text: I've been buying and wearing Oakley SI boots since the '90's with generally positive experiences with design, workmanship, etc. However, this new boot is a stark turn in the wrong direction.<br />1) Boot seems designed for aesthetics now at the expense of basic field use characteristics. Case in point - Previous iterations of this boot had connecting fabric along the sides of the tongue which prevented dirt, pebbles, etc from entering the boot. New model has a minimal strip and now everything easily gets inside the boot. The new philosophy seems to be &#34;who cares how it works/feels as long as it looks good.&#34;<br />2) Parts of the tread are weakly attached to the sole of the boot, a few hours of normal walking around and you are looking for the Gorilla Glue to re-attach a loose piece of waffle-shaped rubber to the bottom of your boot.<br />3) New upper material is thin and stiff, so although the boot is light, it isn't comfortable and doesn't feel rugged. The boot feels like you are wearing the cardboard box the boots came in and not the boot itself.<br />The success of this line of boot has spawned numerous competitors and Oakley might be a victim of their own success. Although they helped popularize this particular style of footwear, their decision to emphasize looks over usefulness has cost them at least one longtime customer.