L.L. Bean Limmer Hiking Boots

Review Date
June 8, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Chas(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer

Price Paid:  $325.00 at Peter Limmer and Son

Summary:
These boots are the benchmark hiking/ mountaineering boot. It is true that, with time, they mold to your feet quite well. However, as indicated in many of the other reviews, it can take a REALLY LONG TIME to break them in, and it will be very uncomfortable.

Customer Service:
Amazing! great guys to deal with.

Similar Products Used:
too many to list

Review Date
January 25, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: braumeister ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $600.00 at Limmer

Summary:
I have a pair of Limmer custom boots (the Limmer Standard model, but custom made). There is, of course, both good and bad news.

First, the good:
These are, without a doubt, the finest hiking boots made. The quality is just so outstanding that I don't have anything to compare them to. Think of roll-Royce or Mercedes-Benz about 10-15 years ago when they were the benchmarks for automobiles, and you'll get the idea of where Limmers stand in relation to other hiking boots.

Beyond quality, the most striking thing about them is that the more you wear them, the more they mold themselves to your feet, which means the more comfortable they get. As far as I can tell, this process continues indefinitely. It's almost scary!

Second, the bad news. This is also in two parts.
The boots are expensive, if you just think of how much they cost. On the other hand, if you think of them in terms of overall cost (they will last you for decades, not just years), the cost is quite reasonable.

The most significant thing, in the minds of most new owners, is that the breaking in period is longer than any other boot you have ever owned. You have to follow the Limmer instructions and break them in the right way, and it will take you a very long time. How long? My personal feeling is that you'll put 100 miles on them before you can say they are really comfortable. After that, it's all gravy. You'll be amazed at how they just keep getting more and more comfortable as the years go by.

Bottom line: super comfortable after a very long break in period, and initial high cost offset by very long lifespan.

Review Date
January 11, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Moon Glade(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Great Boots. Must have.

Customer Service:
Would love to purchase a Limmer Boots 10 1/2 Wide.

Review Date
September 11, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.29 of 5, 7 votes

Reviewed by: Gilles (Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer

Price Paid:  $300.00 at Footsloggers NC

Summary:
As a former USFS Wilderness Ranger with well over 650 miles logged backpacking every year, I can say BUY THIS BOOT! Any boot worth buying does require a break in period. Previous review that talk about returning the boots in one week are ludicrous. The break in period for any boot worth hiking in will be long to those that are used to the lightweight sneakers that masquarade as boots today. Follow the advice from the cobblers, and you will soon be singing the praises of this style of boot. Previous experience included the Raichle Eiger, which has double seems in the heel area. THose seems burst after a year in the Pasayten Wilderness patrolling trails such as the PCT and many offtrail miles. The Limmer boot, once broken in properly, will become your best friends. Having spent silly time attending to wilderness travellers with twisted ankles, bruised soles, wrecked knees, huge blisters and miserable experiences, I will tell you, don't ruin your body or your experince by buying anything less than a Limmer.

PS I am 5' 11" but a solid :) 205 pounds, carrying a very heavy 85 pound pack. Patrols are solo for 10 days in the Wilderness with an average of 19 miles a day, yes I said 19 miles a day, with an average elevation gain/loss dail of over 10k feet a day. So I KNOW BOOTS!

Customer Service:
Have yet to experience.

Similar Products Used:
Raichle Eigers. These were good boots until the heel seems burst and then they were trash. They cost more than the Limmers, were heavier and more difficult to break in. They served me well during the

Review Date
September 9, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: James Gladden(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from New York, NY

Price Paid:  $250.00 at Peter Limmer, Interv

Summary:
My first boots are Scarpas which I consider "light weight" for fun hikes without a heavy pack. For serious hiking and backpacking you need a serious pair of boots. Both my wife and I purchased our Limmers from Peter at the shop in New Hampshire. I own a customized, off the self pair. Due to my narrow feet (AA) Peter did something very creative! I have a pair of double tongued boots. If Peter is reading this...Yes, I have finally broken them in!

Customer Service:
Superb..The boot cleaner/conditioner is a must!

Similar Products Used:
Scarpa