These were a gift from my awesome boyfriend for Christmas. His family had loved these boots, and he wanted to invest in a quality pair of hiking boots for me. I also received the Cresta-specific socks and never wore anything else with them. He had ordered a variety of sizes and the 6.5 wide fit great! Put them on Christmas day and tromped around the house all day in them. First impression: very sturdy, but felt very stiff and unyielding. My feet hurt by the end of the day, and there was a line of bruises around my calves.
The next day we went on a short but steep hike. The boots hurt to put on, and felt like ski boots to hike in. They were completely unyielding, to the point that I had to hike flat-footed uphill, or the leather cut in at the bend in my foot or around the calves. I loosened them so they didn't cut in as much, but they then felt very insecure. Also, the leather was very stiff so that every time I stepped on a rock at an angle, the entire boot twisted in that angle, jerking my body to the side.
A week later we did a 3-day trip to Sequoia. The boots were very warm and waterproof! However, they still hurt to hike in: the longest hike we did was 4 miles and was painful.
Since then, I've worn them during the day, worn them at work, worn them on short hikes, and they always hurt by the end of the day. I've stopped lacing them past the second rivet(?) as they were too painful to wear.
A couple weeks ago, we went to Yosemite. They were ok on a 1.3 mile uphill/downhill hike, although uncomfortable. Then we did the 6.5 mile hike to Rancheria Falls as an overnight. It's not a tough hike, but by the time we got to our campsite, both big toes were blistered and there was a line of bruises/blisters across the top of each foot. I tried loosening the laces, but the boots felt floppy and insecure. They were great for wading through streams, though!
Conclusion: these are going back. After 5 months, they've been nothing but painful. I really wanted to give them a fair chance, since everyone else loves them and they seem to be awesome boots. Also, I've never owned a heavy-duty pair of boots before, and thought the long breaking-in period was normal. But they were just too painful/stiff/clunky/heavy for me and I dread wearing them. On the plus side, they are wicked waterproof and warm!
I bought these after reading other reviews, and have been nothing but pleased. These boots really are "out of the box comfortable." I've used them on a short/easy trail, and more challenging trails over rocks, and through water in the first month. No blisters or hot spots, and they breathe amazingly well.
Used these in Grand Canyon. Bought them based on advice from your Outdoor Specialists. Excellent choice! The leather/fabric mix was perfect for the 40s/80s temps and rainy/clear weather. The tread worked perfectly on the loose, rocky terrain. After a couple of short hikes preparing for the Canyon, the boots were supple enough for the steep incline/decline so that no bruising or blistering occurred. Can't wait to put them to work again!
I tried the boots on once I received them, and I thought I had to break them in. Boy, was I wrong! They are so comfortable, more than my regular sneakers. I'm taking them to Alaska this summer for my photography tour, and I plan on doing a lot of walking and I can't wait to wear them! Thank you LLB for making a great product!
