I've tried both of the above and they both fit (wide fitting) and feel good on the foot.

 Does anybody have any long term views of these boots, i.e. how long do the soles last, how durable is the leather (especially when they've been used in rocky areas).

 Also, there uses with crampons - has anyone ever accidentally skewered the boot - and how has the leather stood up to it?

 Cheers is advance

I've had my SLs about 7 years IIRC. Still very comfortable and have the original soles still functional. the leather got scuffed very early on when scrambling but it is only an aesthetic consideration as it didn't compromise the water repellency and it smartens back up after treating with Nikwax Aqueous Wax.

I look after them and have never had any problem with water getting in to my feet - unless it comes over the tops of course - and the cambrelle lining dries really quickly if that happens. No probs with C1 crampies although I have never skewered them.

I am on my third pair of SLs (the wide fitting version).  The first two pairs lasted a total of about 12 years of very heavy use,  being used most weekends, and plenty of rocky ground too.  The current M3 sole unit lasts as long as the boot itself from my experience (the first pair had the old skywalk sole unit and were resoled).

On both boots the reason for retirement was the leather cracking at a flex point near the front of the foot (repairs with glue did the trick for a while, but they did become less waterproof).   To be honest, you could have got some more use out of them if really keen! 

Can't really fault durability, great boots if they fit you.

Used wide SLs for yonks, have several pairs. I keep the best for serious stuff including winter, worst for dry summers, so I get full use out of them and always have a pair with good soles for winter.  Very long-lasting, great for crampons though not so sure about the new SLs as they look more flexible, with more stitching to wear out and let in water.  Managed to get some of the last old style recently.

 I think you'd do well to skewer them - they're pretty tough!

 If you get them, use Scarpa's own wax, nothing else - it's easily the best (IMO).  I couldn't keep water out of a previous pair until Scarpa sent me a trial tube of their stuff - what a difference!

Flighty,

What about the trail article sometime ago which "scientifically" tested membrane and non membrane boots where the instrumentation used detected no, or insignificant differences between them in breathability, dampness and generated warmth? Were they lying? I have worn both and I have to say that the only difference I have noticed is the increased waterproofness of the membrane boots.

How can a piece of leather saturated with grease be breathable? Obviously, that part of the leather nearest to the foot will not be so impregnated and will absorb moisture from perspiration, up to a point. The moisture cannot get out and after a few hours walking my feet have been just as sweaty and damp as when wearing a membrane lined boot.

As for Scarpa SLs not needing a membrane, I can assure you that 48 hours out in the Black Mountains on a RN leadership course, constantly moving in incessant, torrential rain has shown me otherwise.

They are brilliant boots but don't make claims for them that don't stand up.

If you tell people that membrane boots keep your feet warmer and wetter than non membrane boots people suddenly start noticing a phenomenon that existed before these membranes were invented (the phenomenon I refer to is that feet encased in leather, especially "waterproofed" leather will become warm and damp during extended periods of high exertion). What those people do then, because the "experts" have told them that it is the case, is believe that these perfectly natural consequences of exercise are due to the presence of the membrane. Codswallop?

To be honest I doubt any boot would stay dry in the conditions Dynddinas describes due to the bloody great hole in the top!!

 From everything I've read on various websites - no-ne seems to be able to categorically say that membraned boots are better or vice versa. My current Meindl Burma's with goretex aren't waterproof anymore!

What i'm more interested in is the hard-wearing-ness of the leather itself and also the sole when used in rocky British conditions throughout the summer and winter - the SLs and also the Altbergs.