In reply to discosucks:
It's a bit of a non discussion point to forward project the quality of your new purchase? Katana's come in Velcro and lace, and are quite different shoes in terms other than just closure, this is true of most/ all Sportiva shoes, in as much as laced/Velcro versions even use different lasts and construction.
I have never owned the Velcro, but I am on my fith pair of laces and other than rubber wearing out, they are awsome, two pairs have been resoled, and these are now worn out again. But no issue at all with uppers even after 2 soles.
I do think some shoes look scruffy compared to others, but this is probably aesthetics over function.