IceIcebaby,
I don't know if it's just me or what but I have blown out the back on two pairs of these boots(LaSportiva Eigers).The spot I've had the failure in is above the heel where the leather and the rubber meet.Same spot on both pairs.This happened to both pairs at about 10 months of use.I am fairly hard on boots and I thought I had found a bullit-proof solution but I guess I was wrong.I must add that I have had (and still have)other LaSportiva boots and they have been my favorite brand of leathers.Anyway,I'm about to try the new Salomon Pro ice.I'm glad my Eigers were from REI because I can just exchange them.The down side is that they have a very limited selection of leather boots at this time.No LaSportivas at all!hence the Salomons.Wish me luck!