I have returned both my Hi-Tec V-lite Rapidhike Boot and Hi-Tec V-lite Shoes.
The soles of both the shoes and the boots (they would appear to be made of the same compound) started breaking apart after only a short while of walking and hiking. The different layers of the soles of the boots even started to come apart. I returned both the shoes and the boots, and invested in a pair of Merrell Phaser Inferno Hiking Shoes.
I did win a pair of Hi-Tec Trail Eruption shoes which have Vibram soles. They have been outstanding hiking shoes. I certainly will avoid Hi-Tec footwear from now on unless the soles are Vibram.