I was hesitant to order due to sizing concerns (12 EE) however when I visited Maine from Ontario I picked up a pair. They are truly comfortable right out of the box. We went for a couple of hikes in Maine and a few more in New Brunswick. No hot spots or discomfort. Looking forward to putting them to use in Gros Morne National Park in September.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
I've had several pairs of these boots, and have been buying them since at least 2001. I've used these boots for rugged hiking, for fieldwork and recreation, often on heavily-wearing, abrasive sandstone and limestome. I wish there were a steel-toed option for the worksite. These are the best boots I've ever purchased. The seams are well sealed and the full-leather coverage prevents leaking and resists abrasion better than fabric. However, they can get hot. The hard rubber soles provide stiff but comfortable support and also stand up well to abrasion. The rubber sole adheres well to the leather boot. They fit comfortably and I have never needed a break-in period before my first use. Since I feel so comfortable in these boots, I like to refer to them as my leather hiking socks. Sometimes I get paranoid that LL Bean will stop selling these, and what will I do then?
ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
These mid to heavyweight boots are great for working, dog walking, hiking, camping, snow shoveling, rainy days, and mowing the lawn. I wear them almost every day. They are very durable, comfortable, and breathable. Full leather plus GoreTex means they are basically double waterproof. I wouldn't recommend them for long distance AT-style hikes or ultralight backpacking, however. For that I would choose a lighter specialty boot or trail shoe.
I bought these boots in October and had a hard time breaking them in during the cold winter months. After a few weeks of warm springtime dog walking they shrank and stretched to a perfect fit. Though they are fairly heavy, you don't notice the weight as much once they are broken in. The availability of narrow widths is a plus. Just be aware that serious break-in time is needed or you will be sorry.
I like that these boots are simply designed. Other companies use fancy lacing systems, hi-tech fabrics, and stylish colors to get your attention, but these feature a tried-and-true classic design that has been working for outdoors lovers for decades.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected, waterproof, breathable
I have been wearing these boots for about six months now, and they just seem to get better. They are comfortable with a heavy sock as well as a lightweight one, and are waterproof and not hot - terrific! I take my two sheepdogs to the park every morning and we walk between two and five miles on the meadows and in the rough and these boots have never failed to keep me comfortable and to keep my feet from "tiring." Whether it is heavy dew or I have to wade into the stream to urge the dogs in these are completely dry. I would recommend them to anyone and will buy another pair when I need to. They are very fine boots.
