I was a big fan of REI.  Used to buy mtb boots regularly, gradually climbing the price scale over time.  Till I got to the top, full leather $300 on sale or so.  I never price compared.<p>Then recently I had a fairly new pair, worn daily for months, but the tread was still near new.  Minimal signs of wear, still clean.  Keep in mind these are full leather hiking boots.<p>A major seam burst, when I mentioned it REI said, oh, you don&#x27;t squat in them do you?  I said not regularly.  Then they denied the return and said buy another pair.<p>Pretty disappointing, I certainly won&#x27;t be buying there again unless they have the best price.