Location of shoe tearing

[kngoPITT]

So I just bought a pair of Nike Air Max Breathe Cages from TW (finally decided to get proper shoes) since my old running shoes have pretty big holes now on the outer sides of the shoes near the big toes...Not exactly sure what part of the shoe this is considered. I took pictures to clarify:

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/8471/dscn1424li5.jpg
http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/5641/dscn1426uv6.jpg

I had been using these for about a year and a half, but I remember the tearing started after the first few times I played with them. The Cages certainly look more durable than regular running shoes in that area of the shoe atleast. :

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/859/dscn1427rh2.jpg

Can anyone give me some insight on how well the Cages would hold up in this area since it seems to be the area with most wear for me? Also, would Nike's durability guarantee cover this? Thanks.

EDIT: I play exclusively on hard courts.

[whosyumom]

Although i cant really diagnose your shoe tearing on your old pair of shoes, but im guessing its just from normal dragging or since movement in tennis is usually lateral, its getting worn to bits on the sides.
About the Nike Durability Warranty, Nike only replaces the shoe if the OUTSOLE is worn through (ex: toe area has a hole) They relplaced my airmax breathe frees =]

[crazy8tiger]

I also have this problem where the toe of my shoes won't wear out but the sides will like yours. Nike would probably replace it if you wear it out on the blue part where the outsole wraps up. But they probably wouldn't if you break it higher than that.