the old boots are better because of the manufacturing methods and materials used back in the day. Yes, stuff is cheaper today but especially for clothes quality has dropped too. As a second anecdote in the same direction, I have a winter coat my father bought in the 70s and a couple of shirts made in 80s. They are much thicker and stronger material than the same brands use today.

That's survivorship bias. There was lots of junk made in the 70s-80s, it's just not around any longer because it wore out and was discarded. Average quality isn't any worse than it was 40 years ago; most mass manufactured goods are better made today than before.

You can still buy clothes that will last decades, they're just more expensive than the average person is willing to pay. Especially considering the length of time that something stays fashionable.

ETA: I just looked in my closet because I have a Sears dress shirt from the 70s. It is thin enough I can easily see my hand through it.

I still have some Brooks Brothers oxford shirts from the 60s. The fabric is very thick. And no pocket!

When the collars wore out, I'd remove them and sew them in upside down. You just can't kill BB shirts made up to around 1980.