Review Date
July 5, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.25 of 5, 4 votes

Reviewed by: GDP(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Norwalk, CT

Price Paid:  $170.00 at LL Bean (online)

Summary:
Great boots! I've had them about a year now, and they've been terrific on all kinds of terrain and very comfortable. I have arch problems and usually wear custom arch supports, but the built-in support in these boots has been sufficient on its own.

The only downsides I've noticed is that the toe area of the boot gets chewed up really quickly (just a cosmetic problem)and that these boots can be pretty hot b/c of the Gore-Tex. But their durability and comfort is top notch!

Customer Service:
LL Bean's customer service is excellent.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
February 14, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Laurie Sweeney(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Meadow Vista, CA USA

Price Paid:  $169.00 at LLBEAN

Summary:
I'm in love with these boots. I bought two pair, one for me and one for my daughter for a 7 day Grand Canyon trip - 60+ miles. I didn't put anything special on my feet other than good socks, and I was comfortable for the whole trip. No break in. Comfortable from day 1. We have the all leather with Goretex on the inside. I completely submersed my foot in a stream one day, and my foot was dry in a 1/2 an hour.

I believe they have some that have a protector for the toe now that I would purchase. The rocky canyon chewed up the finish on the toes.

Fabulous boot.

Customer Service:
They sent me a couple of sizes to try out to ensure the correct fit. No problems.

Similar Products Used:
Niki boots. Not fair to compare because I didn't get a good fit for these.

Review Date
August 16, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: LJM(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Oakland, CA

Summary:
Just did 120 miles of the John Muir in the Bean Leather/Fabric Crestas. Couldn't be happier with their performance--good protection & support without too much weight. I had a rand made to protect toes, which were prone to scuffing. Break-in was easy. A great basic boot.

Review Date
September 8, 1999

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Kathy(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from New England

Summary:
These boots are comfortable right out of the box, no break-in required. And they come in narrow width, so I don't have to buy one size too small or wear two pair of socks to take up the extra room.

Customer Service:
I know from past experiences with L.L. Bean that they will stand behind their product if I ever have trouble.

Similar Products Used:
These boots replace a pair of Gore-Tex Danner light hiking boots that were always a half size small on me, but lasted a very long time.

Review Date
August 7, 1999

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Susan(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Willits, California

Summary:
These boots are a dream come true! They will allow me to start backpacking again (along with a new, short-torso pack). They are one of the few boots that come in narrow width and have a much better fit (and are cheaper) than the comparable Vasque boot. In fact, they are made, beautifully, in Italy, and have a great fit for women: snug heel, but plenty of toe room. They are very substantial and supportive, but not at all stiff or restrictive. I have been buying and suffering with hiking boots for 30 years and these are the best fit, by far, that I have ever experienced.

Customer Service:
L.L. Bean's customer service can't be beat. They stand behind everything 100% even if you just vaguely happen to not like it after use. When I had a question about fit, the customer service rep told me to wear the boots and if they didn't break in the way I had hoped, to exchange for another pair in the same size, or a refund. Beat that!

Similar Products Used:
Danner, Vasque, REI, Brand X