These boots confirm why LL Bean has a reputation for high quality outdoor gear. The Bean product testers really put the gear through the mill and these boots show it. Backpacker Magazine's reviewer said he went out and got some for himself after his review. My son took them to Philmont, with only moderate break-in, and was one of the few guys not to get any blisters on the 11 day trek. Gore tex lining is essential, I think, for an experience like that. It rained solid for the last 6 days and the boots stayed dry. These are highly recommended.

These boots caught my eye because they came in a narrow width and because of the excellent reviews. As other people have written, I found them to be fantastically supportive and comfortable after minimal break in. As stated by LL Bean, these boots are comfortable for hiking, which also means that it feels good to take them off at the end of the day simply because you can move your ankles in more directions. In terms of being waterproof, during a trip to Alaska last summer I forded a large number of streams with absolutely no leakage.

Seems like a good boot. Unfortunately, I did not get a good fit. I have narrow feet and was pleased to find a well-reviewed boot in narrow width, but while it fit fine in width, the heel cup is simply built too low to accomodate my feet. I guess my heel bones extend unusually high toward the achilles tendon. Don't really want to give a low rating, but since I've never been able to wear these for a long time, I can't really say they are good. Thought the price was fair.

Customer Service

Bean's customer service is deserving of its reputation as the best. I would not have even considered buying boots through the mail without knowing that I was dealing with such a company.

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Vasque sundowners, which will have to continue sole duty for a while. Good boot.

I love these boots. I have had them for almost three years and I wear them hiking, snowshoeing, and just around town. The Vibram sole is still going strong and even though the leather is all beat to heck, they are so comfortable I wouldn't trade them for anything. Never had a blister. They took almost no time to break in.

I chose the Gore-Tex Cresta hikers after trying on shoes at a number of retail outlets. For a man with an extremely low volume foot, I quickly discovered that even the stores with the largest inventories did not have boots to fit my foot. I called LL Bean and spoke with a representative who recommended the Cresta Hiker. It was the right choice for my four day backpacking trip to the Great Smokey Mountains. The boot is very comfortable to wear, is water proof, and the support saved me from a twisted ankle on more than one occasion. The boot was superior to those I tried on at retail outlets. Since I require a narrow width, LL Bean was the right place to shop. Being a LL Bean customer of many years, I know that this company will stand behind their products. Customer satisfaction is a top priority for them. The price was comparable to boots made in China and sold under national brand names. The Gore-Tex Cresta hiker, however, is made in Italy which was a plus for me.

Customer Service

The knowledge of the customer service representative was superior. This boot was recommended based on information about the nature and purpose of the hike. It was the right choice, and I recommend it highly.

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These boots fit like a glove on my funny shaped foot. I sure didn't want to buy boots buy mail but I tried on every boot under the sun that I could get my hands on and they all were uncomfortable. After reading many reveiws and backpacker magazine rating them real high, I ordered them. I'm sure glad I did! They are ready to go right out of the box, no break in period. Some I tried on needed forever to break them in. One solid shoe and even looks good for just kicking around. I havn't done any serious hiking in them yet but I sure have been wearing them a lot; very comfortable!!!

Customer Service

Customer service at LL Bean is awesome!

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Vasque, Timberland

Fantastic boots! Break-in period was 2 hours! These have been from Death Valley to the top of Half Dome totalling more than 50 miles of mixed terrain so far and look great. More importantly not one blister. Just be sure to renew the leather treatment to keep your dogs dry.

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These boots are everything they are cracked
up to be. I like some many others took them
out of the box and on to the trail with nary a blister
or a hot spot. They fit like a glove. There is room
to wiggle your toes, but your heel stays locked in to
prevent blisters. I have taken them up many
muddy trails, and through creeks without any
moisture getting in. The only complaint I have
is that they should have put a rubber toe guard on, because the leather on the toe has gotten beat up
while banging into rocks on the trail.

Customer Service

I agree with everyone else. The service is the best
in the buisness.

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For those who want support with breathability, try the fabric/leather crestas. I have not really thrashed mine yet, but they are extremely comfortable out of the box. Plenty of room, especially in the toe box, without problems with heel slip if laced properly. The durability seems very good, though obviously not like the all leather version should be. There is one small stitch defect, that does not appear severe enough to return them. Time will tell if it holds or if I rip it open...

Customer Service

LL Bean will do just about anything to keep you as a customer

These shoes are great! They started out a little stiff, but that was good because now they have stayed at that perfect broken in fit for some time. I would recamend these to anyone who doesen't want to spend $200 on a pair of boots ,but expects the same quality. Extra bonus, If you buy from ll bean with their credit card shipping is free!!!!

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