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.

Similar Products Used:

None

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!

Similar Products Used:

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.

Similar Products Used:

None

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.

Similar Products Used:

None

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!!!!

Similar Products Used:

None

Great Boot! Perfect fit right out of the box. I wore them to work for a week, walked around Boston at lunch and then hit the trails. No blisters, some minor hot spots but they were due more to ill fitted socks than the boots. Love the ankle support and ample toe room. They are a little on the warm side and the toes get skuffed up quickly. I think a toe guard of some kind would be a nice addition. Other than that this is a fine hiking boot!

Customer Service

LL Bean's customer service sets the standard for everyone else.

Similar Products Used:

None

L.L. Bean's Cresta Hikers are comfortable right out of the box and have yet to cause me to suffer a blister. I have sloshed through mud and streams and thus far no wet feet. The only complaint I have is with the insole which I replaced with a more durable model. Otherwise, the Cresta Hiker is a hard to beat value.

Customer Service

L.L. Bean's customer service is second to none. The few problems I have experienced with their products have been amicably resolved.

Fantastic boots, great attention to detail from the Vibram soles to the smooth Italian leather.
Had no problem using the boots right out of the box, but found that I had to wear extra thick socks to prevent heel blisters.

Being Gore-Tex boots I had no problems crossing low running streams. Absolutely water proof!

Customer Service

L.L.Bean has the best customer service. I only wish other companies were as friendly and knowledgable.