This is a review for the L.L.BEAN Cresta Hiker [CH]/leather/fabric, for those who are 2EE/Wide. * I chose the [CH] leather/fabric so they would be a little lighter and more breathable then the full leather.
I am 6’/210#/ foot size 8.5 EE/ / high instep/high arch. – My shoe 9EE. * I think someone w/ a 2EE+ could fit these ok.
Those of us, who have faced the challenges of finding/sizing a true 2EE/wide shoes, either through a local B&M retailer or Website companies, understands our challenges. I have been on mission to upgrade, a few of my hiking pods. Usage: day hiking small pack - winter snowshoe pack- lite with bivy gear.
Currently walking on Bean’s Waterproof Trail Model Hikers, Mid-Cut [TMH]. After a year, my experience with the TMH, is, it is a good urban trail boot for < $100. Thou not so good for rougher rocky trails, steeper descend and I am experiencing a bet of foot fatigue. However, still a great boot and have happily wore them snowshoeing last season, in ~ 32’ degrees in fluffy deep power. For example- on my exercise route [same trails-100+], has a hard - irregular rock ~steep down slop section. With the TMH, I had to traverse a little carefully- so not to slip {even with trekking poles}. With the CH, w/ it’s larger deep lug vibram soles I feel both secure and stable on both the ascent and decent sections. Also, after 100 trail miles, very comfortable to wear.
My observation for a good fit.
· The supplied insoles are not adequate for durability [this true with most boot makers regardless of $$$]. Neither offering good stability nor vibration protection. Remove the current insoles & put them in your slippers. Replace them with Superfeet {or equivalent} for stable foot support. Actually one should own a pair of Supperfeet/or equivalent style insole prior to testing/purchase any hiking boot along with the sock combo you plan to wear.
· I have read some reviewers, stating these boots- “failed being water proof”. While wear my boots, I stepped into a bucket of water that reached up to the second last lace –buckle. Each boot was in the water ~3 min. apiece. Then repeated the experiment again, this time flexing my foot {simulating walking]. Results- Dry feet. · !! Experiment with optional lacing configuration setup. There are a number of U-tube sites on alternative lacing setups. With my 2EE/ high instep/arch, I need to lock down the front foot section without cutting off circulations, nor sacrificing lateral foot stability. Then locking the upper ankle and heel in place. I usually use two separate lacing configs that works quite well for me. I have experimented with about 7 different lacing setups. · “Condition/water proof/reseal “ the boots right away before trail dirt&grim gets into the nooks & crannies. I hope LLBean for the next generation upgrade for this boot, they would add better hardware and full rand & toe bumper, a deeper heel break & ribbed heel ridge. For people with 2EEs this would be an incredible hiking and winter boot.
Still the best real hiking boot I have owned in a long time. They are HEAVY but that should not be a surprise for this style hiker. They perform wonderfully on the rocky trails and I expect that with some care they will last years.
I was given the Cresta hikers for Christmas. I have now climbed Mt Blue in Weld, ME 4 times and hiked all over Acadia. They just keep getting better. Do NOT stop making these boots!!
I have now put 80-90 miles on these boots backpacking with a 30-34 pound pack in Pennsylvania ridges. I noted in my earlier review that the insoles were not holding up well. The cloth surface has pilled badly causing my socks to stick firmly to the insole increasing issues with hot spots.
It is unfortunate that such a low quality insole is included with a $180 pair of boots. I have found replacing the insoles to be difficult because the original insoles are so thin. The common after market insoles are thicker and take up much more space in the boot changing the feel of the boot such that they are no longer comfortable.
