I just bought my third brown pair in 15 years. My first pair I put allot of backpacking miles on the boots with not one blister. It's unreal how dry they keep your feet you can stand in 5 inches of water an hour and not get your feet wet. My second pair I used more of a day to day use boot and hunting great traction, warm, and dry just perfect. Great multi-purpose boot, I went from the tree stand right to a nice restaurant. Note: All three boots I've had to order 1/2 size smaller. Oh and absolutely great support! L.L. Bean please please never stop carrying this boot and if you do let me know so I can buy a life time supply.
I've been using the Cresta Hikers for a number of years. My first experience w/the boot was the approx. 25+ mile Great Range hike in the Adirondack High Peaks of Upstate NY, covering 8 of the High Peaks including Mt. Marcy, and summitting a total of 12 peaks. My group did it in less than a day, and I wore my boots out-of-the-box. (I also wore jeans and packed fried chicken, which I still haven't lived down). I loved this boot and respected it's craftsmanship so much after numerous grueling hikes, and recommended the boot to everyone I talked to. I HAD to, it was AWESOME. One of my friends, who is also an avid hiker and has summitted 30+ of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks, bought the boots after I gave mine much praise through every one of our hikes. I recently replaced my pair as the sole started separating from the leather. I've climbed 3 High Peaks since getting the new pair, and I felt an INSTANT difference. My boots had so much GIVE to them as I was climbing. The rigidity that I had grown to depend on, and inspiration for originally buying the boot, was gone. LL Bean had since removed the steel shank from the Cresta Hiker, as many people likely were using the boot as it was NOT intended for. Admittedly, though I am an avid hiker, and bought the boot for that purpose, I have done the same. It was hard not to, the boot was just so comfortable. I have since invested in other footwear so I can keep my Crestas dedicated to what they're meant for. At this point, I'll hold on to the Crestas since I own them, but I can't count on them any more in the backwoods. I want to do nothing less than BEG LL Bean to put a steel shank back into the Cresta Hiker, at least have it as an option to the thermoplastic nylon shank. I depend on a solid boot to get me through multiple miles in the mountains. Now I feel forced to look elsewhere, and I haven't been able to recommend them any more. (I also can't recommend bringing fried chicken on a long hike, to bring this back around. It was amazing the first time, quite honestly, but after that it lost it's novelty).
Thank you LL Bean for bringing us great products, I just really need that steel shank back!!
Now what kind of a fool says don't buy this boot and gives it a 5 star rating? Relax, Bubby, and read on. Don't buy this boot.... unless you want a high quality slice of heaven enveloping your precious dogs. This boot, once broken in, is one of the most comfortable pair of kicks I've ever stomped around in. I'm glad that I had combed the reviews on these soles for the soul and went with a 1/2 size larger as I feel that the sizes run a tad small but the extra size ordered has my feet happier than an animated penguins. The boot does take some breaking in and when I slapped 'em on out of the box I felt like I was the proud owner of a pair of ski boots. Some weeks later these things have become my go to footwear. After a full day of work I can kick 'em off for 10 minutes then don them again for work around the house or running around town. The durable sole has a great tread to help keep you where your ancestors worked so hard to evolutionarily get you, bipedal instead of flat on your back. The laces, eyelets, and hooks are are high quality and the tongue is reinforced to prevent wear. The boot is water resistant and built so that you could stand ankle deep in water, if such is your wont, and your feet will remain dry. My feet are notorious for aching after a days work or lengthy romp in the wilds, but not in these magnificent kicks. The comfort afforded is the best I've ever experience in a boot. Is $199 too much for quality footwear? Not for these. In my humble opinion these boots are worth every penny. Couple that with a lifetime guaranty and, well, I'll update this review on my deathbed if I change my mind. Until then there will be miles of concrete, mud, trails and gravel, and countless hours of work and play that my feet will be happily clad in these beauties. Well, bubby, that's my review. Hope it helped.
These boots are excellent. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are fantastic. The are a true hiking boot worthy of comparison to top brands like La Sportiva and Asolo. At $200 they are a great value compared to others mentioned. They require very little break in and the gor-tex ensures waterproof comfort. Thank you LL Bean for offering such a great boot.
