We returned the boots to LL Bean. These boots were purchased for my mother. She has a high arch, which makes it difficult to slip her foot into boots. We thought the zip-front would help, but the zipper doesn’t extend down far enough, and it was extremely difficult for her to get the boots on. It took two of us, and about 10 minutes of tugging! A wider boot would not have helped, because then she’d either have to wear thick socks, creating the same problem, or wear a boot that was too loose once on.
In addition, the leather is very stiff and inflexible, and Mom thought they would just be uncomfortable to wear in any case.
These boots were the right size and seemed promising from the catalog. They promised warmth to thirty below and living in Minnesota, that is something that has happened in the past. They also appeared lighter in weight which is a plus for me since I am older and short and heavy boots become a challenge in the snow. The first try on for these boots sealed their fate and they were returned. The back of the boot hit the calves of my legs with uncomfortable pressure. The material was very stiff and unyielding and after a few minutes wearing, I realized they'd always cause leg pain. Someone taller probably would enjoy them.
The looks are accurate. After trying them on, I thought, wow it is really hitting my calf, maybe it will stretch out...I wore them once on my walk outside and there is something inside the boot around the ankle area that dug a hole right out of my ankle. Very painful.
The height pounds the bottom of your calf, it needs to have lighter material so that it does not hurt in the upper top of these boots. Needless to say, they went right back.
