I bought these boots (second hand) fifteen years ago. I paid 15 bucks for the back then :) They're still in good condition, a little scuffed on the toes, but they've held up really well. I haven't taken good care of them at all, otherwise they would probably still look like new. I don't usually hike with them unless I know it's going to be a wet or muddy hike but when I do I wear really THICK socks, otherwise they're uncomfortable around the ankles. Mostly I use them for yard work, or wear them when it's snowy or wet. They're still waterproof and they still have the original laces too. The ones I have were made in Italy, though the new ones are probably made in China or some other place.
I researched several hiking boots and decided on these. I had $80 in Bean coupons so it made the purchase easier. The boots did not need any breaking-in and they are really waterproof. Extremely comfortable and warm. Very well made. My feet are very happy!
I purchased these boots about 12 years ago. I've put them through a tremendous amount of abuse, use them regularly, and haven't made any attempt whatsoever to take care of them. They've survived New England blizzards, torrential downpours in the rainforest, and the steep, insanely muddy landslidey hills of California rainy seasons. They haven't even begun to wear out or fall apart. Even the shoelaces are intact.
These boots are comfortable for all levels of hiking. They keep my feet warm in cold weather, dry in wet weather, and never feel suffocating in hot weather. They stick to the ground and NEVER slip. I hiked up an incredibly steep volcano once in Nicaragua with a group of 10, and was the only one by the end who hadn't slipped on my butt. Of course, I don't have super powers. But I was the only one with killer boots from Bean! I hike through streams with these boots just because I can. They dry off almost instantaneously and your feet don't know the difference. The gor-tex works like magic. I love these boots!
If you hike, these boots are well-worth splurging on because you'll never have to buy another pair of boots. (These words are coming from someone who is a major cheapskate!)
These have been the easiest hiking boots I have ever broken in. I did not experience any blisters or severe pain while breaking these in. My feet are very sensitive to footwear change. I highly recommend these boots. I like them much better than my old hiking boots.
