The older Version of these, that were made in Italy, were the best boots I've ever had on my feet. Amazing boots! The newer, current version(made in Romania I believe?) are... Not the same. Not even close. Like everyone else, my soles are falling off. The stitching on the heels are almost completely undone, and the lining on the insides have come all apart, exposing the foam.
I don't know if I'd pay $140 for these, let alone $240. Sadly, I'll have to find a new brand. I won't buy $240 boots that fall apart after one year.
Like with most LL bean goods these days, the name no longer is synonymous with 'quality' or 'durable'. Most of LL Bean goods are now just cheap import stuff. Prices keep going up, quality keeps going down. Such a shame.
Response from L.L.BeanBy Tari Pendleton, L.L.Bean Customer Satisfaction Team, October 1, 2015
We're so sorry you experienced a quality issue and appreciate this feedback. We will be reviewing this item to ensure it meets our quality standards. One of our customer service representatives will contact you to offer assistance with a replacement or a refund. Our products are guaranteed to give 100% satisfaction in every way - you can return anything purchased from us at any time if it proves otherwise. Thanks again for your feedback!
Overall rating
1/ 5
ThomasR
fromCowen WV
How often do you shop at L.L.Bean?Frequently
When did you purchase this item?Within 6 Months
Leaky Boots
PostedSeptember 23, 2015
I've had these a little more than four months, worn lightly and I get wet feet walking through the morning dew. Ridiculous to pay this price for leaky boots.
Response from L.L.BeanBy Tari Pendleton, L.L.Bean Customer Satisfaction Team, October 1, 2015
We're so sorry you experienced a quality issue with the Cresta Hiking Boots - we will look into this to ensure this item meets our high quality standards. One of our customer service representatives will reach out to you to assist with a return or replacement. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Thank you for this feedback.
Overall rating
5/ 5
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Gary22
fromNorthern, Minnesota
How often do you shop at L.L.Bean?Frequently
When did you purchase this item?Over 1 Year
Very comfortable and supportive
PostedSeptember 7, 2015
After finding the right size for me thanks to Bean's great return policy, I have to say that these boots are some of the most comfortable and supportive boots that I have ever owned. I have stood in water up to the top, feet were dry as a bone. If there was a steel toe version I would instantly get a pair for work too. The only problem I have with them was the brown laces began to fray on the hooks when I laced them up. That could just be my fault, I don't know. Great boot!!
I have a size 9 foot of medium width. I carry over 210 pounds on a 5'6" frame. I have very flat feet and weak ankles. I wear orthotics and use a hiking staff. I use these boots for every-day chores like shoveling snow and cutting the grass and on moderate day hikes and long backpacking treks. I am not a young man.
I've had these boots for over a dozen years, and these are the best boots I've ever owned. They sized precisely, broke in easily, and provided great ankle support. This support has saved many a hike and at least one longer trek. I've never sprained or strained an ankle; in fact, I'll put these shoes on when an ankle is feeling a little loose and I want to give it a chance to right itself. The boots are a little roomy since I had to remove the liner to use the orthotics, but not so roomy that a heavy-weight sock was needed. I've had no blisters with them.
I've done nothing but abuse them. I haven't done any routine maintenance except to replace shoelaces, yet they've never leaked or cracked and the lace eyelets are as secure as the day I bought them. I am most impressed with the Gore-Tex on these boots. I've never had a Gore-Tex product where the waterproofing was so well installed and held up so well. The Vibram soles are wearing smoother but they're still good on the descent. The uppers are as tough and pliable as they've ever been, although they're not as pretty as they used to be.
I can confirm the problem with the upper separating from the sole. I have had to re-goop these shoes a couple times, but only in the past few years. On a recent hike, the left shoe was so gracious as to wait til I finished the hike and was getting gas before it came un-glued. It is this problem that got me thinking about buying a new pair, and so I find myself reading these reviews and wondering if I can justify paying twice as much for a new pair as I paid for these. The boots are worth it, but will this body still be capable of another dozen years as much fun as the last dozen in these boots?
