L.L. Beans statement that these boots are comfortable right of the box is not overstated. The boots are very comforatble. I have not had one blister on three trips to the Benton Mackaye in N. Ga., the A.T. in N.C. and the Bartram Trail in N.C. Highly recommended for mid-weight backpacking.

Customer Service

It took three tries to get the correct size of boot. L.L. Bean customer service was outstanding in assisting me with the purchase and returns associated with boot purchase.

I may have finally found my "golden slipper" in the leather/nylon version of the Cresta! They're relatively lightweight and dry as a bone.
I got the mail-order fit right on the first try, and break-in was quick and dreamy. Nary a hot spot in the first 50 miles, though the "big paces" have yet to come. Most comfy, toe-wagging, snug-heel fit these Fred Flintstone feet have ever seen, that's for sure. Can't speak to durability at this early stage, however.

Customer Service

LL Bean service is the legend stuff--everyone knows that! The "boot hotline"
rep told me to return these at any time
and for any reason if I wasn't happy with them (and meant it). I was encouraged to try them out on the trail
instead of in the living room.

Similar Products Used:

Montrail Moraine AT
Vasque Clarion GTX
Merrell (various)
LL Bean Gortex day hikers (good w/ light pack)

Great Boot, very comfortable; only improvement would be a rubber toe rand for protection of the toe area. Are you listening, LL Bean?

Customer Service

Unbeatable

Similar Products Used:

None

Decided to purchase these boots after all the fine reviews on this site and I must say that I have not regretted it for one minute. I am a relatively easy fit so no worries ordering from the LL Bean web site.
The boots fit like a glove and are very quick to break in. Did a short 5 mile hike through the hills east of Fairbanks with my 2 German Shepherds and they complained more than my feet. We are all out of shape after a long winter.
The toe box is nice and roomy and the heel cup snug. The footbed is excellent and no hints of blistering or pinch points after the boot's virgin tour.
Outstanding value....so far.

Customer Service

LL Bean is the best. No questions asked returns. Suberb and knowledgeable support.

Similar Products Used:

None

I wanted a boot that would fit my small wide foot as well as handle all the abuse I deal with on the trails. I chose to try these boots after reading reviews from this sight. I would certainly have to say that these are some fantastic boots. Breaking in took a mere day or two and I received no pain at all ever. I do agree that Gore-tex is alittle warm in the summer time on the same token though I don't have to fool with waterproofing for my feet. For paying 170 for a pair, if your serious about hiking(Day or Backpacking) and care for your feet I would certainly recommend these to anyone.

Customer Service

I went through many pairs of boots for sizes and styles from LL Bean. Just to get the right fit and to be happy with the boot. I tested each boot on the trails(even in mud) decided that it wasn't what I wanted, cleaned them up and sent them back. This company certainly stands by there products and cares for there customers.
Another good company is www.campmor.com that I had a similar test series with and still no hassles. The prices are pretty good too.

Similar Products Used:

Vasque Clarion GTX
Merrell Grand Traverse
Vasque Vista GTX
LL Bean Speed Hikers
LL Bean Knife Edge Boots

I've had 2 pair of the all leather Cresta Hikers and they've never hurt me. In fact, while backpacking, I never even have to think about my feet, which is the ultimite compliment when carrying 50#. Since then,(I still use them), I just recently ordered a pair of the Speed Guide Hikers, ands so far the initial break-in has been uneventful,(that's a compliment too). I'd recomend these to anyone.

Customer Service

WHAT IS UP WITH LLBEAN??????? Why is it that they can bend over backwards to make sure the customer is satisfied w/ thier purchase, NO questions asked, while with some of the others it's felt you've got to come up with foolproof excuse as to why something is being returned. I'll buy from Bean any day.

Similar Products Used:

None- just LLBean

I purchased the Hunter version of the Cresta Hiker. It's a taller boot and provides better ankle protection. I used them straight out of the box on a week long trip to South Dakota. They required virtually no break in and my feet were blister free as proof to their soft and durable leather. Replace the insert with another brand ( I used Vasque ) as the one used isn't very supportive.

Customer Service

Excellent service. Always top notch.

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None

These boots are perfect for a day hiker who does not over use the boots. I have had three pairs of these boots in uder a year. They all wore out because of over use. They are also a very flexible boot, not to be used on anything to rocky (i had trouble on Mt. Washington coming out of tuckermans). They are a great boot comfort wise, with a short break in time, but do not expect any them to last a life time of hard use. Just a note- remeber gore-tex is great, but it wears out in boots very quickly (sometimes less then 6 months).

Customer Service

As usual Bean's replaced the boots twice after stitching failure. They are the best example of a custmer orriented return/repair service I have ever come across

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Limmer Boots(The best I have ever owned) LL Bean Knife's Edge

I have size 14 feet, and was reluctant to buy boots by mail order. However, I knew of Bean's policy of accepting returns whatever the reason might be for a customer's dissatisfaction, so I figured I had nothing to lose. The boots came, they fit perfectly, and I immediately went on a backpacking trip 5 miles in and out with my four kids, which meant of course that I ended up carrying their loads often. The boots were comfortable right out of the box. No blisters or even hot spots. Totally waterproof and warm, I even wear them as my everyday winter boot here in the Snow Belt. I love them.

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None

great boots. a little stiff at first. the boots are very roomy which is good for my odd shaped feet. i love them

Customer Service

i first got a pair that was a half a size too small. beans took them back no questions asked as they always will. you can never beat beans service. it helps when they are forty minutes from my house.

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None