I bought these boots in 2009. They were wonderful boots, very comfortable right from the start. HOWEVER...I have worn them very little, and last week the soles just disintegrated! The uppers still look brand new, but the boots are now useless. I looked up the issue online, and found that this is not an uncommon problem around the world. Lowa apparently does not consider this to be a design or materials problem, because no one that contacted Lowa got any resolution of their problem. Therefore, though I love the shoe, I couldn't recommend it if you don't wear your boots much but want them to last a long time.