The are the BEST!!!
Just got mine this year , as did my husband, and they are the best.
I have done lots of bushwhacking, icy rocky ridge traverses, deep snow trail breaking,trailrunning and the usual terrain. Great traction, not a hint of failure and pure comfort w/ ease of use.
Tmax, I don't wear a hard shell boot and can't figure out how they hurt your toes. My feet are super sensitive w/ arthritis etc. and w/ my Columbia Bugaboos (a whopping $60 boot!) they are awesome. I do use custom orthodics (a serious investment of $400+), I feel like I'm walking on air! The orthodic keeps my footie in position and provides support to prevent unnecessary fatigue or failure (kind of like a bridge support!)
There is some shredding of the plastic but nothing significant --just looks scuffed which is amazing considering some of the rock I've clambered up.
5star rating from this Cat!