Just got back from hiking the Whites in these boots. I did not have time to break them in but you need not worry because they were comfortable right out of the box. They went over rocks and through tons of mud and water and I am happy to say that my feet were very comfy throughout the whole trip!
The Gore-Tex Cresta Hikers are the best kept secret in motorcycling! Cool, waterproof, windproof and come in many widths for a custom fit! Ever notice at the big bike rallies that you walk as much as you ride? Or more? No need to pack that extra pair of hiking boots - these already are! I have sung the praises of this boot as a hiking boot, but for riders, you get two for the price of one! Try em - well worth the money!
Beautiful boots, out of the box comfortable, no breaking in needed, fit like heaven. ONE thing, the stiff ankle support does take some getting used to (must wear higher socks) and the boots are heavy and you would think more suited to cooler climates I guess, but I have worn these a bit now and my feet were never too hot, and I was very comfortable. I have not gotten a chance to wear these to test the waterproof aspect, but from the other reviews I think I have no worries. Regarding the person/reviewer that says he already bought a second pair and stashed them under the bed in case LLBean stops making these, I thought I was the only one who did that. I guess that comes from owning something that you love, from LLBean, and suddenly they don't sell it anymore (had that happen with another pair of great boots!) so I've been looking for a great pair of all-around boots since and these are it. I am a professional photographer on my feet a lot in all sorts of weather conditions and these are perfect. I also wear these walking in NY city and feel like I am the person with the most comfortable boots on!
Like another reviewer, I was leery of ordering online because my once narrow feet have developed problems like bunions and the fronts are wide while the heels are narrow, and flat feet. I have to wear wide wide shoes and the toe box has to be wide. These boots fit comfortably without ANY problem right out of the box. I live in a warm area of Texas and I don't care if it is summer, I want to wear them every day all day. I am planning three backpack trips this summer while I am off work, I'm a nurse practitioner who has the summer off) and I can't wait now to hit the trail! for those who are leery of the leather/stiffness factor; these are stiff but they "walk like sneakers" and I am sure they will break in just fine.
