About nine months to a year after I bought these boots, which incidentally gave me some serious blisters and still do, I had one of the lacing hooks break off--POW!, just like that. I contacted Merrell, and they basically told me that I was out of luck--they didn't have anything set up to deal with anything like that. A little while ago, I had a SECOND lacing hook break off. In my opinion, these hooks are not the kind of thing that should be wearing out on a boot like this, especially since, by Merrell's own admission, they cannot be replaced.

My 2 last pairs of boots have been Merrell Cascade. These boots have been so good for me and they are so comfortable you can wear them just for a walk in the park. They stopped making them and this boot is in ways better carbon fiber, but the ankle support is better just a little bulky. I will buy them again. REI NEEDS to carry these though, they were impossible to find in the Seattle area. I am glad I took the chance without trying them on as the only other boot that came close was the LA sportiva and they look like something from the 70s.

I took these babies on some serious backpacking in the Weminuche (SW CO) last summer. I have to rate these boots as 5 stars. I was amazed at their comfort right out of the box. They are very well made in all aspects. They performed exactly as they they are advertised. For a lighter weight mountaineering boot, these definitely fit the bill, but they are perhaps a little heavy for normal summertime backpacking.

I was worried these boots would be too heavy for sheep hunting...took a chance.. got them on a thursday and hiked up the mountains friday..totally awesome..no need to break in...no blisters..no sore knees etc..Definetly a hit...brother-in-law wants a pair now too!!!

Nice boot but they did not work for me. First 11 mi hike (break in day) they absolutely ate my feet. My LaSportiva's never did that and were just a bit shorter. That said I am sure others who like the higher boot would be pleased with the product. Well built and rugged for certain. I sure wanted them to work!

I stay in India, and had trouble getting it shipped here, as your company doesn't ship to India. But after going through all the trouble of getting it shipped through a friend from there, I am more than happy to have these shoes.
Tough yet comfortable, and great design.

I definitely recommend these shoes for Alpine climbing.