I have a beloved pair of these boots. They have countless miles on them in the White Mountains. I've finally worn out the soles so I will be purchasing a new pair. I highly recommend them. They do have a break in period but are so worth it.
I got these boots for a recent trip to the Grand Canyon. I took my time breaking them in beforehand and did a 4 day, 40+ mile hike into, around and out of the canyon with no blisters and only occasional mild foot pain even though I was going up and down some pretty steep switch backs. I've since done a few more hikes with these and they really hold up. The only thing I'd point out is that if you're going to be walking on ice, get some crampons, these can still be quite slippery.
I loved these boots! They fit well, sizing was perfect for my woman's 8 1/2 foot. Great ankle support. (I have very pronounced arthritis in one ankle.# It does take awhile to break them in, but don't give up!
The only reason I could not keep them was that the leather on top did not hold up well on rough #old# lava fields in Hawaii. The hard lava substrate is very jagged in some areas with caves, lava tubes, tree tubes and lots of other things to trip over. The soles did just fine, rugged construction. Slightly heavier than other boots I have worn. But not a problem in the field. Great support! My job requires bending and kneeling as well as hiking.
In any other environment- I used these briefly in New Hampshire woods- they were awesome, decently warm and water proof!
The return process was outstandingly simple.
So instead, I bought a pair of Merrell Grassbow's and they lasted for a year on the very rough substrate that I work on. They were not very waterproof, but that didn't bother me. #We do not have day long cold weather up on the mountain) The toe flap finally separated after eleven month's and by month 12, I decided to replace them.
I just ordered a pair of woman's 8 1/2-Keens Gypsum hikers to replace the Merrell's. Have received them and am "house" breaking them in...super comfortable with a great fit and ankle support! Awesome! You will always be my favorite place to order from, LL Bean! Mahalo!
I'm new to this process of getting older. Somedays I curse it and other days I revel in it. The last two years I've been getting acquainted with ways of dealing with a diagnosis of moderate arthritis in both ankles. When we booked an expedition in Alaska for July 2015 I started working with a physical therapist to strengthen both joints as well as had surgery to clean out my left ankle which radiated the most pain. I began my search for the best possible hiking boot and found them in Bean's Cresta Hiker. I can't possible articulate how wonderful these boots are. I have not climbed mountains or scrambled up rock walls but I can speak from the prospective of a 62- year-old with not so perfect ankles. When the boots arrived I started wearing them around the house getting used to their feel. Without feeling too snug these babies cradle the dimensions of your ankle and foot. They honestly felt as though they were made for me. I recently had orthopedics made for me but I don't wear them with the Crestas. I don't have to since the bed of the shoe has a great arch. I pair them with the Smart Wool socks to keep my feet warm and comfortable. These boots are so great I'm trying to think of ways I could wear them 12 months a year.
