I've found that when buying boots, not to have them too grippy as the pole hose keeps catching on them rather than sliding across them. IT DOES MY HEAD IN!
I've worn the north face vindicators for a few years, which were great, but replaced them with some other north face ones after they wore out. Don't know the name and, that's the biggest difference I've found. I'd definitely check sole grippiness before I next buy.