Not sure why you’re against rei? BUT they have an awesome 100% satisfaction guarantee….. 1 year return them if they fail or whatever. Not trying to sell you on the big box store over the mom and pop at all but for someone that’s testing things out and unsure what they are looking for it is very useful.
No issue with them, just that they don't have my size in stock for the La Sportiva boots that I wanted to try. I was hoping to find someplace local to try on the next size up to see if they fit. If not, I'll have to see about picking up a pair of Oboz or Hoka.