Boots over all are great. Good support. Fits well, a little stiff at first so wear thick socks for first wear. Once broke in they are extremely comfortable. The top quick lace hook got pulled out of the leather on mine when hiking and string caught something. Probably the only negative thing about the entire boot. Have had the boots 6 months. Wear almost everyday for work / play / recreation. The hook pulling out could have been my fault by where I was. BUt I have had one other set that were double rivited on. These are crimped on the inside, the metal actually bent on the insdie to have it come out of the leather.
This is my fourth pair of Cresta Leather Hikers in almost 20 years. They do eventually wear out. I hike primarily in England and the Pacific Northwest, two regions known for wet weather hiking. These boots have rarely failed me under the most miserable, wet hiking conditions. The single-piece leather upper combined with the Gore-Tex lining stop most water. I've never had to break in my Cresta Hikers. They're good to go right out of the box.
I've been hiking and traveling in Crestas for over 15 years, and I'm just getting around to recommending them! I have a couple of pairs of Crestas, including my first pair, which I can't wear out! I hike several miles a day and these boots work well for me at all times. Wearing these boots with Wool-Blend Ragg Socks is the right combination for me, and on longer hiking trips I've utilized sock liners as well. Thanks again for such a premium, quality product, uncompromised by time and market demands!
These are really exceptional boots made in the old school tradition but with updated technology. They were a bit stiff at first, took about two weeks daily wear to break in. They are extremely confortable and give great support, but are on the heavy side by today's standards. In my case, I am willing to carry the extra weight for the great fit, as I have a narrow foot (12B) and have a hard time finding boots in that size. I chose the leather and fabric combo for use in our Alabama heat and find they work well in this environment. I also had to replace the insole with one more durable, but that is minor. Very satisfied so far.
