User Review: Merrell Perimeter Gore-Tex

This is my second pair of light MERREL Hikers in the past 16 years...my 1st pair (nubuk finish, can't recall name) finally wore out. The sole wore, not the boot or hardware! 

I purchased a pair of Perimeter Gore-tex Novemebr 2010 and within 4 days of just day-to-day wear, the top lace bracket pulled away from the boot! I took them back to the retailer I bought at and they special ordered a new pair. 

I have worn these ones for two weeks and the same thing is happening. The feel and comfort are amazing, however with two pair in a row doing the exact same thing, it causes me some concern, as if this (lets say) stayed intact past the warranty and then let go....iIwould be buying new boots. 

From closer inspection, these top lace brackets (not sure the proper name for the hardware) are not reinforced with a plate or anything. It appears that they are just riveted into the fabric. Without question, these MERRELS would not last like my old ones did...16 years vs 4 days and/or two weeks. 

I have other hikers that definitely have something hard like a big washer or plate that provides that extra strength. I'm very disappointed and have emailed MERREL Customer Service looking for some answers. My advice would be to keep an eye on that top bracket prior to your warranty expiring!